Thursday's Tip: Don't say, "Say Cheese!"

Hi Everyone!

I'm starting a blog series called "Thursday's Tip," where I discuss small hints and suggestions for improving your photography.  I'll be covering anything from photoshop to composition to camera gear.

*small disclaimer - this will not run EVERY Thursday, but my plan is for this to run one to two times a month*

FYI: I really like alliteration.  

Let's start.

My first tip falls under the umbrella category of:  Engaging Your Subject.

One of the things I try never ever ever to say to my subject is:  "Say CHEESE!" 

This is what I get a majority of the time from my son after saying this:

Not exactly my ideal image.  

While the smile is not offensive and he IS looking at the camera, I feel like it does not truly capture his personality.

Instead, say things you know will get your subject chuckling.  

For this genuine smile, I just said, "Hey!  Hokey Pokey!"

During this time in my son's life - that saying just cracked him up.  RELIABLY.  THIS is what you use when you need a "portrait" of your subject!  Find a saying, a face, a noise, ANYTHING that you know could possibly bring a genuine smile.

I heard of one photographer making animal noises to get her subjects to smile and laugh!  Be creative and know your clients/subject.

SECOND TIP:  Let them do what they want for silly pictures first to get them laughing - and then place them for the more posed portraits.

I took pictures of my son doing this for a while,

which then made him super happy to comply when I asked him to do this really quickly:

 Then, we went back to more pictures of him being silly.

When the portrait session is mixed with fun, the children enjoy themselves more.  Quite frankly, EVERYONE finds it more relaxing and enjoyable!  This, in turn, translates to your images.  

I hope these tips find a way to help you capture better images!  They do not work for every situation, but I think they are a good starting place!

Bises,

La Lume

P.S.  If you enjoyed any of these tips, please share La Lume with your friends on Facebook for the latest tips!  Plus, more blog series to come!  I have 2 months worth of posts planned! :)