Don't judge me for the expressions I make behind the camera...
The work of a lifestyle portrait photographer is involved and hectic.
They make a lot of quick decisions in the blink of an eye.
In the past, several colleagues and clients have commented after the session that during our time working to produce the photos, I make some “interesting” facial expressions.
Namely, I look like I’m possessed and from another planet.
Rather than take offense, I see it as a badge of honor, :)
You see, that expression isn’t inspired by being annoyed, impatient or angry. It’s actually quite the opposite.
It reminds me that I was truly working in a flow state when wheeling and dealing behind the camera :)
And for good reason.
There’s a LOT of quick yet important decisions that go into creating the most flattering and persuasive photos for those I serve.
And they’re all happening at once.
If you have a better understanding of what’s going on in my mind as I’m snapping away, then you’ll realize why the, for the lack of a better word, scowl, is on my face when conducting a client session.
So here’s a few of the thoughts that are pin-balling back and forth in my mind:
Should I shoot at eye level, or do I sit on the floor, shoot low and give them more presence in the frame?
Is this a wide shot, or am I changing lenses, getting up close and revealing the detail of the moment?
What’s the focal point of this photo? The person’s face, hands, eyes, or the activity in which they’re engaged in the frame?
The subject’s outfit - is everything neat and sitting comfortably on them or is something out of place?
The subject’s hair and makeup - is everything looking good and in place or does the makeup artist need to step in for some last minute adjustments.
Distracting outside elements - are there people walking in and out of the frame? And if so, how can I hide them from what the camera sees?
What is the sentiment of this photo? Where does it fall on the emotional spectrum?
Once that’s determined, is the lighting positioned in a way to accentuate that sentiment? If not, how can I change it in a way that’s the fastest solution while working in space?
Once I move the lighting, does this create other issues in the frame, such as a bad lighting reflection in a mirror or window?
And once all of those pieces are in place, then it’s time to focus on the client - namely, how do I direct them to help capture the intended sentiment of the shot through their facial expression and body language?
One shot is not enough, so how can I build on that one photo with all of the same variables in place to capture more variety from this scenario?
Once that’s complete, then it’s time to move myself, find another angle at which to shoot and run through the exact same thoughts again.
Rinse and repeat this same process through multiple outfit, location, and activity changes in front of the camera for hours.
No wonder why the client and I are ready for a nap after a session, :)
Every scenario captured in front of the camera presents itself with a set of unique and prominent challenges, some that vary from second to second.
But, selfishly, it’s the rapid decision making that makes it worth the effort, :)
So when you see your photographer during your next portrait session moving and shaking behind the camera before they snap a shot, stay in the moment and cut them some slack.
They’ve got a lot on their minds at the moment, :)
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