Expression in a session, for that extra boost

Monday 2 November 2020, 20:10 by Frank Doorhof | 5,874 views | 2 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

We all know the saying that photography is painting with light. But does that mean light is the most important thing in a photo? No, of course not. There is much more to a photo than just the light.

In this series, I will cover different topics that, in my opinion, have just as much, or even more, value for a photo than just the light.

Let me say first that lighting your model or subject can make or break a photo.

But far too often I see really great lighting and locations being completely ruined by the wrong poses, expressions that are missing, and so on. Hence this series, alongside the series about light, of course.

Let's start by looking at expression.

If you have ever photographed an actor, you will immediately know what I mean. For an actor, it is often important to create a portfolio sheet with different expressions, from surprised to angry to in love.

So why shouldn't we do the same in our model photography?
Take the following examples.

Scream

Of course, you can go completely over the top and let your model 'scream it out'. This definitely creates great images that will stand out, but unless you want to be known as the photographer whose models all scream... you should certainly not do this too often.

Looking somewhere

For me, photos are not just beautiful images, they should also tell a story. Convey something, so to speak. But how do you do that with still images?

Well... have the model look in a particular direction. This suggests that something is happening outside the frame. As the viewer, you ask yourself: where? What?

And there you have achieved your goal. You wonder 'what', and that immediately brings more of a story into your photo than just an attractive woman, or man, in front of a background.

Looking straight into the camera

I'm not a fan of it in every situation, but of course nothing is stopping you. Looking straight into the camera captures the essence of a model or character. For photos that really touch you, this is often the best method.

And yet I say I'm not a fan of it in every situation? That's right. The downside of a photo where someone looks straight at you is that, if you hang it up in a room, the person in the photo literally and figuratively follows and looks at you all the time. Not my thing.

As you can see, expression is not difficult, but it is often forgotten.

Create a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day/shoot and make sure you communicate well with your subject. Loud music is absolutely fine, but make sure he or she really lets go. That often does not happen straight away during the first set.

Just shoot the first set calmly, take the pressure off and assume that you will get little out of it. Try to work a little with expression.

If it does not work, do not be afraid to ease off for a moment and see how well the model can deal with her expression. Often there is also a bit of fear about the photoshoot.

It is scary to stand in front of a camera, with a photographer looking at you and expecting you to perform, and then you also have to produce an expression... Yes, try doing it yourself.

Build it up slowly and do not push anything. That way, you will really notice that at some point during the second or third set, the expression comes naturally. Then your photos really come to life.

Good luck!

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About the author

Frank Doorhof blogt dagelijks in het Engels op zijn website en geeft wekelijks workshops model fotografie in zijn studio in Emmeloord, maar ook op locatie in binnen en buitenland. Van beginners tot gevorderde, iedereen kan bij Frank terecht. Ook voor specifieke 1 op 1 workshops, of maatwerk voor groepen.

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2 comments

martinphili wrote on Monday 2 November 2020 at 22:00 | reply
Well, it's true. I've done a lot of pin-up and without that oops expression it just doesn't work. The model makes the photo.
Translated from Dutch.

frank doorhof wrote on Tuesday 3 November 2020 at 07:21 | reply
Totally pin-up indeed. Look at Dita for example. Nothing but expression.
Translated from Dutch.

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