There are quite some challenges when taking photos “Smiler-style”. One of the biggest is posing your subjects. During a traditional photoshoot, you have the time to follow your subjects, take tons of photos and capture them naturally. With Smiler, you have 1-5 minutes per session and 10-15 shots. On top, of those factors, your subjects didn’t start their day with a photoshoot on their agenda - so they can be a bit awkward at first.
Rest assured these challenges can be overcome! Use these tips to get awesome shots every time.
Chat it up
Help your subjects relax by telling them the game plan, where you’ll have them stand & how long the shoot will take.
Direct them on how to position their bodies.
Tell them where to direct their gaze.
Ask them questions, particularly ones that will loosen them up.
Direct their gaze
You can avoid the oh-so-awful "deer in the headlights" photo by directing your subject's gaze. Have them look at the camera, behind your shoulder, down or two their side.
Encourage movement
Direct your subjects to move around! That will help them loosen up. Have them dance, jump, walk toward the camera, or walk away from the camera.
Encourage interaction
Have your subjects kiss, hold hands, look at each other, and laugh together. This will help you capture authentic moments between them.
Get down on their level
When photographing kids crouch down and ask them to interact with their environment or a family member.
Make a shot list
With experience, you'll find which poses work best for single, couples, and family portraits. We recommend choosing 5 poses for each audience and using them every time. Like this shot list for
couples:
Couple looking at each other.
Couple kissing.
Couple walking towards the camera.
Couple walking away from the camera.
Couple dances together.