Everybody has their photography likes and disikes.
I have a thing for backs.
I don't know what it is or why but there is something about having the backs of people in the frame that really appeals to me.
It makes me feel as though I am observing something special, I think.
Most of the time this is an easy photo to capture but sometimes I'll coach the kids or pose them so I can set the scene.
This pose is a lot easier with older children because you can ask them to hold the position but it can be used for toddlers too. You just need to be faster!
So, here are some of my tips and tricks for the 'walking away' pose.
* Set the scene.
When I am thinking of a back pose, it is usually a dreamy, contemplative feel I am going for.
The beach is fantastic for this.
For this shot I asked the girls to go to the water's edge and to look out to the ocean. They spontaneously put their arms around each other (as pre teen girls have a habit of doing) and I quickly snapped a few shots off.
The result was better than I had hoped.
*Position is everything
There is a difference from a full back shot and a side back shot.
If I want some of the person's face in the shot, I need to shoot a little to the side.
If that is the case, I will often ask the subject to look straight ahead and to lift their chin just a little.
This photo of Dave is spontaneous. I didn't need to ask him to do anything but it is a great example of what I am trying to describe. It would be veryeasy to coach people in this pose.
* Try different ideas.
Maddy was walking along the beach in Queensland and I was behind her. I lined the camera up for the photo and then called her to look back over her shoulder.
It comes across as a fun and playful photo of Madeline, that I love!
I have a friend who hates to be in photos but she wanted a picture of her with her husband and her two boys. I thought about it for a long time and then figured If I put the parents in the photo with their backs to the camera and had the boys facing the camera, cuddling into Mum and Dad, I would be able to take photos of the whole family, without frontal portraits of the adults.
There would be possibility in this pose because I could take photos of the sides of the parents' faces as well and I could portray the emotions of love and protection in that stance. I ran it by my friend and she thought it was a great idea. I've yet to take their family photos but am looking forward to the results!
Taking photos of people walking away or looking away from the camera can evoke a whimsical, carefree or daydreamy type shot. It's not for everyone (my mother can't see the point of taking back photos) but this 'pose' is a simple and easy one to coach.
Why don't you give it a try?
I'd love to see some.
When Tiff is not sprouting photography tips and tricks, she is blogging about life with seven little Australians at Three Ring Circus.
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I love these ideas. I took a bunch of "back" photos at the beach this summer. My favorite is the one used as my blog header.
I still have this link for "Funny Photo Friday" but can't find your post ? Could you please the send me the right link or tell me who took this over now ??
This is great! All of my favorite photos of my son are him walking away (mostly because that is the one way I can get him when he is not a blur). Great tips!
Wonderful tips! Thanks for sharing!