Photographing people is both an art and a science. It requires not only technical proficiency with your camera but also a deep understanding of human nature. This post aims to encapsulate some of my insights from working with portrait photography for over 10 years that might help you elevate your portraiture work.

Connect Before You Click

There’s a huge importance in establishing a connection with your subjects before you even pick up the camera. Engage in conversation, show genuine interest in their lives, and create a comfortable environment. This rapport will not only help your subjects feel at ease, but it will also allow their true selves to shine through in the photographs.

Match Their Energy

Every person brings a unique energy to the photography session. Some may be shy and reserved, others bold and dynamic. Photographers should match the energy level of their subjects. If they're high energy, be enthusiastic and vibrant in your interactions. If they're more low-key, adopt a more calm and patient demeanor. By mirroring their energy, you can better understand their perspective and capture more authentic expressions.

Guide, Don’t Dictate

Directing your subjects is essential in portraiture, but it’s just as important to avoid dictating their every move. Allow them to be themselves, to move naturally, and to express their personality. Provide gentle guidance and suggestions rather than rigid instructions. This balance allows for spontaneous moments to occur, which often make the most compelling images.

Master Your Craft

Even as you focus on the human side of photography, don't forget the technical aspect. It is important to really master your craft. Know your camera inside out, understand how light affects your images, and keep refining your post-processing skills. This technical mastery will give you the freedom to focus on the human connection during shoots, knowing that you can rely on your skills to capture the best possible images.

Tell Their Story

Every person has a story. As a photographer, your job is to tell that story through your images. Watson encourages photographers to delve into the backgrounds, hopes, dreams, and fears of their subjects. This understanding will guide your photography and help you create images that truly reflect the person in front of the lens.

Photography, at its core, is about capturing the essence of a moment, a person, or a story. By connecting with your subjects, matching their energy, guiding rather than dictating, mastering your craft, and aiming to tell their story, you can create portraits that are not just visually beautiful, but emotionally resonant as well. It's about creating a visual biography - an image that speaks volumes about the person it depicts.