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Are You a Photographer or a Director? with Paul Mobley
Posted June 27, 2012 by Santa Fe Photographic Workshops,
Writers Lab
Are you a photographer or a director? If you photograph people you better be BOTH. If there's one question I get asked over and over again it's, "How can I be a better portrait photographer?"
Well, the answer is pretty simple. Polish up your communication skills and talk to your subject!
So many times I see photographers standing behind their camera quietly, just photographing.
Waiting for the subject to do something. This is the biggest mistake you can make. If you don't
want to communicate shoot food, or landscapes. Then you can quietly take your time and relax.
If you want to be a good portrait shooter you have to talk and talk and talk to your subject.
Tell them what you want, show them. BE A DIRECTOR. Here's an example:
In these pictures of Larry the Cable guy, we started slowly, got to know each other. He was waiting for ME to get the thing started. Well, once I got him laughing he loosened up and the shoot went wild. With a guy like him you can get tons of great images. But … your subject has to feel comfortable and like you!
The best portraits come from your heart, and communication with your subject.
Learn more about the art of portraiture, and the art of communication, from Paul:
People of Character: Capturing the Soul of Your Subject
with Paul Mobley
July 29 - August 3, 2012
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