Photographing People
Don't be scared. Be nice.
Photographing people is all about confidence. It should also be fun, something you enjoy doing and have a passion for. There are many different ways to photograph people — whether it’s family snaps, a celebrity for a magazine cover,
someone you stumble across on your travels, or an unfolding news event. Whatever the context, try to approach everything with energy, creativity and belief.
Try to think about what you want to do with the photographs. Create a theme or a project. Once you have a good selection of images with your theme you could start focusing on creating a bigger narrative, that could potentially work in an article for a magazine or a book. Being published in whatever form whether it is digitally or in print, is great for gaining more exposure in the photographic world, but also it gives you confidence and belief in what you are trying to do as a photographer. One photographer who centered his work around people and their lifestyles is photographer Graeme Oxby who created 'Kings of England'. Graeme spent five years working on his theme, traveling the length and breadth of the UK photographing people who love Elvis Presley, documenting the sheer spectacle of what he saw at the shows and performers he met at conventions, competitions, pubs and clubs, and even in old folks homes.
Not long ago I reviewed his book 'Kings of England' on my CAMERA channel on YouTube where I review photography books. You can watch the review on this link: Kings of England
It's good to have an idea about which lenses suit your needs and style. You should understand the difference between f2.8 and f11, telephoto and wide-angle. If you don’t, read up on it and do some tests.
Finding people to photograph is actually the easiest part; there are millions of us out there. Always have respect for the people you take photographs of. If you catch someone unaware as you wander the streets, shoot your picture and then go talk to them, be polite — even offer them a print in return. Being tactful and respectful will go a long way with people whether you’re in the local Park, walking along the high street or in a nightclub in Madrid. In general, people don’t mind having a camera stuck in their face as long as they’re approached in the right manner.
Developing a style is something, which will come naturally as you learn, and as you progress your style will develop. I am forever learning as a photographer, mainly from other photographers. You’re never too old to learn a new trick. To quote Robert Mapplethorpe, “The more pictures you see, the better you are as a photographer.” Also as Martin Parr stated “If you photograph for a long time, you get to understand such things as body language. I often do not look at people I photograph, especially afterwards. Also when I want a photo, I become somewhat fearless, and this helps a lot. There will always be someone who objects to being photographed, and when this happens you move on.” This is very true, don't be put off if someone refuses to cooperate with you just learn from it and keep searching for another subject or scenario.
Another way to approach people might be to have a business card, which you could hand over to someone when you approach them. You could add your social media links to this card so your subject can feel reassured that when you have taken their image they are able to connect with you afterwards.
Look up a few photographers and learn from them. For portraiture, someone like the brilliant Harry Borden. For me, it’s his technique that makes the shots not the subject matter. Like Graeme Oxby both photographers shoot commercial portraiture as well as constantly developing their own personal people projects.
Take a look at 'Survivor' by Harry Borden which I also reviewed on CAMERA where I discussed both Harry's technique and narrative. To watch the 'Survivor' review click on this link: Survivor
For his use of colour and light, there are few better than Alex Webb.
Check out his book on 'Street Photography and the Poetic Image' by Alex Webb & Rebecca Norris Webb which also features on CAMERA.
Many of my colleagues spend years producing studies of one particular subject matter. Why do they do it? Desire, intrigue, hunger? Maybe to educate? Who knows — we’re all different. You will only ever find the answers out if you pick up your camera and get out there. Good luck and be nice.