5 Easy Tips to Improve Your Portraits (and they don’t cost a dime)

Often times a portrait photographer does everything right; perfect lighting, great location, correct exposure and flawless composition. However, the photo still comes out flat. Something isn’t right. Smiles are forced, people are uncomfortable and the emotion is just not there. The fact is, if you’re photographing people don’t forget about the most important part – the people. When was the last time you were in front of the camera? Do you remember how that felt? If not, please ask someone to take your photo and come back to this post after you’re done. The bottom line is that being in front of the camera can be rather difficult and stressful for some people and it’s our job as photographers to make them feel at ease so that they in turn will look better in the image. Here are five tips to improve your attitude (and in turn your portraits):

1. Don’t put the blame on the subject – remember that your attitude is everything and it’s only your attitude that you can control. Consciously or not, people will sense if you are angry, annoyed or uneasy in any way so check the grump factor at the door. If you’re photographing children or pets your attitude is even more important because both of these will immediately sense your frustration and then you might as well pack up and go home.
2. Take the time to talk to (and listen to) your subject (yes, even works with pets). Show an honest interest in them. If you have serious disdain for whatever you are photographing please consider another line of work before you take on something that will only lead to disappointment.
3. Laugh, tell a bad joke, make a face – humor is a sure-fire way to get the person in front of the camera to loosen up. Anything that will get them laughing (with you or at you) will relax them right away. Laughter will also relax you, and that’s a win-win situation.
4. Show them what you are doing. One of the advantages of digital photography is the instant gratification and kids especially love this. When they see themselves in that tiny screen it makes them more excited about what they are doing. Adults like this trick too, it usually makes them feel like they are part of the process and more at ease.
5. Pay attention. As visual people we should pick up on the visual clues. It could be that your subject is uncomfortable in a particular location; it could be fear of heights, too many onlookers or who knows what but if you perceive that and take them somewhere where they are more comfortable and they can relax it will almost always improve the shot.

Think of yourself and your attitude as a mirror. Whatever is in you will reflect on your subjects and in your portraits. So remember what you love about photography and make it a fun shoot for everyone. Trust me, the results will be there.

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