The psychology of portrait photography is what I love most about what I do. I’ve been photographing people for over twenty years. From executives to babies, brides and grooms, to even dogs. They all have one thing in common, even the dogs, I need to quickly develop a rapport. To help me create a connection with people of any age, I like to think I get a quick read on how they are doing. Most people aren’t fond of getting their picture taken. As a result, it’s my job to make it fun. I like to think that I do this well.
As a portrait photographer and in daily life, I find that makes my job easier is that I find just about everyone interesting. It’s part of the psychology of portrait photography. Even their insecurities about themselves, which’s often transparent, to me, is fascinating. As a result, it’s a magical feeling when these same people are happy with their portraits. The psychology of portrait photography is what keeps me coming back for more.
Interesting Sometimes Means Challenging
At times, I run into situations where people are incredibly hard on themselves. However, this isn’t bothersome to me as much as when they are hard on their children. Although it’s sad to me, it’s also fascinating. However, I don’t and never will judge them. In what seems like a nanosecond, I wonder what their childhood was like to get to this point. Did their parents often comment on their looks, their weight? Were they bullied on their appearance? Most would find these situations uncomfortable, but I find, once again, them interesting for whatever reason.
The Psychology of Portrait Photography and Multi-Generation Portrait Sessions
Not often, but at times there is a lot of tension during extended family sessions. However, to be honest, I embrace it. If I said every family has their issues, I would be lying. However, many do. One person and you know who they are in your family, which tries immensely to sabotage the session. Once again, in a nanosecond, I spot this, and it becomes a fun challenge. There are times, in my own crafty way, I “call them out in a Rob Wilson kind of way,” and they realize that it’s apparent that they aren’t helpful.
During some sessions, the tension is so high that there is nothing to lose. As a result, I professionally bust their chops. When this happens, everyone else has a million-dollar expression on their face. Furthermore, the “Debbie Downer” almost always cracks a smile. They eventually end up realizing that they are, for lack of a better term, a douche.
An Awkward Situation That I’m Most Proud Of
There is one session that is tatted in my mind for the rest of my life. Meeting families at their house or rental is a common practice. As I walked into the house, the tension seemed to melt my eyebrows off my forehead. There were so many dynamics going on that even I, someone who enjoys mayhem, had some difficulties processing it all. Some of the parents telling me how I should do my job, to them being really late (beach sessions are one hour before sunset, which means there is only and our to-do these), but they didn’t care.
Furthermore, they wanted a lot done, more than usual. Six months old, still not dressed while the grandmom is doing her best to ease the tension. The grandparents rented this beautiful home on the bay for their children and grandchildren. I was so enamored by the ungratefulness of their children.
My Legs Got Weak
There was a point where my legs got weak, and I almost collapsed. Of course, I’m dramatic, but not really. On our walk to the beach, one of the children complained that the house’s elevator didn’t work. Listen to me, I’ve heard it all. However, this bothered me to the point where I almost went paralyzed. A defeated feeling overwhelmed me.
These children did not appreciate their parents—a vacation down the Jersey Shore at no cost to them. It wasn’t my smoothest session; a lot was going on. However, I believe that I handle better than anyone else could have. They called to hire me three years in a row after this, I declined and said I was booked up. A friend of mine who is talented got my referral. She called me one minute after the session in distraught.
As a Result
The psychology of portrait photography will always be what gets me coming back for more. Processing all the obvious and subtle dynamics during some sessions is a challenge that someday I’ll miss.