capturing authenticity

There is little I desire more in my work than authenticity, and yet it has often seemed so elusive.

I long for the images I create to say something genuine- to be more than a pose, a smile, a physical likeness. I have frequently struggled with how to achieve that consistently.

In reflecting on past work, I noticed a common factor in the images that really spoke to me- there was an emotional connection happening with my subject. It seems so simple, and yet I have rarely put enough emphasis on the importance of those connections. I might remember every other necessary detail for a great shot, but if that connection is not made, there will be little true depth in the final image.

The connections I’m speaking of happen when I as the photographer honor the humanity and uniqueness of the person I am photographing, and allow that to be the focus of the images.

In every art form, a certain level of vulnerability is required from the artist in order to convey something that is real. In photography, this is in allowing ourselves to be open and thoroughly ourselves in our interactions with those we photograph. Through our genuineness, they will feel comfortable showing us the truest parts of themselves.

This discovery is such a gift, because it makes every session an opportunity for real relationship. If I know my subject already, then I get to know them better, and if they are a client whom I just met, a new friendship is formed. My work has become about connecting with people and telling their stories rather than only being focused the technical aspects of creating great images, and through that I have discovered a new passion for what I do.

When we pour our hearts into our work, the result will be beautifully authentic.

What are some specific ways you connect with the people you photograph? In the comments, share a favorite image that you feel embodies something real.

Image and words by Guest Sister Hannah Mayo. Visit her site Hannah Mayo Photography or her blog to discover more about her and her work.

Comments

[Chantal]

I try to connect with them by capturing the expression they have in a special moment... like here at a concert.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26687796@N00/2577500980/in/photostream

[Marcie]

Connecting and capturing the honest truth is sometimes the hardest thing of all. You've done it beautifully here.
For me - often - the authenticity is what happens in those moments when looking away from the camera's lens:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/5/8/hopes-future.html
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/5/5/up-up-and-away.html

[Puna]

One of my favorite subjects is my daughter but she is very shy so I have to use my long lens. I have a few from this weekend that I just love because it shows her at her most authentic. Though I'm sure she prefers to be showing actually jumping her horse.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2011/05/forty-winks-blue-ribbons/

[misty]

On mothers day I visited with my brother and his kids. They are not used to the camera so I had to be patient and wait until they didn't care or forgot I was there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5701009805/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5701597142/in/photostream/lightbox/

With my own boys, it's spending time:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/4618282951/in/photostream/lightbox/

[Carolyn]

Hanna is beautiful!

http://www.homeownerinsurancequoter.com

[Andrea]

Although my post from today is not really about me connecting with a subject in a direct way, I think the pictures does show a fair amount of authenticity: http://www.andreahandl.de/?cat=4
I loved how those brothers were watching a street musician, I liked their facial expression and I also loved the way they were dressed.

[Rebecca]

I ask questions. I share with them the things that are magical about them-I may love the contrast of clothing they picked out for the day, or their eye color with the surrounding colors and how amazing they look in the light they are in. Then I make sure I shoot between the shots-I get them as they look away, when they don't think I'm watching, I try and be patient-try to never look rushed-take the time to talk/play--do funny voices (for the kids) that I would only do at home for my kids, play peek-a-boo, tickle tiny little bellies. Not always easy but it's worth the time-it's what I love to do.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5712986840/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5712421633/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccasmithphotography/5712421367/in/photostream/

[Doris]

This image comes to mind immediately. A reunion of my mom to her sister, who lives 3,000 miles away and their favorite cousin. I asked to photograph them as I knew it would be many years before they would see each other again. My mom is in her 80's and has some health problems. To get them comfortable, I asked them to share a favorite memory.

http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2010/05/15/may-14-2010-4/

[Linda Jacobs]

I'm not a photographer so I don't have a method but I love taking pictures...especially of my granddaughter. Took these yesterday afternoon.

http://garlinjake.blogspot.com/2011/05/gift.html

[Jessica Peña]

Here are a couple of my favorites from Race For The Cure. A very emotional day, and an honor to capture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28338862@N03/5712562767/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28338862@N03/5712562713/in/photostream

[Jen]

Your image is gorgeous.

As my photography grows, connecting with those I photograph is my biggest goal. Recently, I shot a baptism and I like this moment I captured between the baby and his grandmother:

http://www.jenniferkrafchik.com/2011/04/sneak-peak-olivers-baptism.html

Or how about this for something real:

http://www.jenniferkrafchik.com/2011/05/tatiana-sasha-rico-maryland-on-location-family-photographer.html

[Jess]

This post is full of inspiration and I definitely plan on spending some time on Hannah's site. I've been changing my mindset when I photograph, especially after getting a flavor for event photography. I'm hooked and relieved to finally know what I want to be when I grow up (I'm 36...it took some time). This is my almost tween son caught a bit off guard.

http://jessicavescera.blogspot.com/2011/05/nick.html

[Corinna]

There is nothing I get more of a thrill from than creating an image of a person that seems to capture a sense of their inner life. I do absolutely think it has to do with being real with them, since sitting in front of a camera is an inherently vulnerable place.

Here are two I've made this year when I felt like "I got it!"
http://www.birdwannawhistle.com/blog/2011/1/5/beautiful-stranger.html
http://www.birdwannawhistle.com/blog/2011/3/22/organizing-principles.html

[AnnGeeDee]

I didn't know this girl at all, but she stepped in to sing with a band I was photographing on one number and I couldn't help but be captivated by her. She seemed so calm and confident up there on stage in her "Smokin' Hot Southern Gal" tshirt. She looked right at me and the camera without hesitation or embarrassment and I love that I was able to capture the smirk on her face in such low-light conditions. Two strangers with a split second of connection through my lens: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anngeedee/5697672528/in/photostream

[Nancy]

This is my godson, and every time I photograph him, there is this uniqueness in every image, and authenticity. It's true,when you connect with your subject on a personal level, it's not just a subject anymore it's a breathing and beautiful human being.


http://edwinandnancyphotography.blogspot.com/2011/02/black-white-stunning-breathtaking.html

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

Authentic moments are something that I try to capture when I am photographing people. It's always been really easy for me to make new friends out of anyone I meet, probably because I moved around a lot as a youngin', so I had to make new friends all the time. Eventually, you get good at it.

During my photosessions, I do attempt to direct people, but I like for them to be in their own little world. Yes, I interact and crack jokes, but it's the moments in between that really draw my attention.

I thought of a newborn session that I did for some friends not too long ago. My favorite is when they are simply wrapping the baby up at the end of the session, I just thought it was a splendid moment. And to think, I almost put away my camera!

Meet Iris Leah: http://ow.ly/4TcKK

[Libertad Leal]

Portraits are not my strong suit. They don't come easily, I am not sure why. My oldest daughter (8) h-a-t-e-s to pose for me. I usually have to bribe her and even then she still complaints. I was thrilled then when I was able to get this shot of her. Her true self, serene and lovely. I see HER in this image and I lovelovelove it. And I did not have to bribe her! yay!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertadleal/5535793476

This might sound a little crazy but I feel like I connect with myself when I do self portraits. At least in a way I was not able to do so before. In this particular one I really think I got the real "me"

I am not even wearing any makeup. And I don't mind one bit.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertadleal/5349656764

[Trude]

It also helps to not only connect with your subject, but also get their family/friends/whoever else is on the shoot to be your assistant, in the sense of telling jokes or creating moments. My favorite shot from a recent session with my BFF's family is courtesy of grandma flashing the family. No joke. :) That gave me some *real* smiles!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/5690729746/in/set-72157626653746248

[Chelsea C]

I shared this on yesterday's post, but a few weeks ago I photographed 3 sisters. I am fairly new to photo sessions like this, and it was challenging at times to pull out that authenticity. But the photos that I was drawn to were the moments when the girls were having fun. Most of my favorite shots were taken when I just let the girls do what they wanted to do. Even when I knew that the place they wanted to pose wasn't a good shot, or had weird shadows, etc. I let them a couple times so it didn't feel like I was telling them what to do the entire time. I felt like a kid with them, just playing, running around, observing, etc.

http://heartsandscars.blogspot.com/2011/05/three-beauties.html

[Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photo Blog]

I just talk to my clients. Ask questions, tell stories, laugh with them. I want all of their pictures to be authentic; to be them...

http://www.kimberlygauthier.com/flowers/fabulous-friday-portrait-photography/5481/
http://www.kimberlygauthier.com/photography/california-bound-portrait-photography/5411/

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