How to Capture Personality in Your Portraits?
Personality Portraits are one of my favorite styles of photography. I call it Personality Portraits because the goal is to capture a person's personality. Most people report that they are not photogenic and hate to get in front of a camera. I personally have never met a non-photogenic person. Everyone possesses beauty in them. The beauty usually stems from their heart and is translated into their smile or shines out from their eyes. It is the photographer's job to make a person feel as comfortable as possible and to build trust. Once trust is established, the person relaxes and you get a true photo of their personality.
My Process.
In a Personality Portrait, I give people instructions prior to coming to the shoot. A personality photoshoot is much different than just a headshot. It is an experience where we play, have fun and get creative together. It is a collaborative process.
My close girlfriend, Julie, and I went to a really old rusted out barn in Virginia Beach to get some fun shots. Together we used the light of the day, textures of the rusted out walls, props of the tractor, etc. to get some really great shots. It was a magical time that I still cherish today. A couple of years later, I drove by the same barn area and it was flat, dirty with zero personality. Our energy together brought out the magic shown in these photos. Here are some photos from that magical day.
Outfits.
I tell people to bring their favorite outfits that they feel amazing in, hats, jewelry, signs or props that they identify with. Whatever resonates with them? Usually solid colors work better than prints. Prints tend to make a person look a little wider or thicker in pictures. A print with a jacket over it can look good and creates a pop of excitement or color.
This client, Shari A. Hembree, had a goal of using these photos to promote her upcoming book. She wanted lots of space to the right or left of her in the photograph so she can write inspirational quotes in the photograph. Sherri wanted to dress up like a mermaid in one of her photos and be near water. Shari is extremely photogenic and had numerous playful outfits she changed into. We had a blast “playing” and creating hundreds of photographs to use for her inspirational messages that she will be producing on her social media sites as she starts putting her book out to the public.
Makeup.
A little heavier makeup for a photo shoot is a good idea. Foundation that covers any blemishes or achieves smooth skin. A little more mascara for longer eye lashes to define eyes. Definitely lipstick adds to the final photo.
Dana turned up the heat a little with this hot red lipstick and matching red shoes.
Late Morning vs Evening?
If we photograph in the evening, sometimes the stress of the day can show up on someone’s face? Make sure you are rested (subject and photographer).
Purpose.
I ask people what the purpose of the photo shoot is so that we can achieve their goal. Will the photos be used for a dating site and we want it to be a little sexier? Is it for your LinkedIn site, then we need to make it a professional business shot closeup for the portrait. Is it a gift going to a parent or loved one in a frame? What is the reason behind having the photoshoot? Once we establish that goal, we zero in on it.
Emotion.
A question I ask is what emotion do you want to portray in the photograph – professional, approachable, happy, sexy, dramatic, etc. Again, once I know the intended outcome, we can achieve that look.
This natural beauty, Dana, treated herself to a Personality Portrait to celebrate her milestone birthday. She wanted to capture the moment in time with pictures. We took photos in natural lighting and in the studio. She brought her favorite outfits and matching jewelry. She even had her make-up professionally applied by Natalie Simón prior to the shoot.
Studio or Natural Light?
Most people feel strongly about their favorite style of photography. Do they prefer studio lighting in a professional setting or do they like the natural light outdoors that is a little softer working with nature as the backdrop? In a personality shoot, I tend to use both mediums.
Studio photography is very forgiving and gives you a perfect professional shot for business. This is Robert who is a Therapist in Tampa Bay and needed a professional looking headshot for his business. He got a more causal headshot for other uses too.
Carla Gilmore owns her business, Love Alkaline Living and looks stunning in this cobalt blue. Her gorgeous blue eyes pop!
Natural light is your friend. Find a cool background that pops your subject. This exotic beauty is Casey photographed in Virginia Beach. You can find her somewhere in the Caribbean waters as Captain of a boat.
Once again, nature wins out! This is my hot husband John in Hope Town Bahamas.
Location.
Ask your subject where they would like to be photographed? Is there a location in mind? This is important in case someone has an intention so you meet their expectations.
Work with nature.
If there is a curve in a tree, hug the curve to make an interesting photograph? Shari is from Texas and feels very natural in nature. You can tell! Put on a hat, throw on some tight jeans and boots and there is a perfect fit in the curve of this tree.
Elari is a stunning creature peaking around a tree in nature. Her green eyes really shine against the green in the tree.
With the sun setting, Janet looks natural, comfortable and the camera LOVES her.
Catch people doing what they love to do! Here’s Jeff Smith of Hooked Marketing fishing in the local waters of Clearwater Florida. No surprise here. Hooked Marketing is his business name, a son named Finn and a dog named Tackle. Do you think his passion is fishing? He is using this photo as his head shot.
Hats.
Some people just look amazing in hats. Make sure they bring their favorite hat(s) and catch them looking incredible in them. Both Misty and Casey look amazing rocking their hats. Hats create instant swag!
Props.
Lisa Rivers uses crystals in her work as a Psychic with her business Angelic Answers. She felt right at home holding this wand and her pictures went from good to great holding this selenite wand.
This princess, Rebekah Zendzian of Pawz Publishing, wrote a children’s book and reads the story to children at birthday parties.
Mirrors and Reflections.
Mirrors can create a really fun double image of someone. Try angles, different sides, etc. Dana continues to look amazing for her special birthday.
Use Interesting Nooks and Features of a Home.
Look around the property that you are photographing to create special moments.
Tatoos
I LOVE photographing people with tatoos. I’m probably the last person on the face of the earth without a tatoo but I’m intrigued by tatoos and love to photograph them.
This talented singer, dancer and model, Zai Gyros (Bella), has a personal tatoo of the “;” which has a deep emotional meaning and keeps her moving and helping people in the community.
This is Casey’s gorgeous body with her own artwork as her tatoo. The second photo of a random person at a festival in Virginia Beach. I asked him if he was okay if I photographed him. He said yes. I love self expression.
Use Your Six Senses
I let the camera be an extension of my six senses. Just let go of the “perfection” aspect and play until you get the results you want. Enjoy the process and find joy showing people their beauty.
Contact
Linda Simon Studio is a full-service marketing and design firm specializing in marketing strategy, identity brand design, website design, SEO, content writing, collateral, point of sale design, and photography. Linda Simon Studio was founded by Linda Simón in 1996 and is based in beautiful Palm Harbor, Florida just north of Clearwater & Tampa Bay. Schedule your Personality Portrait today. Call Linda at 757-430-9008 or email linda@lindasimonstudio.com.
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