Great portrait photography is more than just a beautiful image—it’s about capturing emotion, personality, and connection. For photographers working in Calabasas, with its scenic landscapes, open spaces, and tranquil vibe, there’s an opportunity to capture authentic emotions that resonate deeply with viewers. By using techniques that bring out real feelings, portrait photographers can create images that tell a story and feel truly personal.
If you’re looking to bring authentic emotions into your portrait photography, here are some proven techniques, along with examples from my portfolio, to help you connect with your subjects and create impactful portraits.
The Power of Connection: Building Comfort and Trust
Before we can capture genuine emotion, building a connection with the subject is essential. In portrait photography, trust and comfort are key to bringing out real expressions. I take time at the beginning of each session to chat with my subjects, understanding their personalities, their favorite activities, and their interests. For example, some of my favorite portraits are taken at the scenic trails and quiet spots around Calabasas, where clients feel at ease and more relaxed in a natural environment.
Techniques for Building Connection:
- Start with Conversation: Begin by asking simple questions and getting to know your subject. This helps them feel comfortable and eases any initial camera shyness.
- Show Them the Process: Letting clients see a few photos as you go can help build confidence and trust, and they often open up more when they see themselves captured naturally.
- Use Familiar Locations: When shooting in places like Calabasas Commons or local parks, people tend to feel more relaxed, which helps them open up emotionally.
Directing with Natural Prompts for Genuine Expressions
One of the most effective ways to capture emotion is to guide subjects with prompts rather than poses. Instead of asking someone to “smile,” I might suggest a simple prompt, like recalling a favorite memory or looking just past the camera and thinking of someone they love. These prompts encourage natural responses, creating portraits that feel unposed and authentic.
Examples of Emotion-Evoking Prompts:
- Think of a Happy Moment: This can be anything from a childhood memory to a recent achievement. It often brings out a warm, genuine smile and a soft expression.
- Look Away, Then Back at Me: Sometimes, a simple shift in gaze can relax the subject. When they look back at the camera, their expression feels natural and fresh.
- Have a Good Laugh: Encouraging a real laugh is ideal for candid, joyful shots. For couples or family shoots, I might ask them to joke with each other or share a funny story, resulting in spontaneous laughter that feels genuine.
Using Calabasas’ Scenic Backdrops to Set the Mood
Calabasas offers a range of beautiful backdrops that complement different moods and emotions. By carefully selecting locations, I can bring out specific feelings that enhance the portrait’s emotional depth. For example:
- Tranquil Settings: Locations like the Calabasas Lake (private access) or the calming green spaces at King Gillette Ranch create a peaceful environment, ideal for thoughtful, introspective portraits.
- Romantic Vibes: Gardens of the World and the scenic trails around the Santa Monica Mountains make excellent settings for romantic shots. The natural beauty here adds a sense of intimacy and connection, perfect for couples or families.
- Dynamic and Energetic: For a more energetic look, spots like Calabasas Creek Park or the hiking paths at Calabasas Stairs bring out a sense of adventure and fun, helping subjects feel lively and expressive.
Using Natural Light to Enhance Emotional Impact
Light plays a huge role in conveying emotion. The soft glow of golden hour, for instance, adds warmth and intimacy, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for capturing gentle, heartfelt expressions. I often work with the natural light at different times of the day, allowing the light itself to set the mood.
Lighting Techniques to Capture Emotion:
- Golden Hour: Shooting an hour after sunrise or before sunset in Calabasas brings a warm, soft light that enhances natural skin tones and adds depth to emotional expressions. It’s perfect for intimate, reflective portraits.
- Side Lighting: Placing the light source to one side of the subject can create shadows on the face, which adds drama and depth. This technique is especially effective for serious, contemplative shots.
- Backlighting: Positioning the light source behind the subject creates a halo effect and adds an ethereal quality to the image, perfect for romantic or dreamy portraits.
Candid Shots for Genuine Emotion
Some of the best emotional portraits happen when the subject forgets the camera is there. Capturing candid moments allows for a more authentic display of feelings, whether it’s laughter, a quiet smile, or a moment of thought. I encourage movement and interaction, which can make subjects feel more relaxed and help them focus on the experience rather than the camera.
Tips for Capturing Candid Moments:
- Encourage Movement: Asking the subject to take a walk, twirl, or playfully interact helps create natural movements. For example, I’ve captured some incredible candid moments at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, where couples and families can explore and interact with each other in a natural setting.
- Let Moments Unfold: Give subjects the freedom to chat, laugh, or reflect on their own. Sometimes, stepping back and allowing moments to unfold results in the most authentic shots.
- Capture the In-Between Expressions: Pay attention to the brief moments between posed shots—the glances, small smiles, and quiet moments that reveal genuine emotion.
Using Props and Personal Elements
Incorporating meaningful props or items can evoke special memories and add a layer of personal emotion to portraits. I’ve worked with clients in Calabasas who bring along a cherished memento or an item that represents something meaningful in their life. This approach not only makes them more comfortable but also adds a unique, emotional touch to their portraits.
Ideas for Personal Props:
- Favorite Accessories: Something simple, like a meaningful piece of jewelry, a favorite scarf, or a personal item, can be included to add personality and evoke emotions.
- Incorporating Hobbies: For example, if someone loves to read, a book can be a wonderful prop. If they’re a musician, bringing their instrument can help tell their story and bring out an emotional connection to their passion.
- Bringing Along Pets: Pets are often a beloved part of the family, and including them in portraits can bring out warmth and happiness. Simi Dog Park or an open field near Calabasas offers a great backdrop for portraits that include pets.
Examples from My Portfolio: Capturing Emotion in Calabasas
One of my favorite portrait sessions in Calabasas was with a couple who wanted to celebrate their anniversary. We chose an open hillside at golden hour, letting the warm light and scenic views set a romantic, serene mood. Using prompts like “look at each other and think about what you love most,” I captured candid laughter and heartfelt glances that perfectly reflected their bond.
Another memorable shoot was with a senior who wanted portraits that captured her artistic side. We chose the peaceful trails near King Gillette Ranch, and she brought along a sketchbook. The location, combined with her expressions and the props, allowed us to create images that felt truly personal, showing both her talent and her reflective personality.
Crafting Your Emotional Portraits in Calabasas
Capturing real emotion in portrait photography takes patience, trust, and a blend of creative techniques. Whether you’re looking to highlight a romantic connection, family bond, or personal milestone, Calabasas offers the perfect setting to create portraits that feel both natural and deeply personal. By focusing on connection, natural prompts, and thoughtful settings, I help clients create portraits that aren’t just photos—they’re moments that capture who they truly are.
If you’re ready to create emotional, meaningful portraits in Calabasas, I’d love to work with you. Let’s capture the essence of your story in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
Evan Guston is a lifestyle and portrait photographer dedicated to capturing meaningful moments with a blend of traditional and modern styles. Known for his attention to detail, he highlights subtle emotional moments, like a father’s first look at his daughter on her wedding day. Evan values client relationships, offering a collaborative approach to ensure their personality shines through in his images.
