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09/22/2008 10:49:46 AM · #1 |
This weekend I had the opportunity to do a "couples" photo shoot, with two of my good friends. So far so good I thought, we already know each other and it will be fun and comfortable. Not the case!!!
It was outdoors, in a beautiful fall park setting. I expected to provide some posing guidance and chat them up, and let things take their course - it did eventually happen, and we had a good time, great pictures in the end...however, the first half and hour was downright frightening.
They had no idea how to pose, what to do, just stood stiffly and uncomfortably. I said "don't mind me, just ignore the camera, go for a walk, smile!" It didn't seem to help much. I can't believe how much it showed in the pictures.. My husband who was there as well eventually rescued me by telling embarrasing stories and rounding up some leaves to throw at them in the photos.
So the question is..how do you break up that tension and get your subjects to loosen up, thus end up with fun and candid photographs? |
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09/22/2008 10:55:26 AM · #2 |
Use something irreverant- a frisbee, masks, bubbles, etc. to loosen them up and get the people laughing and interacting. I'm sure the leaves helped!
Message edited by author 2008-09-22 10:57:01. |
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09/22/2008 10:57:54 AM · #3 |
| actually the leaves did help! they got into a full on leaf fight and thought it was hilarious! |
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09/22/2008 11:00:32 AM · #4 |
| There ya go. Play and laughter are the antithesis of stiff and awkward. |
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09/22/2008 11:19:43 AM · #5 |
| I like your idea about the bubbles, didn't think of that! |
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09/22/2008 11:30:42 AM · #6 |
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09/22/2008 11:59:57 AM · #7 |
| Ive also found that trying to jump right into shooting never works. Whenever I shoot people for the first time, we spend a lot of time just hanging out, or well play video games or watch a tv, cause that tends to relax them (and me) so then you can just transition into shooting and its more of a fun thing then a modeling thing. |
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09/22/2008 12:03:12 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Valium. |
LOL, actually, booze did cross my mind as well. |
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09/22/2008 12:04:42 PM · #9 |
| Jokes, Slapstick, Sock puppets... whatever it takes to loosen them up... there are some people that just don't do well with cameras, and it's often very hard to get them to loosen up... often it takes a bit of time and some... lets say stiff looking pictures... be patient, and as relaxed as you can be... and use every trick you know... |
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09/22/2008 10:06:21 PM · #10 |
I usually don't start shooting for at least half an hour. Talk, hang out, then start. Tell them what your going to do, but then change the subject. This informs them, (so it's not scary) but then moves that information to the subconscious level (so they will be natural).
Give them something to do! It takes their attention from the big lens pointed at them. As the others mentioned, leaves and bubbles are awesome! Walking a dog, playing with the baby, something that takes a little attention. Always have a conversation going. Helps to be funny, but it's not a need.
I catch myself saying, "don't mind me" all the time, but I've found that it really doesn't help. It actually makes it worse, because then they are self conscious AND trying to pose. Take their mind away from the picture taking as much as possible until you get a great shot, then show them that shot. It'll help them loosen up knowing that they aren't complete failures. ; ) Always be positive. When you want to change something in the pose say, "that's good, maybe just put your arm around him like that. Perfect! *snap* *snap*" Don't say, "no, do it like this". Instant turn off. I know because I've done it.
Happy picture taking!
_Nathanael |
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09/22/2008 10:23:49 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Nathanael_G:
... Always be positive. When you want to change something in the pose say, "that's good, maybe just put your arm around him like that. Perfect! *snap* *snap*" Don't say, "no, do it like this". Instant turn off. I know because I've done it.
_Nathanael |
Yep - praise works wonders. Also, try not to chimp, because then they'll want to look as well and it interrupts flow. |
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