Meet Me Half Way
I agree.
This is not a popular thought. It’s often said it’s the photographer’s job to make the subject feel relaxed.
So when I heard Annie Leibovitz say this for her MasterClass - I felt relief.
Think about it - this idea makes sense for various reasons. The first one being…
Time
Say you have one hour booked for a portrait session. How much of that time can the photographer use to make sure you feel relaxed? As the client, you want to use as much of that time for taking photos. You want to get as much out of it as possible.
If preparation is done on the photographer and subject’s part, both parties can deliver at the set time. As a result every minute is used to the full.
Collaborative
This is a creative process for the photographer but also for the couple or person having their photo taken. Yup, you are an artist when you are having your photo taken! You have a roll to play in this.
You want the story of you (singularly or as a couple) told. A photographer can only photograph what they observe. What do they observe? What the subject is delivering.
If you have more than one person involved in a creative project, a collaborate approach is important. This is why I always encourage people to…
Meet me half way.
Actors for example are given a script and a character. They are given a general idea of the character but it is up to the actor to complete the personality and the details. They take one person’s idea and finish it.
When it comes to photo shoots - I always have lots of ideas. I take weeks to prepare mentally before a shoot with mood boards and music. These boards are based on the subject’s personalities and interests. I listen to music that inspire ideas that pertain to the person or couple’s style. (Yes! I do that for every shoot).
When I convey ideas during a shoot I always appreciate when the subject finishes the ideas. They take it and make it their own. Or if the couple has requested full candid for their portrait session, to express natural emotion in front of the camera; however small or large that may be.
It is always important to have a story told accurately.
The best way to photograph accuracy is for the subject to convey that truth.
I think it’s even easier for a couple to deliver naturalness in front of a camera. You have someone beside you to play off of, hang onto, talk to, kiss, hold. There is room for so much improvisation during the shoot. Not much is required to show that emotion and truth in front of the camera. And I don’t believe the subject needs to be told how to do it.
I always send a “How To Be Yourselves” guide to couples before a shoot. Even when we photograph a candid wedding. So while I prepare for the shoot weeks prior, the couples can as well. They also mentally prepare how to act in front of the camera, to remember how they are with each other when no one is watching.
Then when it is time for the shoot,
we’re all fully loaded to meet each other half way.
Many are scared of being in front of the camera and perhaps this idea of having to “deliver” scares you. This approach actually takes the fear out of it.
How so? Because the subject is not asked to do something they wouldn’t naturally do.
I always remind people, “be yourselves together.”
That is the only thing required for a beautiful photograph.
More from How To:
Featured
