Capturing Emotion in Portrait Photographs

 

Most people may think that capturing an emotion in a photograph would be easy, but as a photographer, you probably know otherwise. This doesn’t mean it is impossible, but you do need to have some skills and tricks ready before you start.

 

If you are a wedding photographer you would be familiar with scenes of emotion running high - and therefore these emotions show people’s faces.  But if you are not at a wedding, it is not as easy to capture emotion.  Many people, when they see a camera, tend to freeze - or equally difficult, they may overreact with big cheesy, false grins or scrunched faces.  This makes capturing raw emotion quite a challenge for any photographer.  

 

The following snippets of advice may be of use when taking portrait photographs with true emotional quality… because as the photographer, it's your job to help people feel relaxed and comfortable!

1. Take Plenty Of ‘Warm Up’ Shots

 

There are times when a person needs a little time to warm up in front of the camera. In these situations, you may be 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 face poses or a ‘best side’ and as a photographer, it is your job to find them!

Who wants an unflattering picture?  Nobody!  So, take the time to find the beauty in your subject. This will give them the extra time to get comfortable in front of the camera.

 

2. Ask Lots Of Questions

 

When you begin to get to know your subject better, your photographs will improve. If you have always been moved by emotion, that may be one thing that really called you to capturing emotion in photography.

Having a connection with your subject while taking photos is a great way to capture little moments and get photos that reflect the person's perspective. They may have had a recent emotional episode and when you speak about that with them, it will probably show in their eyes.  It could be happy - like a win or something to celebrate.   On the other hand, it could also be an extremely sad event or mournful and you may then be able to capture that sadness.

 

 

3. Experiment With A Full Range Of Emotion

 

Depending on the reason for the photo shoot, you may wish to experiment with a full range of emotion. This is good 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 you will get to know the comfort level of your subject.

The way you interact with your subject goes back to "getting to know" them - spending this extra time to find the background rather than simply ‘shoot and hope for the best’- will really pay off.

 

4. Watch For The In-Between Moments

 

From the start of a photo session to the time it comes to an end you should always be ready. You need to have your camera in hand and that you are aware at all times, anticipating the unexpected and unplanned moments.

Some of your favourable shots will be the ones right after the shot that your 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.

You can give your subject verbal direction all day long, but there's something worthwhile about a natural pose… and sometimes you can find this in the ‘in between’ times.

So, always anticipate the next move before your subject gets there - or wait for the unexpected. Keep your camera to your eye and continue to look for the natural beauty. Everyone has it. It's there. Anticipate it!

 

5. Do The Research & Get To Know Your Subject

 

Once you know your subject and something about their personality, you should try to capture one of the qualities that you are impressed by, or that you admire. It could be a cheeky smile or sense of humour, or their ability to think deeply. If you look for this after getting to know them better than you will capture something special about them.

Many photographers put people at ease by getting their subject to talk about themselves. Try an informal Q & A session prior to a photo shoot. It's very important to comprehend who they are and you're questioning may help here.  What may work is to come up with some simple questions that will allow a glimpse into your subject's’ life which will help you get to know them and then capture them with emotion.

 

These blogs/sites may also help you with more tips than the ones listed above…

 

http://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-capture-authentic-emotion-in-portraits

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/tips-and-tricks-for-better-portrait-photography/

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-easy-tips-for-better-natural-light-portrait-photography/

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/3031/how-to-capture-emotion-in-portrait-photography/

TASK:

Take 5 portraits that capture the following emotions:

1. Happiness

2. Sadness

3. Suprise

4. Fear

5. Wonder

Take the photos and then insert them in your Galleries page

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