Getting your subject(s) to relax?

[private]

My grandfather made his living from photography and he gave me two bits of advise (That I remember - he died when I was 10). 1. When you photograph people compliment them. No matter what its about. If you cannot think of one, tell them they have a nice voice. 2. Always take a shower after you have a bath.

He also had a pretty thick accent so he used to make me laugh when he pronounced words "wrong"

Thanks for the question, it made me think of my grandfather and I have not thought about him in YEARS. I am now 40...

[joefish]

When shooting portraits or other types of posed shots, I always set the camera on drive mode. When someone "fake smiles", there's often a split second afterwards where they begin to relax, because they think the photo has already been taken (and the first one has). But in this split second, the smile isn't completely gone from their face. Capturing this moment often produces something worthwhile of keeping.

I'll also second the comment for getting a remote shutter release. I haven't got one myself yet, but when I've used them I've found them to help a lot. You can take photos without people realising it, and so they're more relaxed.

[kerrberr]

I photograph kids a lot, and I read somewhere to give them something to play with. It helps them relax, and most kids will show you (or mom right behind you) what they found a dozen times, often with an awed look on their face that makes a nice shot. I think the same thing might work with adults, too, if you can show them something interesting enough to get their attention off of you taking their picture.

I find group shots the hardest to get natural smiles, but in my family there's always someone I can count on to become the "clown" & make everyone laugh at them, which really helps.

[embrownny]

One of the things I do to get my subjects to relax is to engage them in conversation, especially before I start shooting. While I'm setting up my lights I'll get them talking about themselves and things they enjoy. When are talking about things they like, you nature smiles and facial expressions. I set the camera to continuous shoot mode fire off a lot of shoots in rapid succession. This way I'm certain to get a wide range of expressions that allow the subject's true personality to show. This especially works with children. I get them talking about their favorite toy or their trip to Disney/the park/or wherever.

Another thing I've found that works wonders is music. Putting on their favorite type of music gets people to loosen up also.

[Pasq]

Originally Posted by patjesten

My grandfather made his living from photography and he gave me two bits of advise (That I remember - he died when I was 10). 1. When you photograph people compliment them. No matter what its about. If you cannot think of one, tell them they have a nice voice. 2. Always take a shower after you have a bath.

He also had a pretty thick accent so he used to make me laugh when he pronounced words "wrong"

Thanks for the question, it made me think of my grandfather and I have not thought about him in YEARS. I am now 40...

he sounds like a great man, Pat.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by KimberleyPhotography

my mom has her 'camera' smile.

How do you invoke reactions/emotions from the subjects your shooting?

lololoollolol exact same thing with my dad.. cant handle it ! ! ! !

what I do.. get to know them a little, or say really stupid things instead of "cheese".. its a bit cheesy

compliments help!!

when i'm shooting my wife.. i tell her how gorgoeus she is and make her embarassed a little

with my son (4) i say Poo-Poo ! and he laughs.. my middle son i make funy faces or doe "Peeka-boo" from behind the camera

[private]

I LOVE the tip about saying poo-poo. My son is 5 and anytime he hears "potty talk" he cracks up. And it isthe same way with his friends... Again, great idea!

[candleman]

d'oh.. didnt see it was posted

i also sa "cheesecake!" or "Money" instead of cheese.. its just dumb

[cmc1121]

I believe it is really important to get the subject to feel comfortable around you. Sometimes finding common interests with them or telling a funny joke works.

[albasphoto]

It really depends on the subject/client, but an important aspect of it is to "read" your subjects and try to find some topic that they're actually passionate about. Key point is to keep them engaged through casual conversation. They will undoubtedly ease up a bit if they're talking about something they're passionate about. It's almost impossible to feel tense when you're talking passionately. Another thing that usually works is to have them say "Salami" instead of Cheese. Why? Because you can't help but smile when you say Salami. Has worked every time so far. Of course following it up with jokes after the 2nd or 3rd "Salami" is also important. I usually follow up with: "Ok, stop it, you're making me hungry now". ---Hasn't failed me yet.