Portrait Personality

            Any one that shoots portraits knows that getting the natural look of a person is hard to do. People tend to freeze up around a camera, or, as we have been taught since we were little, put on a fake smile. So, How does one make a portrait look more natural?

            There are a few ways of relieving the tension between the subject and photographer.
First and foremost, is be a human yourself. Talk to them. If you fall silent behind the camera, the subject's mind will wander causing them to become nervous. Simple conversation relaxes the subject and leads to a natural expression. As Joe McNally stated, the most important tool in your bag is your attitude.

              Candid shots capture people at there most natural state. Now there is a point in which candid pictures can go to far, Make people aware of your presence first. As time goes on they will go back to their own doings, ignoring you.

Mother and Son having fun at the beach.

 These two were in their own world, and it shows in their expressions even though you can not see the child's face.

              A good starting exercise for any beginner that wants to get into portraits is to practice with a friend. This makes it easier for both of you. Conversation is easier between the two of you and a friend is more likely to trust you than some compete stranger. This will allow you to be more open and creative.

This is one of the few of my images where photoshop was involved. It was planned from the beginning.

More to come....