Photography 101: Photographing People

Photographing people, especially if you don’t know them well, can be one of the hardest things to do. Some people may not want to have their picture taken. In some cultures, taking someone’s picture is considered to be very bad luck. Your subject might just be very camera-shy. Taking photos of people requires flexibility, patience, and respect. Don’t take pictures of someone who really doesn’t want his or her picture taken. It probably wouldn’t come out well anyway.

You will also likely have to overcome some of your own trepidation when you begin photographing people, but, if done well, these images will be some of the most interesting and rewarding pictures you can take.

 So how do you make sure you get the best photo possible?

1. Get Close. It may make you nervous to get in someone else’s space, and you should probably ask permission before you do so, but you’ll be able to get a much more intimate, interesting photo this way.

2. Don’t Force It. Say cheese! Staged photographs can look cheesy, canned, or just plain boring. Sure, there’s a time and a place for people giving their best megawatt smiles all in a row, but the best photos of people tend to be the ones where they’re being natural (well, as natural as possible with a camera sticking in their face). People often start out quite stiff and nervous when you’re taking pictures of them “in the wild,” as I like to call it. My solution to this is to persist and stick around. After you take a gajillion photos, they will have stopped worrying as much about how they look and what you’re doing.

3. Take Some Time. If you have the luxury of hanging out with a person or group of people for a while, you’ll have more opportunity to get shots while they go throughout their days. This will provide you with some variety, and will give you a chance to take spontaneous, unstaged photos. Keep your camera on you at all times and be ready for any opportunity! Here’s a good tutorial if you want more info.