Shutter Sisters

Silliness Required

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Two weeks ago I attended my high school reunion.  It’s always akward at first, everyone looking at eachother, seeing if they can recognize faces without having to walk up and look at a person’s name tag and high school picture.  Everyone was reserved at first and understandbly so, but then a photo booth appeared.  An annoucement was made. Be sure to stop by the photo booth!  There are a bunch of great props for you to choose from so just go have some fun!  People slowly began making their way over and before long, the laughter could be heard throughout the room and not long after that, there was a line a people waiting to take their picture, myself included. 

I take pictures of people all of the time.  I always sense nervousness any shyness a lot of times until I give them permission to be as silly or as funny as they want in their photos.  Once they make silly faces or I catch them laughing, it’s smooth sailing from there. What are you tricks for getting that silly shot? Have any great shots? Please share.  We’d love to see them.  

Comments

  7. Every year my girlfriends and I (and our families) get together for New Years. Every year we attempt to do a kids portrait to document the passing years. These are kids that have known each other since before birth.

    The picture before this the kids were standing apart looking nervous and shy….until I had them be silly….
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/23134155@N07/4790166396/

    …And then when I asked them to pose again and look like they liked each other all of a sudden they leaned in together and the awkwardness was gone.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/23134155@N07/4790222244/

  10. I have people fake laugh and right after that comes the real laugh and THAT is the image I capture. I also have families or kids tickle each other or have the dad tell a joke or just say to my client…. the first couple of shots are always uncomfortable for people. But soon, they change completely when they learn that getting their pictures taken can be fun.

  12. Instead of the standard "cheese" I tell the kids to say "Daddy’s stinky underpants". That’s always guaranteed to break out the giggles and that awesome genuine smile.