headshots in dc for actors and models

portrait photography is not simply sitting a person in front of a camera and shooting a few pictures hoping to get something unique. traditionally, photographers would almost rigidly sit the subject to achieve the perfect pose. early days portrait photographers used medium format film and slow camera speeds. so, they would take care of every detail to make sure they capture the right image the first time. the subject needed to sit still for the duration of the exposure.

with the introduction of 35mm film, fast aperture and sync flash, photographers didn’t have to conform to those rigid posing techniques. though there are times when people are immobile, constrained poses may look fake to a modern viewer. it’s also important to make people feel comfortable. pointing a camera at somebody and shooting pictures is an intrusive activity and can be intimidating to someone who’s not used to it or is shy by nature.

when a client walks into my studio, I try to talk to them in a relaxed and friendly way to help them ease into their comfort zone. a great part of my job in the studio is actually talking to people. I will try different forms of engagement by getting them involved with some little tasks that get them curious and less tense. I take a few pictures while still talking in a deliberate diversion tactic. if I can make the client laugh, then the real fun begin. at least I manage to make them smile. when the client is relaxed, they’re gonna reveal their real persona and I’m gonna take the very best pictures.

mood is key in taking portraits. the only way you can create mood is through lighting. lighting helps the photographer project a very subjective perception of a person. many photographers have different approaches to portrait lighting but the objective should be to enhance a mood or modify it.  I shoot a few random pictures and give the client the camera so that they see themselves. while they’re looking at the pictures, I observe the expressions on their faces.  when you hear ‘I like this one!’ you know it’s a milestone. excitement starts to build up. pretty soon they start having fun like a kid at a beach party. I check the picture number and make a mental note of it. I give some suggestions, take more pictures. they loosen up enough for me to focus on gestures, mood, lighting adjustment to get the very best of their personality to show.

once they start seeing pictures that they like, anxiety starts wearing off. they look forward to more great pictures. they feel comfortable enough to suggest certain poses that they wouldn’t try at the beginning of the session. the shoot proceeds at a frantic pace. some clients who came in, expecting to be posed with strict directions are in for  a shock. I tell them that I don’t pose clients like a painter. a photographer can freeze motion in a split of a second. I  let clients move as freely as space constraints allow and also within the range of the lighting setup. one hour goes very fast but nobody’s minding the time that much. it’s very easy to get carried away but time is time and you got to be aware of it.

‘do you know how many pictures we took?’ – ‘I have no idea!’. easily over 200 shots have been fired. I exchange details as to when to expect the files for clients to make their selections and also deal with the business part of the deal. when I see them off, you can feel that they’ve had great fun and most of them share that feeling with you.