Taking someone’s portrait is actually quite difficult. We naturally tense up and get slightly uncomfortable when a camera is put in our faces. Some photographers have used this discomfort to their advantage and made some interesting photographs. For most others, a more pleasing demeanor is the goal. Part of the job as a photographer is putting your subject at ease. Saying what needs to be said, doing what needs to be done, so that your subject relaxes and becomes more of themself for a while. And as the photographer – you will notice it. The smiles are more natural, there is less strain in the muscles of the face, the eyes are open and interested.
Derrick needed a headshot and some portrait work. We were working in the evening and so I was a little nervous about having enough light. That time of the day is perfect for me since I hate hard light for portraits. I much prefer the light on the face to be soft and even. Initially he was a little tense adn it showed. I knew the pictures were not coming out that interesting. We tried a variety of positions but it still didn’t work. So I knew I had to explain to him what we’re trying to accomplish and what needed to be done. We looked at some of the pictures and identified what was wrong. He truly was great at seeing what I was getting at and then relaxing and being more natural in front of the camera. He definitely warmed up. Towards the end we got some nice shots that I think would work great for his portfolio.
