A photographer’s professional skill set includes working with the subjects of photography and directing the person who is being photographed.
In many countries people are more used to photography than ever. Many carry smartphones with powerful cameras in their pockets. The cameras also get used often.
For example, the Snapchat video messaging application has 500 million daily uploads, which is half of all of the billion photographs taken globally daily.
Then, why do some people get tense and bothered when a photojournalist or a photographer takes out their professional camera and asks them to stand in front of the camera?
People are usually nervous both about performing in front of the photographer and the final product that will be published. A photographer’s professional skill set includes working with the subjects of photography and directing the person who is being photographed.
Tips for photographers taking portraits
- Create trust between you and the subject through interaction taking place before the shoot. Often, the photographer and the subject meet for the first time during the shoot.
- During the shoot, the subject should be directed encouragingly and friendly, so that they are able to relax – that is unless a different sort of outcome is wanted from the shoot.
- Give the person being photographed the impression that you are present only for them. General politeness is also important.
- Ask the subject what kind of a photograph they were thinking, and whether they have prepared. Do this even if you have a clear vision of what the output of the shoot will look like.
- Carry around a pocket mirror, for example, so that the subject has the chance to check their makeup or hairdo. Reducing face shine is possible with a tissue. Small gestures like this make the person being photographed realize that the photographer wants the photo to turn out well, also from the subject’s point of view. Everybody wants to look their best in a photograph.
- Avoid showing technical difficulties. Being a photographer is in one sense a customer service profession: one should not let people see if they are in a foul mood. It is better to take time with adjustments, even if you are in a hurry.
Keep Reading:
The basics of video expression; Meeting a subject of photography
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