Taking photos of people can be awkward. Usually, it’s because — even if your photo subject is a good friend — they simply don’t know what to do when you point a camera at them.
This is totally normal! As photographers, it’s our job to help people feel at ease, and give them some direction.
Not sure what to do? Grab a friend, head to a café, library, or their kitchen table. Then, hand them a phone, tablet, or laptop, and tell them to pretend to talk, surf, Skype, take photos, or work.
We’re all on our devices so often these days, that it comes naturally… AND it’s a much-needed stock photo subject, too. Works like a charm.
Take a look at a few recent photos I took that are now selling on Shutterstock:
As you can see, this works with groups of people, too.
Really, the trick with taking any “lifestyle” images of people – that is, photos in which people look like they’re out “living their lives” – is to get them to DO something. Grab a friend who likes to bike, hike, or walk their dog. Head out with a friend for happy hour and taste wine… take a cooking class and photograph the knife skills and sautéing… there’s so much you can do.
This month’s Summer Sprints Challenge theme is Connectivity! Premium members: Submit your 2nd photo for this Sprint by July 27 to get a review!
[Editor’s Note: Learn more about getting started selling your photos online in stock agencies – no matter how much or little photography experience you have – in the Breakfast Stock Club e-newsletter. It’s once a week, and it’s free to join, here.]