There's something about being behind the camera that makes you see the world in a different way. The people we meet and the expressions captured is what makes this art form so loved and adored. But being in front of the lens is a whole other ball game. For some reason when we switch from being the observer to the observed something shifts in our minds and we tend to act differently. Models use the "look" and the inexperienced generally freeze up. That's why it's so important to be more than just a technical photographer. The best photographers bring out and capture something that is hidden and in that instant, it's revealed. So how do you do it? What makes people open up in such a way in front of the camera? To make it simple.... it's all about you.
Getting to Know People
One thing I've discovered in my photographic journey is that the business of photography is fundamentally about understanding people. Unless your a landscape or wildlife photographer then this doesn't apply but to all the others out there, it's one of the most precious pieces of wisdom you'll find about the art. The face alone can express hundreds of emotions and stories just with the movement of an eye or tightness of the lip. The amount of change is subtle but is still so vast in all its expressions.
One of the best exercises I've had in understanding people is by practicing street photography. There's just something you tune into when your on the street and looking for that shot that makes it quite zen like. If your thinking about something else while prowling the streets then your bound to miss that moment only calm awareness can capture. Of course street photography is a whole branch on its own but it can be a great tool to build your skills in understanding humans in a passive manner. Plus it can be rather scary as well since it will test your comfort zones when meeting complete "strangers".
http://peterhurley.com/ Peter Hurley's Workshops http://ph2pro.com/workshops In this second episode of our new series Prospectives, much sought after headshot photographer Peter Hurley explains his approach to taking a headshot. From the tools he uses to creating rapport with your client, Peter demonstrates the different elements that will take one's photography to the next level.