Photo Essay: Capturing Strong Emotions
One of the most wonderful things about photography is to be able to capture a time in life and present it to someone as a cherished memory. Cameras are like little magical time machines—they can freeze time even while it is still going and bring back the feelings, emotions and colors of a moment to make them live at any given point later in time.
As a photographer, people usually ask me the type of camera I use or the kind of lenses I carry with me. Some even make inquiries about the software I use for processing: “Did you use Photoshop or Lightroom?” Even though I cannot deny those factors mentioned above influence the final outcome, it is my opinion that it barely covers 30% of the process. To me, the heart and soul of a photograph lies in its composition.
Composition is the harmony within all the elements in a picture. It is not how much or how little details there are, but how well they are placed, and how well they can communicate with the eye of the viewer – a communication that should go beyond the eye and straight to the soul.
There are different rules to achieve a good composition, depending on the subject being photographed. Especially when capturing landscapes, places or urban settings (street photography), there is plenty of information on how to achieve a good photo.
However, when it comes to photographing people, there is one rule that goes above and beyond any existing rule, and one I am an advocate of: the rule of relationship with the subject.
The closer the relationship with the subject, the better the chance to get a wonderful photograph. Now, in this statement, the word relationship does not imply a strong emotional bond, which could also be good, but about how well we know the people we are about to work with.
Knowing your subjects, having a relationship with the subjects, will help you in many ways. Not only will it be easier to direct them, but you will also know their better side and angle, and it will be more comfortable for you to move around them. This photographer-subject relationship offers abundant benefits. Having mutual confidence plays a big role in making them feel more natural and relaxed. By being in control of these aspects, there will be little chance for error. When you know what makes them tick, you can manipulate the moment and bring out the best of them. Strong and natural emotions, and pure facial expressions are the core for dynamic and natural portraits.
Of course, not every photographer will have the luxury of knowing the subject prior to a shoot, and this is why at least a 30 minute ice-breaking chat and a laugh is needed. Understanding your subject, how they talk, look and think are valuable keys for a good photograph. Use the magical power of relationships and human communication to bring out the best of them, and you will be able to give them a timeless memory that will last forever.