Chapter 12. People Photography
One of the most rewarding and challenging areas of photography is people photography.
There is a never-ending source of great subjects, and you can unleash your creative ideas for locations, sets, lighting, clothing, and subject action and position.
But even better than the creative opportunities is the opportunity to work with people — to get to know them, to coax out the best in them, and to make images that both they and you will enjoy for years to come.
People Photography
In almost all people-shooting situations, your primary work is to establish and maintain rapport with the person or people you're photographing. Establishing rapport takes time — sometimes a lot of time. Unlike nature and landscape shooting, where you can set the pace and face snafus with equanimity, people photography, whether it's a structured portrait session or street shooting, demands more of your time and attention.
Figure 12.1. Regardless of where I'm shooting, I take advantage of making people pictures with almost anyone who agrees to let me photograph them. This biker agreed to let me make a few quick images just before he left the area. Exposure: ISO 100, f/3.5, at 1/1000 second with −2 Exposure Compensation using an EF 24-70mm, f/2.8L USM lens.
When you photograph people, you ...
Get Canon® EOS 7D Digital Field Guide now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
