When we think about portrait photography, we frequently recall brilliantly shot moments—those in which the subject’s eyes lure us in, their expression tells a narrative, and the overall image feels effortlessly natural. But what’s the truth behind those “effortless” shots? They required a significant amount of effort to be realised. One of the most important components of portrait photography is understanding how to connect with and direct your subject. After all, the camera can only catch what is in front of it, thus it is up to the photographer to bring out the best in their subject.
A Retrospective: Portraits Then and Now
However, this dynamic did not always exist. Portrait photography dates back to the early days of photography, when it replaced more formal painted portraits. Consider the stiff, serious looks of the nineteenth century—photographs were a luxury, and individuals were notoriously told to keep a straight face. Why? The lengthy exposure intervals required individuals to sit still, often for many minutes, making it practically impossible to maintain a smile. Fast forward to now, when our DSLR and mirrorless cameras can capture motion almost quickly, and portraiture has developed into something far more vibrant and expressive.
Despite technical developments, one thing stays constant: a successful image relies on personal connection. All those iconic images you admire? Chances are that the photographer and the subject experienced a little bit of magic together. So, how do you direct your subject to capture their most authentic self on camera? Grab your gear and let’s go over some strategies.
The Most Important Tool for Photographers: Establishing Trust
Before you begin taking photographs, you must first create a rapport with your subject. Whether you’re photographing a professional model or a close friend, every portrait session necessitates trust. People can tell when they’re being examined through a lens, which can result in stiff, unnatural body language or forced expressions.
Tip #1: Begin with casual chat. Get to know your subject and put them at ease. Instead of getting directly into the session, spend a few minutes discussing their favourite music, the weather, or even the type of photos they’re looking for. These seemingly unrelated interactions can have a significant impact on how they perform later in front of the camera. When people are comfortable, they are more prone to show their true emotions.
Tip #2: Create a safe environment. Make sure your topic understands that there is no wrong way to pose or behave. Reassure them that it is acceptable to fidget, giggle, or take a break as needed. Building this type of environment encourages people to let down their guard and gradually open up, resulting in more authentic images.
The Benefits of Subtle Direction: Less is More
Once your topic is at ease, you may need to offer them some guidance. However, be mindful about overdirecting! Too many instructions—”Stand straighter, tilt your chin, move your arm…”—can overwhelm the subject, resulting in a stiff and mechanical appearance in your photographs.
Tip #3: Keep the directions simple and natural. A simple tilt of the head, a tiny adjustment of the shoulders, or an encouraging “look towards the light” can be enough to make a shot work. Simple modifications in posture or positioning can create a more dynamic image without having the subject feel like they’re in a modelling class.
Tip #4: Use visual clues rather than technical jargon. Not everyone will comprehend photographic terms. Instead of saying, “Step into the key light,” say something like, “Move closer to the window, and let the light hit the side of your face.” Simple, illustrated communication facilitates the process and keeps the topic comfortable.
## Tapping Into Emotion: The Secret Sauce
Expressions are what make portraits come to life. As previously said, early portrait photographers were unable to capture much emotion due to technological limitations. However, the game has completely altered, and eliciting a variety of emotions from your subject can elevate a basic portrait to something exceptional.
Tip #5: Use little actions to elicit emotions. Ask the subject to recall a joyful moment or share something that makes them laugh. You may even remark something humorous or stupid to relieve the stress. Small moments of spontaneity frequently result in genuine bursts of laughter, and before you know it, you’ve landed the shot.
Tip #6: Silence works, too. Sometimes people respond better when left alone with their thoughts. If you notice the person growing self-conscious, take a step back, wait a moment, and then continue shooting. The silence can lead to introspective times, eliciting deeper, more reflective expressions.
One well-known anecdote involves the renowned portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh. When photographing Winston Churchill in 1941, Karsh reportedly stole Churchill’s cigar just before taking his image. That action caught Churchill off aback, resulting in the iconic, fierce scowl that embodied his strength and commitment during the war. While you don’t have to be as brazen as Karsh, it’s a great illustration of how interacting with your subject fosters natural, authentic expression.
Do Not Forget Body Language
In a photograph, body language can be equally as important as facial expressions. The manner in which someone stands, sits, or gestures can convey a complicated tale, making the image more captivating. Unlike traditional portraits, which were often strictly posed, modern portraiture allows for freedom and mobility.
Tip #7: Encourage natural movement. Ask your subject to move naturally rather than posing, whether it means going barefoot through a field or sipping coffee at a cosy café. This results in a diverse set of candid photos that focus on the subject’s natural gestures rather than stiff, prepared positions.
Tip #8: Use your props and surroundings wisely. Giving your subject something as simple as a chair, hat, or book to interact with can radically change their body language. A prop provides them something to do with their hands and, depending on how it is utilised, can either relax or evoke various feelings. Have a shy subject? Give them a prop to “hide” behind, such as a blanket or a big hat. Have a proud or outgoing subject? Allow children to interact with their surroundings through strong, energetic gestures.
Collaboration is Key: Listening to Your Subject.
Remember, the best photographic sessions are collaborative. Your goal should be to strike a balance between your artistic vision and your subject’s comfort and individuality. Always be willing to hear their opinions, even if they may not initially agree with your approach. Collaboration encourages creativity and deeper connections, as evidenced by the photographs.
Tip #9: Ask for feedback. Subjects frequently have preferences, whether it’s for specific perspectives, clothing styles, or expressions they want to avoid. Asking for their feedback on anything from setting to posing lets them feel more involved in the process, which can lead to more inspired results.
Post-Shoot Chats: Wrapping Up
After the photoshoot, continue the conversation! Sometimes the encounters after a shoot are just as crucial as the ones before. Reviewing the images together and getting comments improves your subject’s delight and engages them directly in the creative process.
Tip #10: Ask for feedback and be open to it. Encourage your subject to describe how they felt during the shoot, and if you’re comfortable, show them some unedited photos. This not only builds trust, but it also allows you to improve as a photographer by modifying your technique based on their experience.
Directing a subject in portrait photography might be difficult at first, but with practice, it becomes simpler. Photography is as much about human interaction as it is about technical competence, and knowing the relationship between the two is critical to creating captivating photographs.
In today’s society, where every expressive detail counts, the subtleties are what make the difference: a warm look, a crooked smile, a genuine laugh. While your equipment helps, the photographer behind the lens—and how they engage with the subject—is still the most important factor. Remember that the best images result from collaboration, mutual trust, and a little creative guidance. Continue practicing, and don’t be scared to experiment. We are all learning, one portrait at a time!
