THE PHOTO ARGUS : PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY ADVICE
Mandy Mohler
Recently, the blog The Photo Argus reached out to me and asked if I'd be interested in contributing to their article 15 Professional Photographers Share Their Portrait Photography Advice . I was happy to oblige!
“My favorite portrait inspiration is that of old daguerreotypes and tin types. Because subjects were required to sit for very long durations, they had to hold a very real and relaxed pose. It’s nearly impossible to hold a genuine smile for one of those. I love the haunting expressions those types of images produce. Its as if you can see into the souls of the subjects being photographed.
To create a similar expression, I chat up my client for a bit- so they get to know me and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. I then let them know that I plan to work slowly- and just ask them to hold an expression that I’ve coached them into. I often say : “Look through my lens as if you work looking at yourself in the mirror.” This usually results in a natural “Mona Lisa Smile” that I love.”
Please leave a comment about your favorite portrait style and which photographers or painters inspire you!