TIMELESS PORTRAITS…..CLASSICS TO STORYTELLING

Welcome to portrait tips and techniques 2012.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at our State convention for photographers, “Hair of the Dog” - my overseas friends….. don’t ask!

So many new faces, but all with the same passion to learn. The thing that struck me was the enthusiasm to learn more about the craft. I have been sensing for a while, that new photographers have missed learning the old skills such as finding and using natural light, angles of the face and body language to flatter people etc.

Technology has moved so fast, photographers have been caught up in learning Photoshop and how to use their latest camera equipment, that the very foundation of capturing and creating a quality image has become secondary.(IMO)

It was refreshing to have so many new photographers take such an interest in my timeless classics. When someone mentions “classic portraits”, people generally think old school. That can be true in some cases – the old stiff studio portrait as an example. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I showed B&W images from 1998 – 2011 and I don’t think anyone could tell - timeless, heart & soul portraits.

I’m talking about creating a piece of personal art for your client, that is so emotionally attached to them, that they will never remove them from their walls. My approach is to use the foundation skills of lighting, posing, emotion and mood during a session, to create such pieces of art. It’s called CRAFTSMANSHIP.

The following is an extract from my presentation.

Listed below are the 6 styles I try to use during any one session. Some of these could be bracketed, eg: interactive & controlled candids, but I will try to explain why I separate them. Sometimes I can only do 3 or 4, but more variety the better. TIPS: I would rather take less images and concentrate on quality and variety, than blaze away aimlessly.

CLASSIC

EMOTIONAL

INTERACTIVE CONTROLLED

CANDIDS

LIFESTYLE

STORYTELLING

CLASSIC….. Typical classic portrait, the light is wrapping around the young girl, creating shape and texture – the strong catchlights in the eyes – and an engaging soft expression would make any parent melt.

EMOTIONAL….. The bond between father and daughter says it all…… a lifetime special moment. This can be any family member or even a pet.

INTERACTIVE….. Finding a common interest amongst kids and letting it play out is my approach. Playing cards worked here.

CONTROLLED CANDIDS….. This style is a bit like a movie director, who has a vision, but needs the players to act it out. Easy when you have boys and their toys, I just had to guide them to create composition and lighting. The rest I guess is a bit of luck.

LIFESTYLE…… The parents of these three kids are professional golfers and kids love it, so it’s easy to get co-operation. Just find out the lifestyle of the family, it could be music, dance, surfing, sports etc. This will personalise their portraits and create uniqueness to their images.NB….don’t overdo the instruments/equipment/toys etc. Remember your adding variety to the session. TIPS: No parent wants every portrait on the wall with  props.

STORYTELLING…… This could be bracketed with a couple of the other styles, but sometimes the story of the kids having fun comes from the parents when they proudly show off their wall portraits, while telling the story of the session to their family and friends. TIPS: That’s priceless PR.

I hope this has given you some thought to the way you approach your next session. By all means be creative and keep up with the trends, have a foot in both camps – Timeless Classics and Contemporary.

My family, friends and peers tell me I shoot from the heart. The truth is, I SHOOT FROM THE HEART FOR THE HEART…… It’s a win, win, think about it.

Until next time, happy shooting

Wayne

portrait tips and techniques