pout for me baby
February 1, 2011 3:53 PM Subscribe
photographer_filter: what do you say to make people at ease in front of the camera?
recently i've been asked by some friends to take their pictures (cuz i have a camera and they dont). However, these friends generally dont like to 'act' in front of the camera (cuz its not 'genuine' or 'authentic', they'd say). So they stare blankly ahead.
Now, I've tried actually telling jokes and etc to get them to smile, or suggesting hypothetical contexts for them to induce different looks (sad, pensive, thoughtful, cheerful, etc). Trying to get different poses, looks, facial expressions, etc.
Seems to me though, the underlying issue is their obsession with some kind of notion of authenticity (maybe exacerbated cuz i'm a good friend and they dont want to seem fake in front of me).
So i'd like to address that issue head on if its possible, as their photographer. What can I say to them, to get them on board, feel at ease with themselves, and pose like they would if they were alone in front of a mirror? Is that possible even? What would a professional do (or say to them)?
(one thing that crossed my mind: is to maybe video tape them instead, and ask them to tell me stories ('funniest thing that has ever happened to you', 'describe very sad memory', etc, and then pull 'stills' out of the video. that actually might work as a way to generate 'candid' and expressive shots of them. but wondering if anyone has any normal tips).
thanks!
recently i've been asked by some friends to take their pictures (cuz i have a camera and they dont). However, these friends generally dont like to 'act' in front of the camera (cuz its not 'genuine' or 'authentic', they'd say). So they stare blankly ahead.
Now, I've tried actually telling jokes and etc to get them to smile, or suggesting hypothetical contexts for them to induce different looks (sad, pensive, thoughtful, cheerful, etc). Trying to get different poses, looks, facial expressions, etc.
Seems to me though, the underlying issue is their obsession with some kind of notion of authenticity (maybe exacerbated cuz i'm a good friend and they dont want to seem fake in front of me).
So i'd like to address that issue head on if its possible, as their photographer. What can I say to them, to get them on board, feel at ease with themselves, and pose like they would if they were alone in front of a mirror? Is that possible even? What would a professional do (or say to them)?
(one thing that crossed my mind: is to maybe video tape them instead, and ask them to tell me stories ('funniest thing that has ever happened to you', 'describe very sad memory', etc, and then pull 'stills' out of the video. that actually might work as a way to generate 'candid' and expressive shots of them. but wondering if anyone has any normal tips).
thanks!
Response by poster: interesting idea Gator, though I may not always have a third hand around, its something to consider. But ya I think thats the crux of it - getting them to not be self concious while the camera is on them.
posted by jak68 at 4:04 PM on February 1, 2011
posted by jak68 at 4:04 PM on February 1, 2011
When I'm walking down the street or wherever and see someone taking a picture of someone else, I'll give the photographer bunny ears. Yes, a total stranger. And yes, the photographer. The photo subjects see it and have a "lol, wut!" moment. Occasionally, this actually syncs up with the photo being taken, so they all have genuine smiles. And then I saunter off, the photographer none the wiser. (FYI: I stole this move from my dad, who is a weirdo.)
Do you have a friend who can come and give you bunny ears? It won't work every time, since you easily risk falling into the cheesy-kids'-photographer schtick.
Or try to only take candid shots.
For what it's worth, I think it's really weird that your friends have asked you to take their pictures then refuse to mug for the camera. If they want a bunch of pictures of themselves staring blankly ahead, then take those.
posted by phunniemee at 4:05 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Do you have a friend who can come and give you bunny ears? It won't work every time, since you easily risk falling into the cheesy-kids'-photographer schtick.
Or try to only take candid shots.
For what it's worth, I think it's really weird that your friends have asked you to take their pictures then refuse to mug for the camera. If they want a bunch of pictures of themselves staring blankly ahead, then take those.
posted by phunniemee at 4:05 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: in that vein, i think something for me to try is to "chit chat" with them that way *myself*; after all in most of these cases i'm a good friend of theirs and know them well.
posted by jak68 at 4:06 PM on February 1, 2011
posted by jak68 at 4:06 PM on February 1, 2011
Response by poster: phunniemee: great idea with the bunny ears, lol.
yea, my friends are weird, what can i say. Over intellectualized and serious minded folk who over-think everything but still want candid pics but dont want to do whats needed to get them. Thats my challenge I guess, is to get the candid shots out of them anyway.
posted by jak68 at 4:09 PM on February 1, 2011
yea, my friends are weird, what can i say. Over intellectualized and serious minded folk who over-think everything but still want candid pics but dont want to do whats needed to get them. Thats my challenge I guess, is to get the candid shots out of them anyway.
posted by jak68 at 4:09 PM on February 1, 2011
One way to get natural-looking photos is to hold the camera up and let the subject pose, then act like you took the picture without actually taking it. In the next second or two, the subject will relax from their pose and become more natural, and that's when you ACTUALLY take the picture. Trickery!
posted by illenion at 4:11 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by illenion at 4:11 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
The best pictures I have ever gotten of people was by asking them to pose as seriously as they could. Don't smile. Stay serious! This is really important. Eyebrows down! And when they finally crack and start to smile / laugh I take the picture. You end up with a shot of a real, un-posed smile that they just can't hold back any longer.
posted by Nothing at 4:14 PM on February 1, 2011 [6 favorites]
posted by Nothing at 4:14 PM on February 1, 2011 [6 favorites]
I think your video idea was on the right track, but video framegrabs will be very low quality.
I bet your camera has a burst mode. If you can get them talking or moving or whatever, then fire off a burst of 20 or so, I guarantee one frame in there will look really good. Still photos grab one moment in time, and that's why they often come out so awkward. Even professional models don't look good or natural in every single shot. But within a series you will be able to find gold.
posted by drjimmy11 at 4:16 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I bet your camera has a burst mode. If you can get them talking or moving or whatever, then fire off a burst of 20 or so, I guarantee one frame in there will look really good. Still photos grab one moment in time, and that's why they often come out so awkward. Even professional models don't look good or natural in every single shot. But within a series you will be able to find gold.
posted by drjimmy11 at 4:16 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Shoot and chat. Like you are hanging out having coffee or doing whatever. They are your friends, talk to them. If you just point the camera at them and keep your mouth shut then things will definitely be awkward. Digital memory is your friend, keep shooting and talking until you think you have it, then keep shooting and talking.
Actually to expand on that, what do you do when you hang out? Do that, and bring your camera, but don't make it an ordeal out of it. Just be natural. It will come.
posted by WickedPissah at 4:24 PM on February 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
Actually to expand on that, what do you do when you hang out? Do that, and bring your camera, but don't make it an ordeal out of it. Just be natural. It will come.
posted by WickedPissah at 4:24 PM on February 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
In the reverse of illenion's suggestion, a friend of mine described a photographer taking pictures of his daughter's soccer team. The photographer lined them up, said "Okay, on three I want you to make lots of noise and the goofiest faces you can. Ready? One... Tw[click]o... Okay, we're done. Thanks!"
posted by straw at 4:33 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by straw at 4:33 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Know what you want to get before the shooting starts.
For her portrait work, Annie Leibowitz doesn't just show up with a camera and start shooting. She's prepared and she already has a picture in her head of the final product. She talks with the subjects beforehand, letting them know what she wants to get out of it. There are sketches, reference images, photos with dummy subjects, etc.
The end result is less "pout for me" and more "we're collaboratively making art."
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 4:33 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
For her portrait work, Annie Leibowitz doesn't just show up with a camera and start shooting. She's prepared and she already has a picture in her head of the final product. She talks with the subjects beforehand, letting them know what she wants to get out of it. There are sketches, reference images, photos with dummy subjects, etc.
The end result is less "pout for me" and more "we're collaboratively making art."
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 4:33 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I also like to take casual "authentic" looking photos of my friends without having them pose.
This sometimes works for me: Participate in the scene myself as much as I can with a gigantic slr in my hands, while holding the camera up to my face. Sometimes I have it up against my eye, sometimes its lowered a bit but still at the ready, its always "hovering" while I'm talking, taking a drink with my other hand, whatever. I do my best to pretend there is no camera in my hand. As I do this, I take snaps every once in a while, at unpredictable times (remember, you're conditioning them to get used to the shutter clicking!). After a few minutes they will get past their annoyance, and your friends should start to forget the camera, or at least get used to pretending its not there.
Also, the lens you use matters. I have a f2.8 24-60mm lens whose opening is absolutely gigantic. Only when my friend pointed that lens at me did I realize how hard it is to ignore the eye of sauran. My diminutive and friendly looking 50mm prime gets much better reactions.
posted by tempythethird at 4:33 PM on February 1, 2011
This sometimes works for me: Participate in the scene myself as much as I can with a gigantic slr in my hands, while holding the camera up to my face. Sometimes I have it up against my eye, sometimes its lowered a bit but still at the ready, its always "hovering" while I'm talking, taking a drink with my other hand, whatever. I do my best to pretend there is no camera in my hand. As I do this, I take snaps every once in a while, at unpredictable times (remember, you're conditioning them to get used to the shutter clicking!). After a few minutes they will get past their annoyance, and your friends should start to forget the camera, or at least get used to pretending its not there.
Also, the lens you use matters. I have a f2.8 24-60mm lens whose opening is absolutely gigantic. Only when my friend pointed that lens at me did I realize how hard it is to ignore the eye of sauran. My diminutive and friendly looking 50mm prime gets much better reactions.
posted by tempythethird at 4:33 PM on February 1, 2011
When I'm doing a photoshoot (as the model) with a friend, I'm happiest when we keep talking and chatting throughout AND when they give me a certain amount of guidance. Even a little "tilt your head" or "look over there" can help me feel like I'm doing it "right".
Props also can be really helpful. It can be awkward to stand in the middle of a room and "look natural" -- that's not a natural thing to do! But if there's a table to sit at, or I'm holding a glass of wine (actually, having your subjects have a drink isn't a bad idea for relaxing, too) or have something to lean against, those all let me find poses that ARE more natural.
posted by rosa at 4:34 PM on February 1, 2011
Props also can be really helpful. It can be awkward to stand in the middle of a room and "look natural" -- that's not a natural thing to do! But if there's a table to sit at, or I'm holding a glass of wine (actually, having your subjects have a drink isn't a bad idea for relaxing, too) or have something to lean against, those all let me find poses that ARE more natural.
posted by rosa at 4:34 PM on February 1, 2011
I'm extremely unphotogenic and therefore hate having my picture taken. One thing that would comfort me, if you were taking my picture, would be if you promised - if you swore - that you'd delete any pics I didn't like, and never let anyone else see them, or save them in any form. Then I wouldn't worry so much if 99 out of 100 were awful, so I wouldn't try to keep my face in a "proper" expression.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 4:41 PM on February 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by DestinationUnknown at 4:41 PM on February 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
Good portraits are honest shots of their subject which, by definition, you won't get by asking the subjects to act. The first thing you can do is try shooting in available light to minimize your equipment. Then spend a good deal of time with them just talking and take pictures periodically as you talk. Steer the conversation toward the emotions you want. Don't ask vague questions like "tell me a sad memory," but ask them about the worst thing that happened to them, then talk about it. (If your subject is not comfortable, then stop. Immediately.)
The other thing you can try is set up a dummy (loaner) camera on a tripod with some bells & whistles. Then, using your real camera, get close and tell them you need to take some "test shots." The test shots will be the real shots of course. Most people don't act abnormal if they think you're just deleting these. It's a good way to get candid photos.
posted by Hylas at 4:57 PM on February 1, 2011
The other thing you can try is set up a dummy (loaner) camera on a tripod with some bells & whistles. Then, using your real camera, get close and tell them you need to take some "test shots." The test shots will be the real shots of course. Most people don't act abnormal if they think you're just deleting these. It's a good way to get candid photos.
posted by Hylas at 4:57 PM on February 1, 2011
A friend of mine is an event photog, but also likes doing guerrilla street shooting, too. He's become incredibly adept at shooting from the hip. Literally, like not checking the viewfinder and shooting with his camera held nonchalantly at his side. With a little practice, you might be able to do the same. Chat with your friends, armed with some crazy-interesting news/blog posts/projects/whatever to talk about and snap during the conversation.
posted by smirkette at 5:03 PM on February 1, 2011
posted by smirkette at 5:03 PM on February 1, 2011
Response by poster: great ideas, extremely helpful, and exactly the type of tips i was looking for... please keep em coming
posted by jak68 at 5:12 PM on February 1, 2011
posted by jak68 at 5:12 PM on February 1, 2011
I recently got to see Flash Rosenberg give a talk on photo humor, and she suggested giving people a hand mirror - when they're absorbed with their own reflection, you can apparently get an unusually good photo. Something to try.
posted by you're a kitty! at 5:30 PM on February 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by you're a kitty! at 5:30 PM on February 1, 2011 [2 favorites]
I usually just start shooting and tell them not to worry about posing or anything because I'm just checking lighting and exposure, which is usually true. I don't ever say when the "real" pictures are starting, I just start suggesting slight changes in posing while I keep chatting. I also usually acknowledge that most people hate having their pictures taken and can usually evoke some natural smiles or laughter by joking about it. If they continue to seem uncomfortable, I might remind them (if it's true) that no one will ever see any photos that they don't want seen. It might also be a good idea to have them make a deliberately goofy or silly face at some point in the shooting.
The most important thing is that you seem confident and comfortable. Your mood will rub off on your subject and if you seem nervous, they will be nervous.
Every photographer is different, and so is every subject, so it will take some experience and adjustment. Have fun, and good luck.
posted by The Deej at 5:36 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
The most important thing is that you seem confident and comfortable. Your mood will rub off on your subject and if you seem nervous, they will be nervous.
Every photographer is different, and so is every subject, so it will take some experience and adjustment. Have fun, and good luck.
posted by The Deej at 5:36 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Buy, beg or borrow the Taschen volume of Arnold Newman's portraits because you will never be as good as him. He is a master portrait artist and the one thing you can learn from his work is that he puts his subjects in their environment. From the dust jacket photo of Woody in bed writing down his ideas on a pad of paper to the picture of Paul Auster in a sparsely furnished room with typewriter centered as he smokes with his mind elsewhere, you can see the mastery of his environmental portraiture.
Don't tell stories or jokes to your subjects. Have them tell you stories and jokes. Have them be involved in their favorite activity as you manage the stage before the camera. Your subject is the star and you are just capturing their light.
posted by JJ86 at 6:06 PM on February 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
Don't tell stories or jokes to your subjects. Have them tell you stories and jokes. Have them be involved in their favorite activity as you manage the stage before the camera. Your subject is the star and you are just capturing their light.
posted by JJ86 at 6:06 PM on February 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
I shoot a lot of photos (including portraits), and I've worked with or observed some people who are really fantastic portrait photographers.
The best portrait photographers I've had the opportunity to observe can just talk endlessly. About anything and nothing. Ohmigod, can you believe this much snow we are having and when I was a kid we never had snow where did you grow up did you have a lot of snow, one time I was at college and this girl broke her back sledding on a tray stolen from the dining center, it was really scary but she said it was so fast and awesome when did you last go sledding and so on and so forth. Endless--but I swear, not inane. They got to know their subjects (on some level--I don't think the photogs were really fully present, but they were like an Eliza machine, endlessly able to ask questions and draw people out), but the subjects always opened up like they were talking to old friends.
At the end of the day, people look like themselves when they are talking about themselves.
Also, agree on Arnold Newman--also Lord Snowdon, Avedon, Karsh, Liebovitz. For Karsh's legendary portrait of Churchill, he was given five minutes to shoot the picture, which he set up in a hallway. As Churchill sat to pose, Karsh snatched away Churchill's "trademark" cigar--the reaction, imperious and stern, has become one of, if not the, defining portrait of Churchill. Similarly, Liebovitz is notorious for hectoring her subjects until she gets the picture she wants. She is insane, and an incredible perfectionist. Shoots with her can go on forever until she breaks down her subject and gets the emotion she wants. I don't recommend you necessarily go this route, but know that it exists.
Know the photo you want. A portrait is not a fishing expedition. If you're not getting the photo you want, model yourself the pose you're looking for (which can look really dumb, but the dumber you are willing to make yourself look, the more trust you build with the subject--though obviously, we're not talking about making the subject look dumb). If you're shooting digital, SHOW THE SUBJECT THE PREVIEWS on camera. Show them when they look good to reinforce how awesome they look. Show them when you want them to do something differently.
Lastly I recall an anecdote about, I believe, one of the classic-era LIFE portrait photographers who would shoot a subject, then stop to pick a non-existant piece of dust off their shoulder. The point was that stopping the shoot to make the subject look their best established a trust and rapport, emphasized, so the theory went, by the physical contact--the photographer would not allow them to look bad, and the subject felt at ease. (Of course, you're not a classic LIFE photographer and not everyone likes to be touched, so just take this as a lesson to let the subject know you will never, ever allow them to look bad.)
Good luck.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:49 PM on February 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
The best portrait photographers I've had the opportunity to observe can just talk endlessly. About anything and nothing. Ohmigod, can you believe this much snow we are having and when I was a kid we never had snow where did you grow up did you have a lot of snow, one time I was at college and this girl broke her back sledding on a tray stolen from the dining center, it was really scary but she said it was so fast and awesome when did you last go sledding and so on and so forth. Endless--but I swear, not inane. They got to know their subjects (on some level--I don't think the photogs were really fully present, but they were like an Eliza machine, endlessly able to ask questions and draw people out), but the subjects always opened up like they were talking to old friends.
At the end of the day, people look like themselves when they are talking about themselves.
Also, agree on Arnold Newman--also Lord Snowdon, Avedon, Karsh, Liebovitz. For Karsh's legendary portrait of Churchill, he was given five minutes to shoot the picture, which he set up in a hallway. As Churchill sat to pose, Karsh snatched away Churchill's "trademark" cigar--the reaction, imperious and stern, has become one of, if not the, defining portrait of Churchill. Similarly, Liebovitz is notorious for hectoring her subjects until she gets the picture she wants. She is insane, and an incredible perfectionist. Shoots with her can go on forever until she breaks down her subject and gets the emotion she wants. I don't recommend you necessarily go this route, but know that it exists.
Know the photo you want. A portrait is not a fishing expedition. If you're not getting the photo you want, model yourself the pose you're looking for (which can look really dumb, but the dumber you are willing to make yourself look, the more trust you build with the subject--though obviously, we're not talking about making the subject look dumb). If you're shooting digital, SHOW THE SUBJECT THE PREVIEWS on camera. Show them when they look good to reinforce how awesome they look. Show them when you want them to do something differently.
Lastly I recall an anecdote about, I believe, one of the classic-era LIFE portrait photographers who would shoot a subject, then stop to pick a non-existant piece of dust off their shoulder. The point was that stopping the shoot to make the subject look their best established a trust and rapport, emphasized, so the theory went, by the physical contact--the photographer would not allow them to look bad, and the subject felt at ease. (Of course, you're not a classic LIFE photographer and not everyone likes to be touched, so just take this as a lesson to let the subject know you will never, ever allow them to look bad.)
Good luck.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:49 PM on February 1, 2011 [3 favorites]
I want to second Admiral Haddock's recommendation of "Just keep talking".
I try to have conversations with my portrait clients - it's easy to think of things to talk about, because they're generally all actors (I shoot headshots) - "Oh, hey, how did you get into this line of work? What was your favorite role? What's your dream role? How long have you been living in the city? Have you ever visited that place? Omg isn't it super cool? Do you know anywhere else like it?"
And - yeah, half the time I'm not actually listening to the answer, but to glean enough info for the next question. It's about trying to find a topic where the subject is at ease, and going with it!
I also enjoy the "Ok, laugh. Now." command. Helps if you can deadpan the command. Most of the time, it gets a really strange look, and then (wait for it), a real laugh (due to "That was random").
posted by kellygrape at 9:17 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
I try to have conversations with my portrait clients - it's easy to think of things to talk about, because they're generally all actors (I shoot headshots) - "Oh, hey, how did you get into this line of work? What was your favorite role? What's your dream role? How long have you been living in the city? Have you ever visited that place? Omg isn't it super cool? Do you know anywhere else like it?"
And - yeah, half the time I'm not actually listening to the answer, but to glean enough info for the next question. It's about trying to find a topic where the subject is at ease, and going with it!
I also enjoy the "Ok, laugh. Now." command. Helps if you can deadpan the command. Most of the time, it gets a really strange look, and then (wait for it), a real laugh (due to "That was random").
posted by kellygrape at 9:17 PM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
Similar to kellygrape, I have found a deadpan "alright, now look happy" often has just enough wtf to prod people to crack a bit of a grin.
posted by deadwax at 10:15 PM on February 1, 2011
posted by deadwax at 10:15 PM on February 1, 2011
A high percentage of the portraits I shoot are of corporate executives who have a multitude of priorities higher than being photographed. Many simply either hate it or consider it a huge waste of their time.
I resort to a lot of self-deprecating humor and talk pretty much non-stop through the session, which tends to be less than 10 minutes per person.
I try and verbally show empathy and compare the act of being photographed to all manner of other horrors. Stuff like "If you think a root canal is bad, wait until you suffer through this!"
When shooting, I grossly overblow how great they look, using adjectives like "stunning", "otherworldy beautiful", Business Week cover material", etc.
I can't count the number of times I've been thanked after the session for making it painless, or even fun.
posted by imjustsaying at 3:11 AM on February 2, 2011
I resort to a lot of self-deprecating humor and talk pretty much non-stop through the session, which tends to be less than 10 minutes per person.
I try and verbally show empathy and compare the act of being photographed to all manner of other horrors. Stuff like "If you think a root canal is bad, wait until you suffer through this!"
When shooting, I grossly overblow how great they look, using adjectives like "stunning", "otherworldy beautiful", Business Week cover material", etc.
I can't count the number of times I've been thanked after the session for making it painless, or even fun.
posted by imjustsaying at 3:11 AM on February 2, 2011
Similar to Nothing's suggestion, the legendary DaShiv described one of his techniques here:
Here's what I told her: you hate mathowie. He strangles puppies. He kicked your cat. Both of them. Twice. Now give me your I-hate-mathowie face until the count of three. She protested. It was an unreasonable request to make of a most kind and decent person, but I yelled at her drunkenly (although good-naturedly) and she complied and tried to look hateful, or indignant, or something. [...]
When I reach the count of three, melissa may finally opened up with her amazing smile, which must've stopped traffic three blocks away with its wattage.
posted by Busy Old Fool at 5:02 AM on February 2, 2011
Here's what I told her: you hate mathowie. He strangles puppies. He kicked your cat. Both of them. Twice. Now give me your I-hate-mathowie face until the count of three. She protested. It was an unreasonable request to make of a most kind and decent person, but I yelled at her drunkenly (although good-naturedly) and she complied and tried to look hateful, or indignant, or something. [...]
When I reach the count of three, melissa may finally opened up with her amazing smile, which must've stopped traffic three blocks away with its wattage.
posted by Busy Old Fool at 5:02 AM on February 2, 2011
Here's a trick I learned from a professional photographer - everything your model does is perfect.
He just smiled? "You have a great smile!"
"That's a very nice look."
"Looking sexy!"
People don't usually get a lot of compliments in a short amount of time. If you keep praising them, they usually will have a lighter mood and be more natural, and more willing to smile.
I took that advice to heart and every time I take a photo of someone I keep that in mind. Been working great so far.
posted by jstarlee at 1:37 PM on February 4, 2011
He just smiled? "You have a great smile!"
"That's a very nice look."
"Looking sexy!"
People don't usually get a lot of compliments in a short amount of time. If you keep praising them, they usually will have a lighter mood and be more natural, and more willing to smile.
I took that advice to heart and every time I take a photo of someone I keep that in mind. Been working great so far.
posted by jstarlee at 1:37 PM on February 4, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Gator at 3:58 PM on February 1, 2011 [3 favorites]