26

Poses and Faces

Arranging Group Portraits

When you first pose families, it can be a puzzlement. You will learn to approach your subjects as personalities, and you will enjoy arranging groups to suit your artistic vision. Tammy was delighted with the Woodward family, and the classic poses she selected pleased her clients.

Arranging families may seem tricky at first, but experience develops your instincts.

Faces of the whole group are close, and heads form pyramids that grab your attention. Tammy even made an image that included the family dog.

Arranging families may seem tricky at first, but experience develops your instincts to guide your efforts. You can rely on favorite poses when they suit the subjects.

Expressions

The Woodwards have photogenic smiles that are pleasing to viewers. As you set up poses, try to get an impression of the individual subjects as they chat amongst themselves. A lack of smiles doesn’t always mean lack of interest. Some people are more serious than others. They expect you to capture them looking lovely and cheerful, and when you keep their attention, you will be able to snap a variety of expressions. Tact and conversation can help you develop steady business.

Image

Canon EOS 5D Mark II with 24–105mm lens. Exposure: 1/250 at f/6.3 and ISO 400.

Image

Exposure: 1/400 at f/5.6 and ISO 400.

Image

Exposure: 1/400 at f/4 and ISO 400.

Image

Exposure: 1/400 at f/6.3 and ISO 400. These images were shot on an overcast day. The sun was behind the photographer. On-camera flash, angled off of a bounce card, was used to add soft, flattering light.