Portraits: making 'em laugh

fingerz · 08-11-2005, 13:10

Has anyone got any tips on getting portrait subjects to smile or laugh? I'd like to think I'm a fairly humourous chap, and I can have my mates chuckling down the pub (as most of us can, I'm sure) but getting a laugh out of tipsy friends and getting a laugh out of someone you're taking pictures of are two different skills, I'm sure.

I guess this might be one of those areas where people like to keep tips to themselves but I thought I'd ask nevertheless. I suppose the key is probably to keep chatting to them and just take photos as part of a normal conversation. But even so I'd appreciate some advice.

CT · 08-11-2005, 13:13

When photographing groups particularly, instead of saying "smile" or " say cheese" say "Say SEX" Guaranteeed smiles from ear to ear.

fingerz · 08-11-2005, 13:17

Nice tip. It's made me grin just reading it. A ringing endorsement if ever there was one.

Not sure I'll be able to use it on vicars at church functions though (see this post for explanation of why I'd be photographing vicars).

CT · 08-11-2005, 13:25

It never fails. Also I used to sometimes photograph really large wedding groups from the top of a set of lightweight aluminium step ladders to get the short arses and the inevitable 'hiders' in shot. I used to lark about pretending to lose my balance which kept everyone's attention. I never actually fell off, but I came close a few times.

Photographers have a shocking reputation for being serious, and getting uptight, bossy and snappy, so most people expect the worst from us. I've heard horrific tales of the wedding photographer from the week before being a 5 star tw@t, and I've actually seen some of them when I've been doing overlapping weddings.

Keep it light, chatty and humourous working quickly and efficiently and you wont go far wrong.

CT · 08-11-2005, 13:26

LOL Vicars are human beings Jamey.

fingerz · 08-11-2005, 13:27

Thanks CT. Sounds like a good way to work. I'll try to do just that.

***Steve*** · 08-11-2005, 13:32

If you are not comfortable saying "sex" infront of a crowd or the vicar, then use "sixteen" instead. Its a longer word and gives you more chance to get the shot on the "teen" section. I often found that people (groups especially) would say it slowly and elongate it, they also laughed a great deal at each other while saying it, why? I am not sure but it gave the results needed.

***Dave*** · 08-11-2005, 13:39

Don't use a rubber chicken like I've seen some Wedding Photographers

dazzajl · 08-11-2005, 14:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT

When photographing groups particularly, instead of saying "smile" or " say cheese" say "Say SEX" Guaranteeed smiles from ear to ear.

That was my first thought too before I got to the second post. I've often found that if people look a little uncomfy with that telling them if they don't want to say "sex', just thinking about it should be good enough.

Kind of a death or glory ice breaker but photography is all about taking the odd risk.

***Dave*** · 08-11-2005, 14:24

I suppose shouting "pink or brown ?" would take it too far ...although the vicar might answer

OK.... :coat:

What about " My wife can't wrestle but you should see her Box"

:lol:

busterboy · 08-11-2005, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJW

What about " My wife can't wrestle but you should see her Box"

:lol:

:lol: ...

08-11-2005, 13:10	#1 (permalink)
fingerz Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 790	Portraits: making 'em laugh Has anyone got any tips on getting portrait subjects to smile or laugh? I'd like to think I'm a fairly humourous chap, and I can have my mates chuckling down the pub (as most of us can, I'm sure) but getting a laugh out of tipsy friends and getting a laugh out of someone you're taking pictures of are two different skills, I'm sure. I guess this might be one of those areas where people like to keep tips to themselves but I thought I'd ask nevertheless. I suppose the key is probably to keep chatting to them and just take photos as part of a normal conversation. But even so I'd appreciate some advice.

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08-11-2005, 13:13	#2 (permalink)
CT Feet under the table Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Mids UK Posts: 3,500	When photographing groups particularly, instead of saying "smile" or " say cheese" say "Say SEX" Guaranteeed smiles from ear to ear.

08-11-2005, 13:17	#3 (permalink)
fingerz Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 790	Nice tip. It's made me grin just reading it. A ringing endorsement if ever there was one. Not sure I'll be able to use it on vicars at church functions though (see this post for explanation of why I'd be photographing vicars).

08-11-2005, 13:25	#4 (permalink)
CT Feet under the table Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Mids UK Posts: 3,500	It never fails. Also I used to sometimes photograph really large wedding groups from the top of a set of lightweight aluminium step ladders to get the short arses and the inevitable 'hiders' in shot. I used to lark about pretending to lose my balance which kept everyone's attention. I never actually fell off, but I came close a few times. Photographers have a shocking reputation for being serious, and getting uptight, bossy and snappy, so most people expect the worst from us. I've heard horrific tales of the wedding photographer from the week before being a 5 star tw@t, and I've actually seen some of them when I've been doing overlapping weddings. Keep it light, chatty and humourous working quickly and efficiently and you wont go far wrong.

08-11-2005, 13:26	#5 (permalink)
CT Feet under the table Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Mids UK Posts: 3,500	LOL Vicars are human beings Jamey.

08-11-2005, 13:27	#6 (permalink)
fingerz Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 790	Thanks CT. Sounds like a good way to work. I'll try to do just that.

08-11-2005, 13:32	#7 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,151	If you are not comfortable saying "sex" infront of a crowd or the vicar, then use "sixteen" instead. Its a longer word and gives you more chance to get the shot on the "teen" section. I often found that people (groups especially) would say it slowly and elongate it, they also laughed a great deal at each other while saying it, why? I am not sure but it gave the results needed.

08-11-2005, 13:39	#8 (permalink)
*Dave* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 14,902	Don't use a rubber chicken like I've seen some Wedding Photographers

08-11-2005, 14:24	#10 (permalink)
*Dave* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 14,902	I suppose shouting "pink or brown ?" would take it too far ...although the vicar might answer OK.... :coat: What about " My wife can't wrestle but you should see her Box" :lol: