A character photo is one that displays the character and essence of who the subject really is.
We see them in travel photo magazines where the subject is a wizened old man in a bright traditional costume smoking a pipe.
This is a really rewarding type of photography.
Here's how to get it right.
When starting out with character photography it can be difficult to find the right person.
People are not always happy to have their photo taken.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow.
1.
Where to find someone Start close to home amongst friends and family like I did.
If there isn't anyone, ask.
One of your friends might just know the right person.
If you think carefully there might be a street person who you know.
Again be wary.
It might be an idea to find someone else who is also a photographer.
If you are near to the coast and perhaps a fishing harbour there are fisherman often waiting for the right weather or tide sitting around.
Most seamen will oblige you.
The key to finding someone is time and effort.
If you seek you'll probably find.
2.
The location The best place to shoot anyone is the place where they are most comfortable.
A fisherman on the bow of his boat with a mast or nets in the background.
This is where character and environmental portraits come into their own.
3.
Composition is vital As with other portraits, taking a photo of someone and placing them slap bang in the middle doesn't work.
Be aware of backgrounds and clutter and look to add props if necessary.
Most times you'll be able to use the background of the environment they work in.
4.
Get in close and shoot their faces This is where the character lines are revealed.
The weather-beaten face or age lines is what makes the image.
Try to capture character from their faces.
5.
Shoot a full body shot If their clothing or uniform adds more character to the shot, then shoot full length.
The gnarled fisherman with his bright yellow weather suit will add colour to the character and add to the ambience of the portrait.
6.
Lighting As with every shot you take, this is vital.
When shooting people bright sunlight causes them to squint and dark shadow doesn't flatter the character you're trying to capture.
It may be necessary to use some fill in flash light the shadows.
Hazy sunlight or shadow on a bright day is great for lighting, as it doesn't cast the harsh shadows that would spoil the shot.
You don't necessarily want to use a reflector as this just adds to any barriers between you and the subject.
Good lighting will enhance the face and character lines you want to capture.
7.
Posing the person This has its own problems.
People often don't know where to put their hands and how to sit.
What was natural to them now becomes a little awkward.
So it's necessary to get them to relax by giving them a little advice and chatting informally.
8.
Gain the person's confidence.
This speaks for itself.
A relaxed, happy person is always the easiest to photograph.
Don't pose them or get them to do anything that is out of character, as this is contrary to what you are trying to achieve.
9.
Props If the prop is something they are familiar with then it's a yes.
The weathered seaman cupping a pipe in his mouth is natural and will add to the photo and give him something to do with his hand.
On the contrary, getting him to pretend to read a newspaper when he is illiterate is out of character and will not be a natural posture.
10.
Use a tripod This has come up before.
When interacting with someone it's easier to chat eye to eye than through a viewfinder.
You're able to be more aware of the scene and it's easier to direct the person while holding on to a remote cable release than with you eye to the viewfinder.
Character portraits make wonderful images for a gallery or wall of photos.
They communicate a whole bunch of qualities and have a soothing effect as someone who has been there, done that and survived the experience.
I love a character shot, and would take more if it wasn't for the extra care and time they take to set up and complete.
But hey, you might be different and enjoy this great process.
Happy shooting!