Make them smile

I was recently talking with one of my mentor students about something and I thought I’d write a blog post about it so that everyone can benefit from this information.

The conversation was about how to make people feel comfortable in front of the lens, especially when they’re not professional models. Most of us, as photographers, aren’t always working with seasoned models. In fact, I believe some of the most compelling images come from real, everyday people with their genuine expressions and natural energy. The trick is helping them feel at ease so they can open up and trust you to capture their real selves.

Take the series of portraits as an example. This wasn’t a staged photoshoot. It was just me and my camera, sitting with this interesting guy in a small village in India. At first, you can see that he was a bit unsure—arms crossed, body a bit closed off. Totally natural. After all, having a camera pointed directly at you can feel pretty intimidating.

So how did I get from those first, more guarded moments to the genuine laughter you see later on?

It started by taking the camera away from my face and making direct eye contact with him. Sometimes, the best way to get someone to relax is to remind them that there’s a human being behind the lens, not just a machine. After taking a few initial shots, I kept the conversation going and smiled straight at him, in a lighthearted, playful way. Then, I decided to go a step further and pulled funny faces, sticking my tongue out at him. And it worked!

You can actually see the exact moment he cracked—his body language shifted, his smile widened, and soon, he was laughing openly.

That’s the beauty of this series of images. It’s not just about the technical aspects of the photo; it’s about the story behind the smile and the connection we shared in that moment.

So how do you make your subjects relax?

1. Make Direct Connection

Putting the camera down or away from your face can really help break that barrier. People are often more comfortable when they can see your eyes. In this series, eye contact was key to building that trust.

2. Bring Humor Into the Moment

ever underestimate the power of humor! Pulling faces or making silly jokes can be the icebreaker your subject needs to let go of their nerves. You can see how a simple, playful gesture here turned the entire vibe around.

3. Let Them Warm Up

Those first few shots aren’t about perfection. They’re about letting your subject adjust to the situation. Let them know that, so they don’t feel the pressure to be ‘on’ right away. Once they start feeling at ease, the magic happens.

4. Encourage Natural Movement

In this series, you can see how the subject’s arms start off crossed, but as the shoot went on, he began to use his hands more and move naturally. Movement helps break any stiffness and can create more authentic moments.

5. Celebrate the Breakthrough

When you finally see that genuine smile or laugh, keep capturing it! Once your subject feels comfortable enough to let loose, those are the moments that create unforgettable portraits. They’ll feel the difference, and so will you.

In the end, it’s about creating a shared moment between you and your subject—one where they forget the camera is even there. If you can build that kind of connection, the results will be far more powerful than any perfectly posed shot could ever be. Just like in this series, where a simple exchange of silly faces turned into something special.”