Emotive Portraiture

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com (Pablo Curras) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:35:07 -0800

I shoot mainly manual film cameras. I focus, measure light, and everything. When I have it done I slightly raise my head (leaving the camera in the exact place I was looking through the viewfinder) and looking straight at them waiting for the perfect moment while I say something. They think I'm not going to take the picture because of that but everything is ready to shoot as. If it's a friend I usually say an inappropriate comment, otherwise something else that comes to my mind to make them smile.

Works very nice, but if you make them laugh too much they tend to move forward and I get an out of focus photo...

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com (Jonathan Mangold) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:49:02 -0800

Jonathan Mangold posted a reply:

Use continuous mode and take 300 shots. You'll have to cull most of them but you'll get keepers.

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com (javfutura) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:11:14 -0800

javfutura posted a reply:

Search for lightenupandshoot on youtube.

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com (Gordon Blackler) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:51:19 -0800

Gordon Blackler posted a reply:

That's a great list so far.

I share the experience of many photographers who explain that some of the best moments happen after you've taken the picture. It depends on the situation of course, but if a person is "posing" or having to hold still in any way, they will sometimes tense a little until they hear the shutter, then they relax. It might be a very subtle change in the eyes or shoulders, etc, but it is noticeable.

I tried an experiment once which actually works quite well in many situations where you want to capture positive emotions. I tell the person that I'll take the shot after a count of 3 (so they know when the shot will be been taken, and so they hold still enough for me to compose the shot, etc.), but I'm secretly ready to take another shot right after the first. It goes something like this:

"Ok this time just try to smile with your eyes, and 1...2...3."
Snap
"Fantastic, that was great"
Snap

Usually, the person relaxes because they think the picture is over, and when you've just told them what they did was great, you often get really nice, natural smiles, laughs or funny surprised faces which are also full of emotion. The same goes for making light-hearted jokes about something which may have just gone wrong. Be ready to press the shutter at any time.

If I'm using a tripod, I sometimes use a cable release, so I don't have to hide behind the camera the whole time. That way, I can chat to the person as we're doing different shots. There's a lot more interaction and then I just click when they do something interesting. That doesn't always work when you're shooting really shallow DOF, or when your subject is moving about, but you can still chat from behind the lens. Just have fun!

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com (♥Valerie) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:00:19 -0800

♥Valerie posted a reply:

Champane

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com (Ali Mehdi (Baba)) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 03:19:31 -0800

Ali Mehdi (Baba) posted a reply:

nice

Plead for being more demanding and selective

nobody@flickr.com (StyleBcn Images) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:13:55 -0700

StyleBcn Images posted a new topic:

I suggest to be more selective and demanding with the uploads. We shouldn't forget that the group's name is 'Emotive Portraiture'.

I would plead for select only the images that fits the main topic and purpose of the group.

Call for Entries : 2011 KL International Photoawards for Portraiture

nobody@flickr.com (svllee) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:03:43 -0800

svllee posted a new topic:

Dear Photographers,

The 2011 KL International Photoawards for Portraiture is now calling for entries!

In association with Anti-Slavery International and TimeOut KL, the 2011 event will be in a similar format with the 2010 KLPA, and is open to all international photographers.

Entrants may submit their portrait photographs in 2 categories, Open Individual and Themed Story. The theme is INTERCULTURALISM, covering a wide range of global issues, including human trafficking, forced child labour and sex trade, intolerance, hate-crime and racism.

The top prize for each category is USD$3,000 plus a specially commissioned trophy.

Closing date for entries is 20th March 2011. For further information visit :

www.klphotoawards.com

Contact :

info@klphotoawards.com

Reply to What makes a portrait "Emotive"?

nobody@flickr.com (W_Thomas) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:51:43 -0700

W_Thomas posted a reply:

I feel like it's almost a waiting game. You just need the model to let his or her guard down long enough, for them to be natural and emotional long enough for you to get the shot.

Reply to How to get candid/real/natural poses from models?

nobody@flickr.com ({Bright Novella} Patricia Cich Lee) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:40:00 -0700

{Bright Novella} Patricia Cich Lee posted a reply:

Great tips Nick, especially the first.