Casual Portrait Photography: A Guide To Natural Shots

When we think of portrait photography, it often brings to mind a posed model set against a perfect backdrop. Shot either in a studio with high-end lighting equipment capturing each carefully planned pose or outdoors, where the model strikes graceful poses on a beach or in a park. However, portrait photography spans a range of styles, and one unique approach has little to do with posing: casual portrait photography. This style captures the model in a natural, unposed state, testing the photographer’s timing and ability to capture genuine moments.

Casual portrait photography can be challenging, as it requires intuition and an understanding of when best to press the shutter. But with the right techniques and mindset, it can also be incredibly rewarding. In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes to excel in casual portrait photography, along with some common mistakes to avoid to help you achieve authentic, impactful shots.

Benefits of a Casual Portrait

Opting for a casual portrait over a posed one brings unique benefits. While posed portraits are still the industry standard, this doesn’t mean that portrait photographers can’t capture more natural, candid subjects to create compelling portraits.

Natural and Comfortable Subjects 

Let’s start with subjects who aren’t comfortable in front of the camera. For those inexperienced with posing, the moment they’re in front of the lens, they may stiffen up, unsure where to look, how to smile, or wondering what on earth they should do with their hands. This often results in photos that feel unnatural and forced, leaving subjects less satisfied with the outcome. By encouraging natural, candid poses, you allow your subject to forget the camera is there, capturing them in a much more comfortable and relaxed state.

Room for Experimentation

Casual portraits also invite experimentation. If you’re working with experienced models or have taken countless portraits, you might feel the need to break from the routine of traditional, practiced poses. Casual portrait photography lets you do just that, giving you the freedom to try something new and refresh your portfolio with spontaneous, playful shots in a less formal setting.

Enhanced Storytelling

Capturing subjects in a natural setting allows you to emphasise the storytelling aspect of your images. Spontaneous moments create portraits that feel meaningful and authentic, which is ideal for portraits with a strong narrative quality.

Focus on Environment and Lifestyle

Casual portraits also bring more focus to the subject’s environment, offering opportunities to capture lifestyle elements within the shot. This approach can enrich certain themes of your shoot, making it an excellent choice for brand photography, where lifestyle and setting are integral. We’ll explore this in more detail later.

Casual portrait photography offers a powerful way to capture authentic shots that resonate more deeply with your audience than posed portraits. While not as common in the polished, professional world of traditional portraiture, casual portraits hold significant value, especially when photographing individuals unused to being in front of a camera. Casual sessions help subjects relax, resulting in images that feel natural and engaging, leading to better portraits all around.

Observer vs Participant Posing

Greg Williams, a renowned photographer of the world’s biggest celebrities, approaches his subjects with a philosophy that contrasts sharply with traditional studio shoots. Rather than arranging for meticulously staged sessions with elaborate equipment, wardrobe, and teams of assistants, Williams seeks to capture authentic, unscripted moments. His method revolves around two key approaches: being an observer or a participant in the scene.

Observer

In the observer approach, the photographer adopts a "fly-on-the-wall" style, becoming as invisible as possible to the subject. Here, there’s no interaction between photographer and subject during the shoot; instead, the photographer quietly captures moments as the subject goes about their activities. 

You might have a brief conversation with the subject beforehand to arrange a task for them to do, then let them know that you’ll be working in the background and that they should ignore your presence entirely. 

This approach results in images where the subject isn’t looking into the lens or following any specific direction, allowing for authentic moments to unfold naturally.

• Pros: The observer approach is ideal for storytelling, as it authentically captures moments without direction. This technique is especially helpful for subjects who feel awkward in front of the camera, allowing them to relax and be themselves as they gradually forget the camera is there.
• Cons: Without the ability to direct your subject, it can be challenging to capture the best possible images. You may encounter limitations with lighting or angle. To overcome this, arrive at the location in advance to assess lighting and identify areas that offer the most photogenic angles, making it easier to capture quality shots without being obtrusive.

Participant

In the participant approach, the photographer interacts with the subject, providing gentle guidance or conversation while maintaining a relaxed, casual feel. This style isn’t about rigid poses; instead, it allows the model to settle into natural, easygoing poses or engage in familiar gestures. 

You might ask the model to sit in a particular spot or stand in a nicely lit area, then interact with them to capture their expressions and movements as you chat or encourage light-hearted moments.

• Pros: As a participant, you have more control over the session, using subtle prompts to place the model in optimal lighting and positions. This approach lets you bring out the model's personality and experiment with different angles, helping the subject feel comfortable and expressive.
• Cons: The subject might take a little time to relax into the session, especially if they’re not used to a casual approach. To address this, allow time for a “warm-up” period, during which the subject gets accustomed to the environment and your presence. We'll explore warm-up techniques in a following section.

Techniques for Capturing Natural Shots

To create more authentic, casual portraits, keep these essential techniques in mind during your shoots:

1. Natural Lighting: One of the most important aspects of a casual portrait is the lighting. Studio lighting, with its controlled exposures and precision, can make a photo feel staged. In contrast, natural lighting brings an element of authenticity that enhances the candid feel of your image. Make use of available light, whether from a window or outdoors and avoid adding artificial lighting. This approach will help your images retain that natural appeal.
2. Incorporate Movement: Standing still in front of a camera often makes people feel self-conscious, leading to overcorrected posture and awkward expressions. Encourage your subject to walk, turn, or engage in simple movements to help them relax. Shooting while they move not only brings out their natural side but also adds life and energy to the photos, often resulting in more genuine moments.
3. Interaction with Environment: Another great approach is to have your subject interact with their surroundings. For example, in a shoot with Tom Hardy for Esquire, Greg Williams photographed Hardy while he washed his car, resulting in a fun, engaging set of images that captured Hardy spraying water with wild energy. Williams shifted between observing quietly and giving light directions when the moment called for it. Think about activities that suit your subject’s personality, and either let them proceed naturally or offer subtle guidance if an interesting opportunity arises.
4. Experiment with Distance and Close-Ups: Vary your distance to capture a range of perspectives. Try shooting from afar to capture the subject within their environment, then move in for close-ups to focus on details like their hands or expressions. This mix of wider context and intimate details can add richness to your photo set and enhance the storytelling aspect of your casual portraits.
5. Smile! Posed shots often involve serious, moody, or neutral facial expressions, which are easier for models to pull off than natural, smiling poses. However, casual portraits are all about capturing natural and genuine smiles and expressions. Interact with your model to help them feel more relaxed, and try to make them laugh so their smiles appear much more natural than forced ones. In the following section, we’ll look at exactly how to create this relaxed atmosphere, so let’s continue on.

Building Rapport

One of the most crucial elements of a successful portrait session is establishing a solid rapport with your model. When your subject feels at ease, you’re far more likely to capture authentic and natural moments.

Casual portrait photography requires a different approach than posed portraiture. In a formal shoot, models might have rehearsed poses and know exactly how to respond to directions, making the session a smooth, choreographed process. In a casual shoot, however, the aim is to capture natural expressions, interactions with the environment, and spontaneous moments. This shift means your subject needs to feel genuinely comfortable enough to “be themselves” on camera.

1. Just Look Natural!

Ironically, one of the trickiest cues for any model to hear is “look natural,” as it often causes them to become self-conscious. If the subject doesn’t feel at ease, “acting natural” can feel like an impossible task. Avoid this kind of wording altogether by building good rapport from the start. Follow these tips to make your model feel relaxed, so they can look naturally authentic without needing to be told to do so.

2. Don’t Jump Straight into the Shoot

Allow your model some time to settle in before you begin shooting. If it’s their first time at the location, take a few moments to explore the area together or grab a coffee and chat. While you can discuss the shoot, it’s often better to start with casual conversation to get to know them. Finding common ground through friendly discussion can work wonders for easing initial nerves. It also gives your model a chance to relax and recharge before you begin.

3. Converse Throughout the Shoot

Keep the conversation flowing during the session. If the only communication your model hears is a series of instructions, the experience may feel stiff and formal. Instead, engage them in general conversation, getting to know them better, and allowing the shoot to feel less like a task. If you’re unsure of what to say, ask questions about their background or interests. Once you get the conversation going, both of you will start to feel more comfortable.

4. Start with Comfortable Posing

Hold off on your more elaborate ideas until later in the shoot. Grand expressions or high-energy poses can feel overwhelming at the beginning, so give your model time to warm up. Start with comfortable, natural poses to let them settle in, gradually moving to more expressive shots as they get into the flow.

5. Use Humour and Laughter

Set the tone by being light-hearted and expressive yourself. If you’re too serious and reserved, your model might struggle to feel at ease. Think of yourself as a mirror: by being friendly and energetic, you’re encouraging your model to respond in kind. Humour and laughter are excellent ways to break the ice and get authentic smiles and expressions.

6. Provide Positive Feedback

Encouragement goes a long way in keeping your model relaxed. Give positive reinforcement throughout the session, letting them know they’re doing a great job. Occasionally, show them some of your favourite shots, highlighting what you love about them. This helps reassure them that they’re meeting your expectations and boosts their confidence for the rest of the shoot.

By building rapport in these ways, you’ll help your model relax and bring out their natural side, capturing the candid, authentic shots that make casual portrait photography so powerful.

The Bottom Line

Casual portrait photography is a fantastic way to capture authentic moments and convey powerful storytelling to your audience. It’s especially beneficial for subjects who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, as asking for posed shots can often result in unnatural or stiff expressions. 

Approach your shoot by choosing either the observer or participant style, each offering its own unique advantages. Keep the lighting natural to enhance the authenticity of your shots, and, above all, focus on building rapport with your subject to help them feel at ease. 

Casual portrait photography is incredibly enjoyable and offers limitless possibilities for creativity, so have fun experimenting!