Capturing emotion in photos is no easy task! It can be especially tricky when people know they are being photographed. You know how children have the "cheese!" face, well adults have it too. There are times when we all want something more from a photo... genuine emotion. As the photographer, it's your job to help people feel relaxed and comfortable! These five tips will help you get started...
There are times when a person needs a little time to warm up in front of the camera. In these situations, I am thankful for taking that extra few minutes to get a great shot. Don't be afraid to take an assortment of photos as you get to know your subject. Everyone has a few extra flattering poses and as a photographer its our job to find them! Who wants an unflattering photo?! Not cool. So, take the time to find the beauty in your subject. This will give them the extra time to get comforatble in front of the camera. It's a win-win situation!
When I began to get to know my subjects, my photographs got better. I have always been moved by emotion and that is one thing that really connected me to photography. Having a conversation while taking photos is a great way to capture little moments and get photos that reflect the person's personality!
Depending on the focus of the photoshoot, I like to experiment with a full range of emotion. I do this for various reasons, but most importantly it helps break the ice. Spending a few minutes being fun, silly, flirty, serious and sad....can loosen up your subject, while at the same time getting to know the comfort level of your subject. Everything I do and the way I interact with a subject goes back to "getting to know" my subject- spending this extra time to find the beauty rather than shoot and hope for the best- will really pay off. I promise.
From the start of a photosession to the time it comes to an end...I am always ready. My camera is in hand and I am aware at all times, anticipating the unexpected and unplanned moments. Some of my favorite shots are the ones right after the shot that my subject was expecting. This is when they breathe out the breath they were holding in, relax the smile that could have been forced and the moment when their body falls into a more relaxed position. We can give our subjects direction all day long, but there's something wonderful about a natural pose...and sometimes you can find that in the "in between." So, my advice is to always anticipate the next move, before your subject gets there. Keep your camera to your eye and continue to look for the natural beauty. Everyone has it. It's there. Anticipate it!
Elsie: When I take photos of my dear friends I always try to capture one of the qualities that I love most about them! In this photo of my pal, Leigh-Ann, I was trying to capture her adorable smile, one of her cutest qualities. I told cheesy inside jokes until I captured a genuine smile!
Kelli: My subjects can always expect to receive a Q&A from me, prior to a photoshoot. It's super important to me to capture who they are. What works for me is coming up with questions that will allow a peek into my subjects life, which helps me get to know them. If I am photographing a married couple I love getting to know what the husband adores about his wife....and what the wife appreciates about her husband. Whether it's the dimple on her left cheek or the way he holds her hand when they cross a busy street....I want to capture just that!
We hope you've picked up some tips for capturing emotion. Whether you are photographing your own family or someone you've never met you'll be able to create a comfotable, fun photo session! Have a great day! Kelli, Elsie + Emma
One of my fav posts, thanks so much! Once I saw the last photo I though you were waiting for that smile :)
Posted by: Marysia | February 08, 2012 at 12:11 PM
great tips for a beginner like me! :-)
xoxo
Ida
http://asplashofida.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ida May Bueno | February 08, 2012 at 12:15 PM
my favorite has always been the in-between moments! I get my best shots that way.
Posted by: debbie | February 08, 2012 at 12:18 PM
I love these tips! Especially doing a range of emotions in the "practice" shots. It's hard to just pose and do it naturally without getting comfortable first.
Thanks for these!
xoxo
Kristi
Posted by: Kristi Hoskins | February 08, 2012 at 12:22 PM
These tips are great. I really like the part about asking questions to help connect :]
Posted by: Allison | February 08, 2012 at 12:24 PM
These are such helpful tips for an aspiring photographer. I think they'll be so helpful for my session this Sunday! Thanks!
Posted by: Sheryl | February 08, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Thanks for the great tips, Elsie! This is really helpful for a beginner like me :)
Posted by: Ginny @ Chasing Sunshine | February 08, 2012 at 12:25 PM
I love your tips to make photos, and your photos too. I can't wait to try them. Have you made a post about photographing a tutorial? Could you give some tips if you can? Thank you. I love your blog. You both are so creative!
Posted by: Mariló | February 08, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Love the inbetween moments!
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark! | February 08, 2012 at 12:33 PM
I am always looking for more photography tips and ideas; this is a great post! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us :)
Posted by: Brooke Guevara | February 08, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing :)
In between photos are always the most fun, I think!
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | February 08, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Great tips! I find that its easier to get real emotion out of people when you dont give them too much direction...it makes them focus on what they're doing and not enjoying themselves. And definitely taking as many pictures as possible gives you more to choose from! Thanks for the pointers!
xx Ashleigh
Posted by: Ashleigh | February 08, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Great tips, thanks, I am a new reader and I love your blog!!
Posted by: Yreany | February 08, 2012 at 12:48 PM
These tips are great! Love the photography series! Keep it up : )
Posted by: Tori | February 08, 2012 at 12:50 PM
This was so helpful!!! Thank you! xo Jess
Posted by: Jess | February 08, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Such fantastic tips, I am forwarding these to my husband, so we can both take great pictures.
A jewelry blog.
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com
Posted by: Vanita | February 08, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Thank you very very much for the useful tips!! I will try to use them next time I attempt to shoot a portrait!
The thing is that I am very shy myself, so it is really hard sometimes to shoot people I don't know... but I guess, I have to overcome this!!
Thanks again!
xoxo
Posted by: Vivian | February 08, 2012 at 01:07 PM
Awesome post!
The Bootlace
http://www.schnuersenkelrolltreppentod.blogspot.com
Posted by: Merle Bootlace | February 08, 2012 at 01:08 PM
thanks for this! it seems so obvious to warm up but i don't always think about it when i'm in the moment. i mean, with digital pictures you can take hundreds and delete the bad ones so easily so i guess you should just try to take as many different ones as you can! there's bound to be a good one in there. :)
Posted by: Natalie / Half Asleep Studio | February 08, 2012 at 01:14 PM
Oh gosh this is so helpful! When I look back on my photos they all look so contrived and boring. but no more! Thank you!
xxx
http://rosiesayrelax.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rosie | February 08, 2012 at 01:23 PM