Comments on: Get Silly for Serious Lifestyle Images

By: Kartik

Kartik — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:39:59 +0000

Wonderful article, one of the most interesting things I’ve read recently. I remember trying this a couple of times on my subjects but yes, its definitely worth it to try this on many more occasions.

Here’s what I shot during Halloween. All I said was “You scared me here”…and got my shot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djkj/5164248982/lightbox/

By: Lorene Lavora

Lorene Lavora — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:22:08 +0000

I have to shoot a lot of group shots for work and one of my favorite quips to get people to loosen up is “This is looking like a police lineup!” Works every time!

By: Kenneth Hoffman

Kenneth Hoffman — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:17:00 +0000

All your tips are well taken. Portrait subjects, like all people, have to get past that point in their mind that they look good to the world before they can feel comfortable and be themselves. To this end i concentrate on telling them how great they look and how the colors they chose are complimentary. Then by conversation I try to discover what they are really interested in and let them expound a little on their interests. Teens like to see their peers in trouble for great expressions. Young children like to see me in trouble so get your finger stuck or drop something on your toe and they will forget where they are. I have many more tricks on my web site.

By: Abdulwahab Alhajji

Abdulwahab Alhajji — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:10:13 +0000

beautiful advice and photos , thanks a lot =)

By: Megan DiPiero

Megan DiPiero — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:18:03 +0000

When I’m shooting couples I like to say very dramatically: “Now look at each other with eyes of love.” Either they do and I get a great picture, or they don’t and burst out laughing while I snap great pictures. Win-win line that works every time.

By: Bill Kauffman

Bill Kauffman — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:02:52 +0000

I photograph a lot of men, and you want to talk about uneasy subjects, wow, this is the challenge of my life. In the studio, I pull out a pink Boa, the first reaction is “what, with big eyes”, then the laughter starts, and usually last for a while, I even take a few shots with the Boa drapped around the shoulder, after that every thing is great fun, including a few snickers now and then,

By: Don Ebberts

Don Ebberts — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:11:29 +0000

My wife was having trouble getting my kids to smile for a photo. They were about 10 & 12 at the time. She tried getting them to say “Cheese” and all kinds of other things and it just didn’t work. Finally she was so exasperated she told them to say “Shit!”. They cracked up and gave her some great smiles. Obviously, we have to be careful who we do that around but they are 29 & 27 now and we still us that little trick in our family to get good smiles.

By: Luis Alvarez

Luis Alvarez — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:18:09 +0000

Good post, this is a big topic. I would like to add two things which work well for me. Usually, when starting the photosession, I always start with the pictures where the model is holding something in his/her hands. That really makes start up easy and gives content for conversation or jokes.
My second trick is music. I always ask the model about their favorite music. That really helps put the right vibe and make it easier to speak calmly, make jokes and dance around a little.

By: irene jones

irene jones — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:28:54 +0000

I agree with previous comments, getting emotion is about your rapport with the subject. I shoot a lot of weddings, high school seniors, and families. Each is a little different. For wedding parties I’ve found that if I give them a chance to be silly also they loosen up and I get better smiles from the whole group. On top of being a comedians you need to be a physiologist too, since having the ability to read people quickly is essential. Not everyone has the same sense of humor, you have to be able to make a connection quickly and build from there. Like any good comedian, you need to know your audience.

http://ijphoto.net/portfolios/wedding/portraits#19

Here’s some of my wedding portraits. I think there is a good amount of real emotion, or at least that’s what my customers tell me!

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:57:25 +0000

Super article! I just recently found myself in an uncomfortable spot while out shooting my very first set of engagement photos. The groom to be lost his smile not even halfway through and my already fragile confidence just shattered. I was able to regroup a bit but these tips would have been awesome to have top of mind.