When you hire a photographer you want some nice photos. But it should also be a fun experience. Some people love being in front of the camera but not everyone is comfortable getting their photo taken. But almost everyone likes to share a laugh.
Laughing and having fun is a good way for people to relax in front of the camera.
Next time you are at the grocery store watch how people stand, watch where they put their hands, and how they smile when they are talking to someone. This gives you a good idea of what people look like when they are not posing.
The couple in these photos was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They both were a pleasure to work with and each had a great smile. But if I had said “OK, let's get started now, I want you both to look natural and smile” the result would have been bad. That is a perfect way to put them on the spot and to make them awkward. They would not know where to put their hands? Or how to stand? Do they face the camera or they look away?
I give clients some simple instructions on how to stand and where to look but I rarely say “smile”. Instead I get them laughing. This breaks the ice. It is almost impossible to be serious and self conscious and have fun at the same time. It is when they are laughing that they forget they are in front of the camera.
All the while I am continually shooting. Every so often I will interrupt them and ask them to look this way or that way, or change position. I ask them to pose in a way that I think works.
So is this posing? I guess that depends on your definition of posing. I set the stage for a nice photo and then I see what happens.
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