Making better portraits - Part 7 - Photographing relationships

Top: Charles and me at Sedona    Kathryn and Murphy     Charles and me on the USS Texas
Bottom:  Howard and Lori and their dog, Winston     Kathryn and Leanne and Me in Hawaii

What could be more important in your life than the relationships you have with the people and pets you love and who love you in return?  Although portrait photography is about photographing the likes of a person or even who they are, a very important part of it should be about the relationships between loved ones.

The photography itself can be done wherever, although I suggest it be done at a place that has some meaning.  Photo studios with white backgrounds certainly work, but if you want familiar surroundings that have meaning, location makes a difference.  Don't forget to include all the various tips and tricks mentioned in the previous blogs on portraits.  Fill flash, depth of field, focal length, and so on all add to the shot.

If you are going to be in the photo, don't forget a tripod.  Although you can get a volunteer to take the photo, it makes a lot of difference if the camera is set up the way you want it.  A self timer will be present, but sometimes you can use gestures or words to activate the shutter (cell phones have this) or can set the camera up to take numerous shots in a row with a time interval in between.  There are also remote devices that operate through Bluetooth or infrared.

Pay attention to body language.  What are the hands doing?  How are the heads positioned?  What kind of space is there between individuals?  As the photographer, you are expected to have a say over how people should position themselves.  Don't be afraid to be in control.  Find creative ways to organize people, use props and the environment to enhance the photos.

I have photographed numerous weddings and have always been highly involved in coordinating the shooting.  Wedding prep, rehearsals, receptions, and all the mingling that goes on during the day, I am looking for opportunities to photograph relationships.  Be creative, have fun, and capture those moments that people will love forever.

A favourite photo of mine - the love between a mother and daughter on the day of her wedding.

Thanks for reading.
 
Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


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