Photography can be highly visual art, but it is not just about aesthetics but about telling a story like any other art form. This is particularly true when photographing people like your subjects. Capturing authentic emotions and feelings in an image is the key to creating beautiful and truly compelling images that speak to your audience on a more personal level.
Capture Your Subjects in Familiar Surroundings for Photos That Express Feelings
Taking photos of your subjects in a familiar place allows them to feel more comfortable with you and your camera. You may even want to choose a location with special meaning to your subjects, which can help elicit a strong emotional response and photos that express feelings.
During the actual session for bridal photo edit (edit foto pengantin, which is the term in Indonesia) ask your subjects to show you around this particular location, be it their home, the restaurant where they got engaged, or the place where they had their first date. Please encourage them to tell you stories of their special moments and ask them to show you their favorite objects or areas in that particular place.
Talking about significant events can help your subjects act more naturally when showing affection, while including relevant elements can add context to the composition.
Give Minimal Direction and Do Not Intervene for Photos That Convey Emotions
Don’t direct your topics. Doing so can prevent you from taking photos that convey real emotions on camera, as they will be too focused on maintaining a pose that may or may not be natural for them. Just guide them minimally on where to place their hands, how to tilt their head, and more. If you really must provide some direction to use available light or surroundings, learn to position your subjects to make them feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.
It is important to remember that you should only provide subtle guidance at first. Once your subjects are more comfortable in front of the camera, they can freely interact with each other and not interfere. If possible, walk away, so they feel more comfortable. The goal is to make your subjects forget that the camera is there, so do your best to make yourself as invisible and unobtrusive as possible.
Give Your Subjects Something to Do to Take Pictures of Emotions and Feelings
The best way to take photos of genuine emotions and feelings is to make your subjects act in the most natural way possible, so make sure the activity you choose makes it stand out. For example, if you try to take romantic photos with a couple as your subject, ask them to snuggle or do something they usually do daily. If you’re trying to capture the love between a man and his best canine friend, let them play their usual games, practice their favorite tricks, and do whatever other activities you both enjoy.
