Today, I'd like to share some tips on one of my favourite photography styles: capturing candid and natural portraits.

Over the years, I’ve found that these types of portraits are the most authentic and emotionally resonant. Here are a few techniques I use to achieve them:

• Build a Connection: Before you start shooting, take some time to chat with your subject. Ask how their week has been, make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Go for a coffee, distract them so they don’t feel like they are at a photoshoot. The more at ease they are, the more natural their expressions will be.

• At this point, find out what kind of photography they like and what they are looking for in the shoot. This is their shoot not yours. You want them to walk away feeling like they have contributed to the photos.

• Scope the location – always be on the lookout for interesting backgrounds, and always check where the light is best. Never shoot in direct sunlight, no one needs that squinting “deer in headlights” look. I often choose channels when the light is more controlled than in open spaces. For example, use the shade of a tree on a sunny day. When the light is good, there is light everywhere!

• Encourage Movement and distract them from the camera: Ask your subjects to walk, talk, or engage in an activity. Movement helps to create natural expressions and adds a dynamic element to your photos.

• Use a Longer Lens: A longer focal length allows you to shoot from a distance, making your subjects less aware of the camera. This distance helps in capturing more natural, unposed moments. I usually shoot with an 85mm lens

• Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the windows to the soul. Ensure they are in sharp focus, as they convey the most emotion and can make or break a portrait.

• Stay Ready: Always be prepared to capture the moment. Keep your camera settings ready for the lighting conditions and be on the lookout for genuine interactions and emotions.

• Show your subject your shots during the shoot. This gives them the opportunity to review your work, and also adjust their poses to get the photos that you both want.

• Always talk, don’t be a silent shooter – tell them when they have done something good, offer encouragement. The more you work together, the happier the customer!

• People are very self-critical of themselves! Just because a photograph is technically perfect, your subject may still not like the photo. This is normal.

• Most importantly, don’t keep the subject waiting. The longer it takes to make a shot, the less natural the outcome. You can also shoot in burst mode, but remember the more photos you take, the more you have to review after!

Remember, the goal is to tell a story through your portraits. It’s all about capturing the essence of the person in front of your lens. Happy shooting!

Best, Stu