Ep 316: How to pose, direct, light and compose candid, natural-looking portraits

How do you achieve that candid, natural shot that looks like you’ve just walked past and captured the perfect moment. We don’t recommend the spray and pray approach. It only takes a bit of thought and some smart techniques to create wow-worthy shots that people love. In this episode, you’ll discover: finding the good light, how to direct your models to create authentic moments, hacks to make people feel more at ease, the best camera angles for candid images, the ideal gear for candid photography, and the camera settings you need.

Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast.

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Show Notes

This genre of photography looks like the photographer just happened to be in the right place at the right time and captures gorgeous organic, authentic moments.

Capturing these candid moments happens in one of two ways, shoot 1000’s and 1000’s of images and hope for the best OR carefully plan, light, pose and direct the shoot. 

Topics covered:

  • Finding the good light
  • How to direct your models to create authentic moments
  • The best camera angles for candid images
  • The ideal gear for candid photography
  • The camera settings you need
man lighting a cigarette
Image Gina Milicia
older woman in a swim suit standing in front of a pier
Image Gina Milicia
woman leaping in a Paris street Eifel tower in background
Image Gina Milicia
two football players on a bench indoors
Image Gina Milicia
man in blue button up shirt various casual poses
Image Gina Milicia
man reading newspaper with che guevera poster outside
Image Gina Milicia
blurry woman on bike in front of dilapidated house
Image Gina Milicia
football cake celebrations
Image Gina Milicia
two white people on a bike kissing
Image Gina Milicia
four white people on a couch laughin
Image Gina Milicia
Man in blue suit casual
Image Gina Milicia
man with sheep on shoulders standing in front of donkey
Image Gina Milicia
woman in front of butterfly wing mural
Image Gina Milicia
two white women checking out a shirtless surfer dude
Image Gina Milicia

How to direct and pose like a pro

About Gina

About Gina

Gina Milicia is one of the most widely known and respected photographers in Australia. She is the master of capturing that ‘magical moment’... READ MORE

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