Connecting with subjects

[kminov]

Im sure there are great portrait photographers here. How do you work your subjects, how do you make them pull out emotions for the camera? Also, is it me, or the larger a camera is, the stiffer people get? I shoot a RZ and its definitely not something you'd miss.

 

[fotch]

I don't think camera size matters. Your ability to connect with the subject, getting their thoughts on other things besides getting the photo taken, does. JMHO

 

[BrianShaw]

Some people are more difficult to "connect with" than others. Size of camera and knowing them well doesn't necessarily make it any easier. I find it is a careful balance of giving good direction and 'going with the flow'. One of my best portraits was with a 4x50when the 10 year old subject said, "but it feels better this way". I almost said "but that's not the look I'm after" but luckily - said, "OK, let's try that"

 

[vdonovan]

I find that giving people strong direction helps them relax. Anyone sitting for a portrait is worried about how they will look. Unless the subject is a pro model, they don't know how to sit, where to put their hands, etc, so they are worried about all these things. If you can make them feel like you are looking out for them, that you know what to do to make them look good, they relax a little.

That said, I agree with BrianShaw above. Some of the best moments just happen when you both have your guards down. Create the feeling that this portrait is something you are doing together.

I shoot portraits with a Bronica (similar to the RZ) as well as 4x5 and 8x10. Each has its challenges, but as the other posters have said, it's all about connecting. Large format is a pain because there is such a long lag between focussing and actually taking the shot, but I find that people love sitting in front of a big view camera, they feel like something special is going on.

 

[Cheryl Jacobs]

I shoot with a Bronica SQ-Ai and I teach workshops specifically on connecting with subjects. There are many different ways to work, but you have to be sure your approach matches your goal. For me, the portrait is very secondary to my goal of making people feel appreciated and understood. That is what it's all about for me. I'm constantly telling people my mantra: "A great portrait is a side effect of a strong human connection." Therefore, my style is very quiet and conversational most of the time, and I steer it the session with conversation and tone of voice.

A topic I can (and do) talk about for days on end.