What you can learn from actors

by Stanley LearyPhotography

I believe there is such a thing as overdirecting a person during a headshot/portrait session.

I love working with actors because they want to use their skills and rarely get to do that with photographers during a headshot.

Maggie Cook [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85]

Before I get an intimate and what I would call a transparent moment with a subject, they have to be relaxed and comfortable with me.

Maggie Cook [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85]

One technique I use is asking “actors” to give me as many facial expressions as they can in 30 seconds. Those just starting in acting often will struggle, but for those who love to perform and do a variety of characters, this is like a psychogenic ‘trip.’ They are Thrill-Seekers whose risk is being perceived as being weird or off.

So “pushing the envelope” or “pushing the limits” means testing the boundaries of what is safe or acceptable in a given situation by exceeding those boundaries.

Macy Frazier [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4.5, 1/160, Focal Length = 85]

Once I have gone with them on this journey of letting them perform risky expressions, they tend to let me in.

They can tap into their emotions and let me see them through their eyes and faces.

Timothy Villalovas [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4.5, 1/125, Focal Length = 85]

For me, the most complex photo to get with people is one where their personality is being projected.

Katy Johnson [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4.5, 1/125, Focal Length = 85]

Even the smile photos are more genuine and inviting than had I not gone through asking them to give me all their expressions.

I slowly adjust the heads so that the light works best and their expressions are captured most effectively. That might mean I lower and raise the camera angle to their eyes.

I work hard at getting rid of things like double chins.

Will Oliver [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85]

I like to think of getting a great expression because you need to have the subject go past the acceptable moment to an extreme.

My role is to create a safe environment where it is OK to try any expression, with the goal being that by pushing the limits, we can be truly transparent. This is when great moments can happen.

How do you get to the next level?

  1. Educate Yourself. Have a goal in mind. …
  2. Move From Thinking to Doing. …
  3. Face Your Fear. …
  4. Embrace Your Challenge. …
  5. Avoid Procrastination. …
  6. Adapt a “No Failure” Attitude. …
  7. Create a positive environment.
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