Portraits have more to offer than any other photographic genre, in my opinion. You have the same lighting, exposure and composition considerations as with other photographic subjects, but on top of all that, you’re dealing with people. Unique, interactive and unpredictable human beings, many of which are incredibly nervous about having their photo taken.
Yes, we portrait photographers also pursue beautiful light, calculate how many more lenses we can justify and dream of the perfect location. But even once the light is right, the location chosen, and the camera set, our job is only just beginning. We also need to place people in that light in a way that flatters them, encourage them to pose and yet look relaxed despite the unnaturalness of the entire endeavour. Then, and only then,…
