I don't generally shoot portraits, but when on the few occaisions I've shot family portraits, I've found that many adults respond to the same silly sort of humor that kids do. I also like to tell people to "look serious" or "don't smile". If they're serious type people, then it'll have the effect of letting them feel like they can be themselves without having to smile for the camera. Shoot them in this more natural state. If you can tell though that they're like most people, tell them to look serious, but don't shoot while they're looking serious. The anticipation of waiting for a flash while holding a serious face often causes people to start laughing. Once this happens shoot away.
|