I decided to go simple this week and talk about one thing that might not change the technical quality of your photos, but will certainly enhance their visual appeal.
How many times have you said the words, “Say Cheese!” or heard another photographer say those words? And how many times have you ended up with a smile like this?
Or this?
I have gathered a few simple tips to capturing more natural expressions in your photos.
* Talk to your subject and make them feel at ease. Tell a story. Make them laugh.
* Nothing is worse for a smile than trying to hold it for several minutes. When I am taking someone’s picture, I often tell them to look down or away briefly and relax their face. Whenever they (and the camera) are ready, I tell them to count to 3 and look toward me, smiling. Ta-Dah! The smile is fresh and natural!
And every once in a while, snap a picture while they are turned away.
* When photographing kids, let them hold something–whether it be a treasured stuffed animal or a simple rock from the ground. Keeping their hands busy seems to settle and focus kids.
* And the last tip? Tell your subject NOT to smile. It works almost every time. :)
(Thanks to Necco for being my subject today. She’s such a good sport!)
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