In every session, the camera must disappear.

There are two people in every portrait: the subject and the photographer. There must be a connection between the those two people.

Portraits Should Be Authentic

Look at a portrait and discern if it's authentic or not. It's easy to see if someone is being fake. Often, you can 'feel' what the person is thinking. Hopefully, it's never:

• "I'm posing for a photograph."

• "I'm feeling uncomfortable."

• "I hate getting my picture taken."

• "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing."

• "I am confident that I don't look very good."

For example, I licensed some BAD pictures from the internet to illustrate what I'm saying.

There Must Be A Connection

In the previous pictures, there's no real connection with the photographer. In each picture, it's obvious that the person is just trying to get their picture taken. We don't really feel their personality or character.

The ability to connect with a client, a photographer must have the social skill of being able to connect with another human quickly. It's as important as their photography technique. For example, in the portrait below, Doris was suffering from a serious case of Alzheimers. I was able to connect through it and see the real Doris.

The Camera Will Disappear

I am behind a camera throughout the session. It blocks my vision a little. It could be a barrier. However, because I am able to extend through the camera to my subject.

The client will forget about the camera - as if it suddenly disappears. This allows clients to be themselves. The portrait session ceases to be a portrait session. It becomes a simple conversation between two people. It's comfortable and relaxed. Everyone is just being themselves. This is how connection happens and authentic portraits are created.

Eric