Making your subject comfortable.

[purplem76]

I usually shoot houses or bugs and flowers, which you don't have to talk to, they are how they are. Recently I have been asked to shoot some people. Ahhhhhhg. Can anyone recommend any books or websites which would have tips on what to say to people to get them to smile and be comfortable. I realize that the more you practice the better you get, i just need some direction.

Thanks

[breathless]

It's doubtful you will find a book on such a subject specifically relating to portrait photography.

It will be helpful for a photographer to be himself, confident, and comfortable behind the camera. Rarely do subjects know how to pose comfortably in front of a camera, even for a simple headshot. Even if they do and think they know how to look good in a photograph, it usually doesn't look right. Continual communication through light conversation and direction will help them do what it is you want to photograph.

You, the portrait photographer, are not merely documenting the image of a person. You capture emotions, suggest character, and hint culture on a medium through your vision, your artistic vision.

Thinking about it, the portrait thing is just like any other art - wouldn't you say? A pottery artist envisions a beautifully glazed jug before he plops down any clay on the wheel. A dancer visualizes steps and movement across the floor before she takes the first step.

A successful portrait will result from a solid plan. Beautiful imagery is possible, and probable, through artistic vision. You don't need books to tell you that, do you?

[purplem76]

Thanks Chris, sometimes you just need someone to set you on the right path and start thinking about things the right way. I know how to take the picture, i am just stressing out about what to say to the person to get them to do something rather than thinking about the final outcome and the reason for the picture in the first place.

Emma

[stathunter]

I shot people and weddings - getting people with me and my gear is what I believe I do well. You need to smile and be confident in what you are doing - I go for getting them comfortable and making them feel great right off the bat --- smile and shake hands and treat your subject like an old friend who you are glad to see. This gets them to relax and drop their guard - and open up to whatever you would like.

[Duncan Frenz]

It's doubtful you will find a book on such a subject specifically relating to portrait photography.

You are kidding, right? There more books on portraiture than anything except maybe landscape. Here is a link from Amazon with 8,985 results. Just saying...;) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_2_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=photography+portrait&sprefix=photography+po

Nothing kills a portrait more than an uncomfortable subject. Just ooze confidence without being arrogant, friendly but not superficial, firmly direct them without being pushy, and take the time to talk to them before you even take the camera out of the bag.

Kids are the best/worst subjects. They can spot BS from a mile away, so don't pretend to be anything that you aren't, just simply... be yourself. Sometimes taking a few shots and letting them chimp a few to begin with will help to make it exciting for them(both children and adults). Just relax and let the situation tell you what direction you need to go. Good luck!

[fanorama]

I shot people and weddings - getting people with me and my gear is what I believe I do well. You need to smile and be confident in what you are doing - I go for getting them comfortable and making them feel great right off the bat --- smile and shake hands and treat your subject like an old friend who you are glad to see. This gets them to relax and drop their guard - and open up to whatever you would like.

Yeah smile a lot and be confident works http://www.cookiewriter.com/trafficreport/img/3721/j09s0423emrh/a.gif