Breaking Down Walls
The image on the facing page is typical of the type I call “moments.” It is from the end of the family’s session. Images like this are only created when the photographer knows how to communicate and connect with people where they are vulnerable. If the walls do not come down, you will never find these little magic moments. The subjects will not feel comfortable and the images will have a rigid feel.
Less Is More
I feel that every session should begin and end on a high note. If the client leaves feeling frustrated, the experience fell short of its potential—even if you have wonderful images. This is one reason why less is more and variety is actually an enemy of creativity. You have to know when to stop. Each session should be full of great memories. If you wear them out with too many poses or background and clothing changes, what reason would they have to return to you in a year or two? You have already done it all. Focus on one type of posing and style with each session—and leave them eager to come back for more.
Take Advantage of the Moment
If I see Dad start to kiss Mom, I see the potential and encourage them by saying, “That looks so awesome! Dad, give her a smooch!” I will take a lot of images as he kisses her on the cheek as the kids relax. I just watch, observe, and see what happens.
Sometimes, those images are useless; other times, they are absolutely magical. But if I didn’t at least try it, I would have done two things. First, I would potentially have lost this great image. Second, I would have missed a chance to enrich the clients’ experience. Clients want their time with me to be a great experience, and part of that is these little moments. If I do not encourage these moments, I have not enriched their experience. This may not be their primary image, but photographs like these are experience builders.
Additional images from the same session.
Camera Settings
This image was photographed with the Hasselblad H4D, a 31-megapixel back, and a 150mm lens. The ISO is always at 100 for my studio portraits.