How many times have you heard, 'don't take photos of me I look awful!' This is a very common problem with the fact that as a rule adults really don't like to be photographed. It is a fair cop because they are probably not as good looking as they might have been in years gone by! So how does one get through this barrier with the average adult?
1. Shoot a little higher than eye level. This is an old Hollywood trick if you shoot from a slightly higher angle that usual then the subject will be lifting their head a little and the angle is more flattering. It is also good to raise any lights a little too because it will cast a shadow under the subject and in turn reduce the effect of any double chin they might have. It is great it the subject is looking up as well because their eyes a fully open and engaged.
2. Light soft. What I mean about soft is to use reflected or diffused light. I very often point a light into a corner of a room and this gives me the same as 3 soft lights at different angles. Providing the reflective surface is white this works really well. If shooting outside I would almost certainly use a diffuser on my flash head as well. Soft light is flattering to anyone if used well, I would recommend experimenting with soft light to get an effect that suits your style and stick with it.
3. Hands. I love to use hands in adult portraits. Hands are a part of our body that we use all the time and they are always active. To include them in an image follow the rule that they need to be holding something, supporting something or pointed horizontal or upright. If you see the subject's hands in this way it will liven up your portraits and they will seem more alive.
4. Pose forward. Used sensitively this will transform an image of someone from a slouching slob to a dynamic go-getter. By this I mean I was once charged to photograph the chairman of the large company. This guy was a very successful man and certainly a mover and shaker in the world of law. However he was also a large gentleman. To photograph him sitting down in a chair would have crumpled him up and made him seem large. In contrast I perched him on the corner of his desk slightly side on looking back to the camera. Using the same principle it is easy to get someone to lean forward onto something and shoot from the side.
5. Don't take too long. Adults are not really much better than children in this area, we always want to move onto the next thing and we do not like to wait around. Be ready and do not take too long. The best shots will be the early ones and the longer you go on the more tired the subject will get on the proceedings. I would advise anyone that is photographing adults to make every image count because it could be the last!
The photography of adults is rewarding because if you can get people to feel good about themselves they will build your business and reputation for you. Remember people want a likeness of themselves not a reality. Make them slim, young and dynamic and you will be taking really great looking adult's photographs in no time. Go on have a god you never know until you try. by chris bamber
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