Hello, .
I appreciate this quote by photographer Patrick Demarchelier regarding portraiture.
"The dog is the perfect portrait subject.
He doesn't pose.
He isn't aware of the camera."
When it comes to outstanding portraiture, our job is to make the subject forget they're being photographed, at least for a moment.
When it comes to outstanding portraiture, our job is to make the subject forget they're being photographed, even if it's just for a fleeting moment.
This is important to creating a photograph that shows not only what they look like but also what they are like.
Because at that moment, they visually show us who they are.
Here's the problem with most portraiture.
Most portraiture is formulaic.
Think of those department store portrait studios.
The lighting
is all set, and all that needs to be done is to sit the subject in a chair or posing stool and have someone, usually someone inexperienced in photography, press the shutter release on a camera on a tripod.
There are better portraits than these.
While these pictures may be great for passports or headshots for ID/security cards, they all look the same except for the person's appearance.
In other words, I wouldn't recommend that approach for a picture
someone might use on a dating site.
Another example of formulaic portraiture is photography on location in which the families wear the same clothes.
I get why they do it.
But there are better portraits, too.
Because they're formulaic and don't show the uniqueness of each person in the family or how they interact and bond.
Body language plays a vital role in good portraiture because it gives us an idea of a
person's personality.
Body language is not just a part of a good portrait; it's a vital component.
It's the visual that gives us a look into a person's personality.
The problem usually is that we try to pose people.
Remember when someone would tell you to say "cheese" or "smile"?
The smile was forced, and our bodies struck a pose that we believed made us look our best.
But it didn't.
It made us look
stiff and fake and robbed our portrait of its authentic, unforced nature.
It's the exact opposite of what we're trying to achieve in portraiture.
Because we are aware of being photographed, and when posing people, we make them
aware that they are being photographed.
On top of that, we pose them to make them "look better."
But what's better than looking like our unique selves?
When we pose people, we not only make them aware
of the camera but also stifle the unique gesturing and body language that visually gives us a feeling of what people are like.
To make a unique portrait, a different approach is to ensure that the exposure and ISO setting are appropriate for the light and compositional intent of the portrait and have the subject momentarily forget that they are being photographed.
For example, we can observe individuals as they speak and engage in conversation about their
interests, experiences, or even their day.
This can help them relax and be more themselves, making the portrait more authentic.
Then, when the moment is right, when they momentarily forget about the camera, we can raise
the camera and make the picture because we have our camera settings ready to make the picture we want.
And for groups, let them fall into a natural order of their group dynamic.
And for groups, let them fall into a natural order of their group dynamic.
This means allowing them to interact naturally, without any interference or direction from the photographer, to capture their genuine relationships and interactions.
These approaches to portraiture result in pictures that show what people look like and give us a sense of what they are like.
However, these approaches to unique portraiture require a good understanding of light and camera operation.
Classes are
below.
Looking for a camera?
A friend has a Sony
Mirrorless Digital Camera, lens, and a bunch of accessories for sale.
I can vouch that the camera, lens, and accessories are in "Like New" condition.
It seems like an excellent deal.
You can see the details
by clicking on the Facebook Marketplace link below.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3942433832662649/?mibextid=6ojiHh
Do you need to learn to use your camera or brush up on some skills and techniques, especially if you want to be ready to take pictures and record those holiday moments?
I've scheduled Introduction to Photography and Getting to Know Your Camera classes.
Since class sizes are limited to five participants, it's a good idea to reserve your spot as soon as possible.
If you need a different schedule, there's always Private Lessons.
Below are more ways to learn photography with me.
The Introduction to Photography class or a series of Private Lessons will help you study and practice to become a photographer who can make the best possible pictures.
By studying and practicing photography with me, you'll learn how to be a better photographer.
More ways to study and practice with me are below.
