5 Things to Consider Before a Portrait Shoot

Success Is More than Camera Technique

One of my favorite sayings about these types of assignments is: “Portrait photographers are 5 percent artist and 95 percent bartender.” No, you don’t serve drinks during a shoot, but you do want to listen to your subjects to help put them at ease. (Did you know that the more someone talks about themself, the better they think they know you?)

Another good one is: “Portrait photography is 5 percent camera work and 95 percent furniture moving.” I’m not sure why the percentages are always the same with these witticisms, but I do know that homes and offices are inherently cluttered, and that natural-looking environmental portraits usually require some tidying up.

Embedded in both of these clever thoughts is the notion that successful pictures of people require more than just technical prowess. I agree. You need camera skills, but you also need the ability to put your subjects at ease and maybe a few interior design skills as well.

Toward that pursuit, these five tips can be helpful in addition to the skills you already have. Who knows, they may help you devise your own clever saying about portrait photography.

Your Appearance, Not Theirs

First, your appearance is just as important as theirs. Yes, you’re behind the camera and they are in front of the lens. But remember, they are looking at you just as much as you are at them. So your grooming and clothing make a difference. It’s part of the confidence building that ends with them trusting that you will do a good job. So, shower up before the shoot.

Allow for Warm Up

Next, don’t rush into the picture-taking. Build enough time to evaluate the location, figure out your camera settings, discuss where you want to take the shots, and converse with your subject. Once you start taking pictures, you’ll want to work quickly. No one likes to be stranded in front of the lens while you figure out your aperture. Do this ahead of time and build rapport simultaneously.

Natural Lighting Is Faster Too

Natural lighting allows you to work faster. Yes, sometimes you have to use strobes or LEDs, but if there’s a spot with enough natural light, it’s a great way to get the session off to a fast start. Once you’re both in a groove, you can set up a little supplemental lighting without disrupting the flow.

Share the LCD

Fourth, nail your exposure and white balance in the camera. Yes, shooting RAW gives you lots of flexibility in post-production to overcome shortcomings during the shoot. But for this assignment, it’s important that the pictures look good on the LCD.

Why? Because the number one way to build confidence with your subjects is for them to see a pretty picture early in the shoot to assure them that everything is going well. It’s magic. Once they see that keeper on the camera’s LCD, they will relax and provide even better interactions going forward. Be sure that the picture looks good.

Make Your Photo Subject Comfortable

And finally, be attentive. Is the room temperature comfortable? Would you like a glass of water? Do you need to take a break for a minute? Taking these moments to interact with your subject outside of the camera helps them feel good, even special, but it also gives you a moment to survey details that we sometimes miss in the heat of the action.

Things like stray hairs, labels sticking out, off-center necklaces, and missed buttons can drive you nuts in post production. Taking pauses to interact with your subject, with the camera down, also allows you to look for distractions that you may have otherwise missed.

I know some photographers shy away from portrait work because they don’t want to interact with people. I understand. But I will say this, a successful portrait shoot can be a collaborative experience unlike anything else in photography.

You start out as strangers, find common ground, then together create something beautiful.

The thing I never tell my clients is that I’m just as nervous as they are before the shoot. It’s like any live performance. You prepare, give your best, and hope for success.

And when it goes well, there’s nothing like it.

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Spring in Sedona Photography Workshop

April 16-19, 2024 - TDS photographers return to the greater Sedona, AZ area, but this time during the Spring to view the landscape in a whole new way. We will explore iconic locations, picturesque landscapes, mysterious vortexes, and towns frozen in time from the mining days. What a great way to kick off our 2024 workshop season!

You can learn more and reserve your spot by clicking here. Hope to see you in April!