Some people are born with a Hollywood smile and photogenic genes. It takes more than just a whitening toothpaste bundle to have a natural-looking smile in photographs. There are some others who need a little help. If you are a photographer who loves taking natural, portrait photos of your subjects, here are a few tips that will help you produce desirable results:
Use Burst Mode
People are unpredictable, especially if they have never modeled before. If you want to take a natural-looking photograph, you won’t get many chances. That is why it is important to take advantage of every opportunity. What you can do is take multiple shots, and one of these will be exactly what you have been looking for; something spontaneous and fun.
Shoot from the hip
Shooting from your hip is a popular technique that gives an exciting new perspective to your photographs. It will also give that ‘candid’ vibe to the shot. Most of the photographs are shot from the eye level. So, this method will open up a new world. You can also compose a shot first by using a live view.
Move around the subjects
You cannot simply ask your subject to look natural as it will lead to the most awkward shots. If you want to make them look natural, ask them to move around to get a better composition. Be ready with the camera all the time. Without movement, you will just end up with photos from the same seats that are predictable and boring.
Break the ice
The camera is a barrier between you and your subject. It can make them feel very exposed and self-conscious. As a photographer, it is your responsibility to ensure that you break the ice. Talk with them and make them feel comfortable. The best candid photographers are great at interacting with their subjects and bringing their personalities out.
Ask them to be comfortable
While taking someone’s photo, the best way to get them to pose is by taking them away from the moment. If they are not able to make a pose, you can suggest some. Many people will give you elegant and comfortable poses when you ask them to do it. All they need is a ‘prompt.’ Even though these are not candid photographs, it will give off a real vibe. Mixing these poses along with natural emotions, and you will have endless possibilities.
Ask them to pretend that you are not there
When you are at an event like a wedding, people will get uncomfortable around you. This will prevent them from getting into the moment, and they would get confused about their pose and end up looking awkward. What you need to do is ask them to act out a conversation or a scenario.
Blend in
In order to get a natural look in the photographs, you have to shoot them candidly. The best way to do this, especially when there are several people, is to put yourself in the middle. Hang out with them and let them enter your personal space.
Taking natural photographs is an art that requires patience and skill. But, with these tips, your life will surely get easier.