Adapted from Peter West Carey post on ‘Take Good Photos of Loved Ones’ and Natalie Norton post on ‘How to Photograph Natural Looking Portraits’
A reminder to all the busy people out here.
We are all busy people … aren’t we? As you are reading this post from your device; be it a computer, phone or tablet – you are surely going about a typical day some distance from your home. Very likely at some point today, you will see your family and even some friends … comfortable and decent, isn’t it? This is where complacency sets in and prevents us from venturing into thinking about what we want from now in order to see the future we want.
We all have good friends that had passed on, recently or a while back. This is not about them or me, it is all about your family, your friends and YOU. As I reflect on them, we would evidently go back through our old photos, searching for our happy times, smiles, days together … you know, the fun stuff.
This post is to remind you of what our cameras (phone cameras included) can be such a gift … to freeze moments in time. Have you had a good picture of your loved ones, friends, memories? Photo memories in the form of a good portrait, for which you would be proud of … in their memory.
So at your next gathering (family or friends), bring your best camera and your best lens. The next time you go out for coffee or tea with a friend, bring your camera. Take all the candid photos you want BUT also make an effort to snap one solid portrait. Not just okay photos, but a good photo … take the time, at least once a year.
May’s team was presenting their value enhancement project.
They may find it a little odd, that you want a photo of them, so start slow. Don’t bring out your camera the first thing you see them. Be your usual self, a little small talk. You can put out your camera on the table without saying anything about it. If they ask you about your camera, that’s a nice start.
2. You need to shoot some candid ones to start.
Take some candid ones, some funny ones. Just to get them comfortable with your camera and you, snapping around. Help them feel great. It’s like swimming or exercise … you need to warm up. If you tell me that you can pick up your camera and shot your very best shot at the first try … without looking at your photo, I can tell you that (a) you are not human (b) your photo does not connect at the human level; you may be great at everything (composition, catching the natural lighting, etc) but deep in that photo would be a void.
3. Be aware of your family or friend AND where you are.
If your family member or friend are the shy kind, don’t expect a good photo in a crowded place. A great portrait is a balance … a natural look is more important than all the other technicalities of shooting a great portrait.
4. Wait for the moment.
Patience is important. Be aware as the situation unfolds itself. The difference between a good photo and a great photo is separated by the digit ‘2’. Shift 2 degrees and you see a different perspective in your photo. Wait 2 seconds and you will see that golden moment for a great photo. Wait more than 2 seconds long and you would have loose that golden moment. Shift more than 2 degrees and you loose the angle.
The articles I summarize the above from are a lot more complex and elaborate, so if you are the ‘C’ in the eDISC quadrants, so ahead and lap up every detail there (references below). Whatever it may be, bring your camera and start shooting. Remember, you want to shoot great photos, start with shooting at least 10,000 photos first. 10,000 photos won’t guarantee that you will be a good photographer, but without 10,000 photos under your belt, you won’t be able to see much yet. So most importantly, be happy and enjoy yourself.
Reference:
Take Good Photos of Loved Ones by Peter West Carey
How to Photograph Natural Looking Portraits by Natalie Norton