Why Natural Photos Shine and How to Get Them

Capturing the Real Moment: Why Natural Photos Shine and How to Get Them

In photography, nothing beats the magic of a natural, unposed moment—like KassDays standing thoughtfully by a tranquil lake in the Rockies, framed by rugged peaks and a reflective shoreline. Natural photos resonate because they capture genuine emotion and personality, free from the stiffness of forced poses. When people relax and forget the camera, the results are authentic, storytelling images that feel alive, like this candid shot from a scenic spot near Okotoks, Alberta.

So, how do you get people to be themselves and not worry about the lens? Take the time and make it count, capture the moments, don't count the pictures you took just do it until all parties feel comfortable with what they are trying to achieve.

Here are some tips to make your subjects feel at ease and let their true selves shine through:

• Keep Them Moving: Like you did with KassDays, encourage your subject to move naturally—walking, turning, or even chatting while you shoot. Motion helps break the tension of posing and creates dynamic, candid moments. For example, ask them to stroll along the lake’s edge or adjust their backpack, capturing them in action.

• Engage in Conversation: Talk to your subject about something they love—maybe KassDays’ latest road trip along the Top of the World Highway or his stop at Watson Lake’s Sign Post Forest. When people are distracted by a good story, they forget the camera and their expressions soften naturally.

• Give Gentle Guidance, Not Commands: Instead of saying “stand here and smile,” offer subtle directions like, “Look out at the mountains and take a deep breath.” This lets them focus on the experience—like soaking in the beauty of the Rockies—rather than the camera, resulting in a more organic pose.

• Use the Environment as a Prop: Encourage interaction with the surroundings. In this case, having KassDays step onto a rock by the lake not only added depth to the shot but also gave him something to do, making him feel less self-conscious. Ask your subject to touch a nearby tree or skip a stone across the water—small actions that feel natural.

• Shoot from a Distance First: Start with a wider shot to give your subject space to relax, then gradually move closer. This helps them get comfortable without feeling the pressure of the lens right away. For instance, capturing KassDays from afar as he gazed at the lake likely helped him settle into the moment.

• Be Patient and Positive: Let your subject know there’s no rush. A warm comment like, “You’re doing great, just take your time,” can work wonders. If they’re nervous, share a laugh—maybe remind them of a funny moment, like Emerald the Mallard’s bubble-burping antics by the Sheep River—to lighten the mood.

Natural photos, like this one of KassDays, tell a story of real moments in stunning places. By creating a relaxed atmosphere and focusing on the experience rather than the camera, you’ll capture images that feel as authentic as the landscapes you love to explore.