For some people the reason they don’t want to be photographed is because they have seen very few or no pictures of them that they like and they don’t want to see another bad picture and or they don’t want to be remembered by an image of themselves that they find unattractive.
Usually people that feel this way put on a mask like making ugly faces, sticking out their tongue, put their hands in front of their face or they put some object or person in front of them. Some just duck and run from the view of the camera, avoiding the photo completely.
Some people are shy, some people don’t like the way they look on a particular day. They don’t like their hair or the clothes they are wearing. Some are uncomfortable with their body. Some don’t think they are photogenic or attractive.
Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. You pose for the camera putting on what you think is your best face and the photo is horrible. If this happens time and time again you begin to think it’s you, that you just aren’t photogenic. The truth of the matter is part of it could be the photographer and part of it could be they don’t know how to relax in front of the camera. It could also be they don’t like the photographer. When someone does not like the person photographing them you can be sure the photo will reflect it.
Whether you are a hobbyist, semi or professional photographer there are three very important things to remember when photographing someone that believes they don’t take good photos: (1) take an interest in learning their reasons, don’t assume you know (2) if they feel strongly about it, respect how they feel, don’t photograph them and lastly (3) remember you have to earn their trust if you really want to photograph them.
By respecting a person’s wishes to not be included in a photo you begin to help that person trust you as a photographer. Let some time pass. When opportunities present themselves share great pictures with them of others you have taken. As time goes by ask again for an opportunity to photograph them. If, they continue to say no, look for an opportunity to take a complimentary candid shot of them. If the photo is a great photo share it with them. Let them know you took the shot because you saw the beauty in them. By doing this little by little you build their confidence and they will eventually permit you to photograph them.
When people trust you as a photographer, knowing you only publish complimentary photos you and everyone you want to photograph will have more fun. People will even be willing to have some funny, silly and even uncomplimentary photos of them because they know those are just moments in time. They will laugh about it and even want to share the photo for others to enjoy.
Renee Brown
Freelance Photographer, Graphic Designer and Mentor
Learn how you can earn money with your photographs. Contact Renee at rSnapshotPhotos@gmail.com
(773) 634-9424
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