First, investigate
Take some time to understand your topic.
Before each shoot, ask some questions sincerely. Are your customers showy or reserved? Do they usually like quiet or lively? Do they often stay in the library or surf by the sea? You won't get this information before asking. Imagine how frustrating it is that you put a nerd on the skating rink to shoot!
When I met Nicole, we first took a walk in the Dallas Botanical Garden, where we filmed. While walking, we talked about her hobbies and pursuits. I found that she is a very fashionable and adventurous girl, and also has a very gentle side of women. These two points together, let me find an excellent shooting location garden. I also found that when she is shy, she likes to stroke her hair. Although this action looks natural in portrait photos, it is actually a very unique symbol of her personality.
Second, observe
When you communicate with your subject, observe him and discover those subtle temperament. Do they like their profiles? Do they blink often? Do they like smiling or serious expression? If you can find these hidden features, you will have an unparalleled advantage in shooting.
The third view
If you really want to grasp the personality of customers, you should have an insight into their essence.
When you are shooting, guide your customers to express your feelings about shooting through your dialogue. Chat, laugh and play together. When people feel free with you, they can put themselves in the best condition and try their best to do so.
I didn't know Caleb was an aspiring filmmaker, and his past photos rarely satisfied him. While filming, I chatted with him like a friend, trying to discover the qualities that made him what he is now. When Caleb received the photo I took for him, he told me that it was his favorite one ever, because it reminded him of his idol filmmaker Mel? Gibson.
If you want to be a successful and well-paid portrait photographer, please remember that your task is to show people what they want to see, that is, to express their personality with photos, which is actually flattering them properly. If you do well, your customers will tell their friends to visit your business, and of course they will take a photo with you again.