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Message: <blockquote data-quote="spb_stan" data-source="post: 633401" data-attributes="member: 43545">Thank you, it was not really supposed to be a candid but made sure it was. I was on the sidewalk on a busy street shooting a friend for her portfolio when the one in the photo approached and asked for photos.I took a couple but she was doing the cheesy big grin people do when taking snap shots so acted as if I was fiddling with  the camera for a bit until she released the grim, tightened face muscles and while she was glancing further down the sidewalk, took one I wanted, of her relaxed normal expression. I used 105mm on a 70-200 so had a little distance so  it was easier to not be noticed. .The background is busy because there are about 15 people walking on the main street.  I usually try to get a more serious look because it shows more of the person, and their thoughts than a posed smiling shot. The day before I got one of a new acquaintance where I started to give a little posing direction and she gave me 3-4 "looks" in rapid but fluid transition like a skilled model but she insist she never trained as a model. I posted one, her hand is perfectly flexed, and slightly parted lips that gave an aloof glamour image, sort of a street High Key blown background shot. <a href="https://nikonites.com/portrait/39885-sidewalk-portrait-marina.html#axzz4p7rrgAS5" target="_blank">https://nikonites.com/portrait/39885-sidewalk-portrait-marina.html#axzz4p7rrgAS5</a>  She went from that look smoothly into a serious direct head down tilted, eyes upcast that complete changed her appearance. Then glided into one where she held her hair just with fingertips with splayed fingers, with each joint flexed so a innocent questioning look. I had just met her and she had never modeled before but how she knew how to glide between poses and stop long enough for a few shots, keeping limb flexed or presenting angles that were flattering is not a natural way people approach a camera, with total body awareness. I will try to do more of her away from the street, where the backgrounds can be  featured.  That day I was using my D7000 which is still a viable camera. The shot here of the stranger was a D800.   If one more person tells me my camera is old  or not up to date because it is a third generation back I'll hit them.  When a camera does not get in the way, it is fine. If people would keep whatever they have longer maybe their shots would stop looking like Aunt Mable's tourist snap shots. For a lot less money they do better by just using what they have if used in a more deliberate way.  Interesting portraits could easily be done with a D40,one does not need a $2000 camera to hold a $50 lens. Good use of a home made reflector or $5 home made scrim will do more than  upgrading cameras. That is my little pet peeve. Using what one has, more deliberately will deliver interesting images far easier than  by buying the latest and greatest bodies.</blockquote>

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