A Pilsen mother wears her concern for the future of her neighborhood with air pollution down the street.
To preface this, let me first say there are generally four different types of portrait subjects.
1. People who have had their photos taken a zillion times -- or at least enough to know how to behave in front of a camera.
2. People who have not had their photos taken in a professional-type setting, but have always wanted to. Think of people who would stand in line to be the subject of a reality show. They too know how to relax and be natural in front of a camera (a little scary).
3. People who have had their photos taken, and it's not a big deal, although in a professional setting they may begin to freeze up.
4. People who absolutely hate to have their pictures taken.
The below tips I would give apply to the last two groups. They are challenging to photograph because they will experience the most camera anxiety.
1. Choose Comfort - If you can, place your subjects in a familiar or comfortable setting that doesn't have a lot of anxiety-producing distractions. Don't expect them to sacrifice their own comfort level because the background or lighting is just right with them standing on one foot in the marshy bog. If there are people around, make sure they will be partners in creating a sense of comfort, not someone who will add to discomfort with negative or judgmental comments. Put all phones away. Be polite, but remove any sources of negative distraction.
3. Be True - The last thing you want is for someone to say later, "That's not really me". Ouch. That's why I like to shoot wide first - in order to take in their surroundings to understand more about the person so we both walk away happy with the exchange.
4. Include Music and Pets - if music is available, allow them to listen as it will fill in moments of awkwardness in which your camera starts screaming "ERR". If a pet can be a part of the situation without adding to chaos or distraction, by all means let them join in - unless it's a squirmy pit bull that hates flash. If it's a headshot, why not let them hold the pet. Who's going to know?
5. Be Open - Engage them personally as sincerely as you can. Find points of interest and shared humanity before you even pick up the camera. Many people feel naked in front of a camera. Since they are vulnerable, it is helpful to be vulnerable yourself by being open and sharing information about yourself with them. You're like a photo doctor - and you need to have bedside manners. You might even find yourself talking through your picture-taking and the time might fly.
6. Provide Little Direction - Start by giving them little direction. Counterintuitive? But if you have ever been micromanaged, you know the sense of anxiety, self-awareness, and the flight response that can happen. Once they sense that you are not there to boss them around or to pigeonhole them, but to capture who they are, they may relax. If you sense they need some coaching, then add direction. Some people like rules and expectations. But always be encouraging about how well the photos are going.
7. Slow Down the Motor Drive - The rat-a-tat of the camera can make a person feel like they are at a firing range, or the target of an attack. Try to be subdued with your style. You're taking pictures, not making a stop motion film. Having said that, I believe that a few bursts of frame at certain times can make the difference between a good and great portrait, since expressions can change rather rapidly. I'm a big believer in capturing the subtle but significant nuances.
8. Show the Scene - You must be very careful with this one, because some people hate their image no matter how awesome you think they look. You've all had that, right? "But, but... you look awesome!" In some situations, however, if they think the situation is goofy, you can relieve some fears by showing them what's going on in your head and in your viewfinder.
9. Be a Thermostat - not a Thermometer - It's easy to let all the pressures of a shoot, especially if you don't have an assistant, to build and to be sensed by the person who is in front of the camera. Keep in mind - they might blame themselves for what's going wrong, or feel even more awkward when they see you contort your face at your gear. Be a buffer. Turn around so they don't see your panic. Pick up a thread of the conversation that was left off - get them to focus on their own thoughts and not on you.
10. It's All in the Editing - Reassure them that you will have many photos of them blinking, goofy, etc. but that the final product is all in the editing, and you are on their side. "We'll take hundreds so I know we have some great ones."
These are some basic principles. I know everyone has their own guidelines that work for them.
As always great tip and Awesome shot!
Nobody wants to see me naked! Ha!
Alex, you have a good eye for photos and I have enjoyed your view of our great city!
Once I feeling that you are not there to manager them around or to pigeonhole them, but to take who they are, they may rest. If you feeling they need some teaching, then add route. Some individuals like guidelines and objectives.