So how is life style portrait different to directing a traditional portrait?
It’s about emotions and connection… it’s about the moment and its genuine vibes. It’s one prompt, leaving other decisions up to the couple.
I can tell my the husband to stand behind his wife and put his arm around her waist. I’ll stop short of directing them where to put their head, how to tilt their chin, what to do with their hands, such as you would in traditional portrait photography. You let them do what they would naturally do… the focus is on capturing connections and emotion.
I won’t interrupt the natural flow of them being themsevles. Might guide slightly what to do next but when they are ready for the next pose or prompt. The woman might then put her head on his shoulder, or nuzzle her hair, or the man would whisper something to her. She will naturally respond, and I will capture it all. The best way to capture the true and real.
So this are all small differences in the directing that gives a much different feel compared to traditional portraiture.