Work your Magic
There’s no secret trick to portrait photography, but when it works it can seem like magic… Connecting with your subjects is one of the most important things you can focus on
The magic of portraiture isn’t in the lighting, the setup, the layout, the exposure, the rule-breaking or any other aspect of the image. Instead, the magic of portraiture lies in your connection with subjects and the magic you create. Timing is everything. This is a human endeavour, not a technical one.
Getting to know you
Step into your subject’s world. Ask about their life, their interests, their family, their career. Make the conversation as you work. If, like me, you love to chat, remember to listen. If you’re less extroverted, you already have an advantage as a listener: it’s the listening that is the trick.
Forming a relationship with your subject creates intensity in your portraits. As your subject relaxes, the micro-muscles in the face change and intense eye contact with the camera will translate into a powerful reaction to the viewer. When your client is relaxed, it’s incredible what can happen!
CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF COUPLES 21
When photographing couples, be gentle and let their relationship shine through. Of course, you can pose them, but slow down and take the time to watch how they stand naturally, who stands on which side and how they hold hands. Tune in and then tweak the posing to create an image without destroying the magic.
BE AUTHENTIC 22
Be interested in your subject and watch for authentic responses as they relax. In this instance, my client was an architect who became increasingly animated during the session (I have absolutely no idea what he was showing me with his hands!).
PRESENT FOR THE MOMENT 23
Like couples, when you’re working with long-standing
If you are photographing musicians, ask them to play. I don’t mean mime; I mean genuinely perform
friends or siblings, watch for the laughter and the reminiscing – it creates captivating moments that they will want to see captured!
PASSION SHOULD BE APPARENT 24
If you are photographing musicians, ask them to play. I don’t mean mime; I mean genuinely perform. It has always amazed me the difference it makes to the images: the body language shifts, and the energy hits the roof. And on top of that, you get to listen to some amazing music while you work! The same concept can, of course, be applied to dancers and other performers.
THE ENERGY OF CHILDREN 25
Get down into their world and tune in if you’re working with kids. I love photographing children running and laughing (note that their parents or guardians are always there for the photo session – I never work with children on their own).
If I want to capture that kind of magic, I will find a spot that channels them (and their energy) in a predictable direction towards the camera and the light. Pathways, trails and walkways are all good for this. It takes a bit of practice, but Nikon’s autofocus system has always been excellent, and the images have an energy to them that parents love to see! Kids are always on the move (see ‘Moving Subjects’, below), so set your camera up to capture this and make the best of it!