Portraits in the Park

A few days ago, I convinced a friend of mine to play along and join me on a spontaneous photoshoot at beautiful Beacon Hill Park, in Victoria. To be fair, portrait photography isn't something I do enough: but I love it. One of my favourite things about Photography is how it enables us to tell a story without the use of words. Visual storytelling is a compelling practice: it forces us to use all sorts of creative tools and skills instead of words.

Consider having your client answer a few questions before the session so you can gain a better sense of who they are. Keep it fun, keep it light!

Janie is a nature lover who seeks balance, she's a giver and a healer. By showcasing her in nature and letting her be, I was able to capture her genuine and disharming essence. Portraits are rarely only about the individual, they are about the context in which they find themselves in that moment, for only a short time. It's about the little things that make them unique: the boots she loves, the squirrels she wonders at, the colours that spark her joy, the poses that bring her peace.

Try and observe mindfully all the details in these moments while practicing the art of photography. By being fully present in the here and now, you'll find a deeper sense of connection to your subject, to yourself and to the story that is unfolding. Ultimately, this emotion will transpire through your images. Is portrait photography something you enjoy doing?