1 PRODUCE MEMORABLE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS

Work with people for better photos and more rewarding experiences to take home

Around the world, the majority of people are friendly and amenable, if sometimes bemused, when a photographer wants to take their picture, as long as it’s done respectfully.

With portraits, interaction and communication are key. Spend time talking with the person you’re photographing before taking any pictures and learn something about their personality, their job or their life, which might be something you incorporate into your photos. It’s also useful to get to know each other a little, to explain why you’d like to take their picture and put them at ease. Communicate while taking pictures, too, giving people guidance on what kind of facial expression (smiling? serious?) or body position you’re after, or anything you’d prefer they didn’t do, like thumbs up or peace signs, which often ruin a good photo.

Even if you don’t speak the same language, friendly words and gestures go a long way.

Left: A Moroccan musician sings and plays a genbri, a traditional three-string instrument passed down from African slaves brought to Morocco by the caravan traders, in a dimly lit building on the back streets of Marrakech.