I recently had the sweetest session with a couple at Sunset Cliffs and I realized that so often one of the first questions people ask is what do I do with my hands.
Wait wasn’t that the plot of 3 men and a baby? Ok maybe it wasn’t the entire plot, but it was the button at the end.
I’ve got some tips for you. They all end with being in the moment.
I love making people feel comfortable and guiding them through a session. It’s the best feeling. It’s how I imagine other people feel when they clean their house, check a box, or take a xanax. My dopamine comes in the form of portraiture and making people feel like they can be themselves.
So if I’m photographing a couple I give them prompts that make them feel. Something to ask each other that puts them in the feelings of their relationship. One of my favorites is - If you could relive one hour of your lives together which one would you pick? I make sure I have a long enough lens to be out of ear shot. It’s a moment for them. If they had to give a more public answer I don’t think they would feel as comfortable choosing an intimate memory. While their sharing these feelings with each other the last thing they are thinking about is what are their hands doing. Their hands already know where to be and it makes for the sweetest images.
If I am taking a portrait of only one subject I might as them to walk or move some how to see if they feel more comfortable in motion. I’m just as likely to ask them to sit and see if they feel more them selves on the ground feeling stable. It’s a fun dance. The important thing is to find the space in your subjects mood that allows them to share a part of themselves with you.
Things to consider
Music
Temperature - is it too hot or too cold. Are they exposed to wind?
Light - Is the sunlight in their face? Do they feel squinty?
In the image below I really wanted to capture the sparkly feeling of Mary’s make up so I asked her to come into the sun. I had her close her eyes and feel the beauty of the sun on her face. In my mind, I had a clock ticking. I wanted her to enjoy her session so I shot quickly and made sure the next few shots were in the shade. It’s a balance between getting the shot lit a certain way and creating an environment that lends itself to certain expressions.
Props. Give them something to hold. Brides naturally have bouquets but there are so many more choices. Deserts. Goblets. Use your imagination.
Chat - Sometimes it’s the small talk that helps people let go and not take it seriously.
Crowded - Is there a less crowded spot or are they feeling the energy of the crowd?
Drinks - Are they thirsty? Would they find it more fun to have a glass of champagne?
Pets - Would it be so much more fun if they had their pet? Or would it be more chaotic? Ask them.
Verbs. Try some verbs friends. Dance. Jump. Splash. Throw.
Do you have some more tips? Because I want to hear them.
Also if you are interested in having your portrait taken reach out and say hi! I’d love to meet you.
If you are interested in learning more about photography, I am definitely your girl.
xoxo Suzanne
Inspiration : Real Life
I look for the gesture when I am capturing street photography as well. Being aware of how people behave when they aren’t performing for the camera gives me so many clues on how to create portraiture that feels authentic.
