For portraits, headshots, and other forms of “people” photography, one of the keys to great images is to get the subject relaxed. Folks generally don’t look great when they are uptight and nervous, so whenever I’m working with a client I try to get the individual to relax a bit as I gray to develop a casual rapport for the photography session.
Social media can be a great way to start developing that rapport in advance of the photo session. I’m connected with and do a lot of work for folks in the software and tech communities on my area, and most if not all of these folks have embraced Twitter and Facebook. By following and conversing with clients and potential clients in these online venues, I learn a bit about their lives and build up material about which we can converse. When it’s time for headshots or another photoshoot, we’ve already had the small talk and have a basis for conversation that can put my subject at ease so I can take photos that capture a relaxed, natural subject.
Do you build rapport with social media? Do you think it’s been a contributing factor to better photos?
Photo by eperales, used under Creative Commons licensing
