Capturing people in a way that feels authentic is one of the most rewarding parts of photography – but it’s also one of the trickiest. Many people freeze up or feel self-conscious the moment a camera points their way. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your subjects relax, look natural, and feel confident.
Here are my top tips for photographing people so they look like the very best version of themselves.
1. Build a Connection Before Shooting
A relaxed subject starts with trust. Take a few minutes to chat before you even lift the camera or get it out of your bag. Ask about their day, find out something they’re passionate about, or share a funny story. The aim is to make them feel like they’re hanging out with a friend, not posing for a stranger.
2. Give Gentle, Positive Direction
Many people don’t know what to do in front of a camera, so a little guidance can work wonders. Instead of saying, “Stand there and smile,” try prompts that encourage natural movement:
- “Look over your shoulder like you just spotted someone you know.”
- “Walk towards me as if you’re heading into your favourite café.”
- Keep your instructions encouraging and light – people tend to relax when they feel they can’t “get it wrong.”
3. Focus on Movement, Not Static Poses
Static, held poses can feel awkward. Adding small movements – like walking, adjusting clothing, or looking away and back – keeps things natural and helps you capture genuine expressions.
4. Use the Right Settings for Candid Moments
If you’re aiming for those authentic, fleeting expressions, you’ll need to be ready to capture them in sharp detail.
- Aperture: Use a wider aperture (like f/2.8) for beautiful background blur. If you need a refresher, check out Aperture Explained: How to Control Depth of Field and Focus.
- Shutter Speed: Keep it fast enough to freeze movement – our Shutter Speed Explained guide can help.
- ISO: Adjust for the light you have without introducing too much noise – see Understanding ISO.
5. Give Them Something to Do
Whether it’s holding a coffee, interacting with a friend, or leaning against a wall, having a “prop” or action takes the pressure off “posing” and makes people more comfortable.
6. Step Back and Use a Longer Lens
Shooting from a distance with a longer focal length lets your subject move naturally without feeling like you’re right in their personal space. It’s a great trick for candid-style portraits.
7. Know When to Put the Camera Down
If someone is really tense, take a short break. Chat, grab a drink, or walk to a new location. Often, the best expressions happen when people forget you’re shooting.
Final Thought
Photographing people naturally is as much about people skills as it is about camera settings. The more comfortable you can make someone feel, the more you’ll capture their true personality. Combine these tips with composition techniques like the Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines, and you’ll start to see your portraits come alive.
Where next on your photography journey?
If you’re ready to keep building your skills, explore more of our photography guides below. Each one dives into a different technique, helping you grow in confidence and creativity with every shot.
- Creative Ways to Use Shadows and Silhouettes in Your Photos
- Shutter Speed Explained: How to Freeze or Blur Motion in Your Photos
- Why You Should Use Aperture Priority Mode for More Creative Control
- Aperture Explained: How to Control Depth of Field and Focus
- Understanding ISO: How to Get the Best Exposure in Any Light
- Using Leading Lines to Guide the Viewer’s Eye in Your Photos
- Mastering the Rule of Thirds: How to Compose Your Shots
