Stuffy, forced smiley photos are a thing of the past. Portraits are and will be fun if done right. Since my background is mostly Photojournalism, I abhor traditional portraiture where everyone stands at attention and "Cheese!" stands for cheesy because that is the look you will get but, hey, if that's what you are going for than so be it. Who am I to say different?
Not to mention, if you are dealing with children and animals in a strict setting, well, all I can say is....good luck with that!
Wouldn't it be better to try a different approach like my examples here? What is wrong with traveling around the park, a zoo, or a farm with mom and dad and getting the photos that do more than capture a phony smile but capture a glimpse of Soul as well? The children will be much more agreeable (well, usually...), and mom and dad will be relaxed. It's a win/win situation in my eyes.
Environmental portraits show more of a person's lifestyle or what they love in an environment fitting to it. Wikipedia defines it as: "...a portrait executed in the subject's usual environment, such as in their home or workplace, and typically illuminates the subject's life and surroundings...."
If you do need to do the occasional formal photography, meaning posed, don't be afraid to let the person be themselves. They will usually be uncomfortable at first so talk with them but don't stop taking photos. Tell them to move into different poses that feel natural as they speak with you and, if they feel they can't, then direct them softly while continuing the conversation.
Keep their mind off of the camera and focused on something they love or a topic they enjoy. Play with the subjects you talk about. Mix in funny jokes or stories or if you any aren't good at telling jokes, ask them if they know any. Or "What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?" also works.
Question them on their views about more serious things like some recent event on the news. Watch their emotions change and as they do, their expressions and posture will transform also. If they tell you about their dog who just died, allow them to open up about it.
Most important: always end on a positive note or even a surprising one.
The shoot will be rewarding, not just for them, but for you as well because you are not only actively taking their photos but you are listening with an open heart and you are viewing them as the delightful, multi-faceted Soul they are! You cannot do this without walking away a better person yourself, and the photos will be fabulous!
More on portraiture to come!
