Create Calm from Chaos
How Good Vibes Make Great Images

What do Cardinal Dolan, Martino Cartier , Linah Sta. Ana have in common? Besides spending time in front of my lens, they all have a captivating presence. When they are turned on, people take notice. I wasn’t blessed with that type of infectious charm, but I do have my own vibe that’s warm, highly attuned and tends to evoke greatly expressive photos. Let’s talk about how to cultivate your own presence to feel more confident working with your subjects–⁠from kids to celebrities–⁠and how to inspire the same in others.

As commercial portrait artists, we’re usually hired to capture joy, although obstacles like tantrums and nerves can make this a challenge. Here’s where our people skills can powerfully turn things around. It’s been shown that our moods are catchy which means we can actually influence people’s emotions around us by projecting positivity. How cool is that? The power of human connection is profound. Below you’ll learn how to foster an optimal environment where people feel their most at ease and playful on set.

Be an observer

I’ve always had a knack for keenly observing people… the way light falls across their face, joys in a spontaneous moment, their certain cadence and sense of style. Maybe it has something to do with my upbringing. I used to spend hours studying light and form at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, my dad an avid artist/art enthusiast. Then a shy, only child, I also grew quite expert at watching from the sidelines! The journey you took into photography may have shared some parallels or followed a completely divergent path, but one thing is for certain–⁠we are paid for our ability to visually communicate and that starts with what you are able to see.

As a professional photographer, you’re already well-versed on how to properly expose an image and when to leverage certain compositional techniques. You control lighting to shape and craft your visual narrative. Challenge yourself further to take in all the little details about your subjects–⁠their clothing, their affect, their body language. What do they do naturally that’s compelling? Could directing them enhance your images? Hone in on what makes them who they are to tell their unique story.

Make a connection

There’s a special sauce to great imagery that often gets overlooked and that’s the connection you have with your subjects. Being in tune with people you photograph makes all the difference and is central to the success of a photo shoot. In attachment theory, psychologists call this attunement. You want to be attuned to the people you are photographing to the degree that they feel they can trust you to be themselves in front of the camera.

Giving your clients a sense of being seen and known is crucial to how they feel on set, which translates into more successful images–⁠and long-lasting professional relationships! Show genuine curiosity and engage openly in conversation. Focus not only your lens but on what they are saying with their facial expressions and tone of voice.

Being able to pick up on people’s verbal and nonverbal cues is a superpower. I’ve used my superpowers to capture sparkle-in-your-eyes smiles in small children, the charisma of well-known personalities and the excitement of celebrations. With a little practice, you can too!

Engage with children

I approach all photo shoots as kind of a dance, but especially those with children. They take on a certain rhythm with music being the flow of emotions and interactions and movement being the activity. I do not get attached to things going a certain way, as kids are unpredictably prone to vacillate between sheer joy and tragic meltdown in a single moment. They, like us visual artists, deeply want to feel noticed!

I like to start by literally getting on their level. I’ll get on one knee and offer a high-five. I ask them for insight on the latest issues plaguing their generation like what their favorite ice cream flavor is. Then we’ll sing out “strawberry ice cream” in place of “cheese” for smiles.

If it’s a lifestyle image, I direct very little, turning my attention to noticing instead. I notice their face, the light, the background, the range of movement and how those all interplay. Kids have so much magic inside that just being there to witness it is often enough to get a spectacular shot. Here’s something else I do with kids–⁠I don’t react unless it’s positive. I also subtly and indirectly try and get the adults to let go too. The quickest way to derail a session with kids is to force a pose for too long or not give them a chance to feel their feels. Keep yourself easy breezy and they almost always come back to play.

Worrier turned warrior

But, Leila, I’m a ball of nerves before every photo shoot. I see you. I’m a recovering worrier. Before a shoot day, I used to stay up late seeking inspiration online and prepping my gear. Education and planning are integral to a successful career in photography so that time spent was productive. I just worry less now with many a shoot behind me to draw upon. With practice and repetition I’ve internalized how to work with my equipment, which poses look and feel natural on camera, and subtler aspects like how long I need to pre light for different setups. I trust my instincts and have grown from both my positive and negative results. More importantly, I’ve learned how much my mindset affects my interactions and in turn influences how well a photo shoot goes. Humans are exceptional at picking up on other people’s emotions, so we need to do our part to show up exuding a balance of warmth and expertise. When both you and your subject are at ease, you can both experiment and play. So do put the time in to honing your craft, then let the worries go and you’ll be poised for connection. Be a warrior of calm, cool and collected and your subjects will trust you and mirror your confidence.

5 tips for good vibes

1. It starts with you

   Find your own calm. Prepare by clearing your plate and getting your needs met before you get on set to be at your more creative. 

2. Greet your clients

   Look up from you cell phone or the lights you are adjusting with your full attention. Give an open-palmed hello or handshake to imbue some trust.

3. Remove barriers

   Sitting behind a camera on a tripod? Stand above/beside the camera for a few shots. This openness allows your clients to see you too, smiling and encouraging connection.

4. Communicate often

   Be conversational and expressive. It’s easy to get caught up with technical aspects and loose sight of the importance of communicating. I share when I’m adjusting lighting, so my clients get that it’s a creative process and can also take a breather.

5. Get closer

   Fix a stray hair or a collar. Gently move their extremities into a better pose or show them how on set. Not only will they appreciate your attention to detail, but that touch and proximity will gain their reassurance, lessening the release of cortisol. Go at their pace. Always ask permission as you’re approaching. If your read tension back off and get back to establishing a rapport.

Shine on set,
Leila