Every person can be truly beautiful. And this beauty CAN be captured with a camera. 

Portrait photographers must be able to see past surface aberrations to recognize inner beauty. 

We are blinded by our expectations of surface beauty. 

Inner beauty is generated by positive thoughts such as joy, peace, and bliss. To capture this beauty, our subjects need to BE happy.

Our thoughts control our states of mind. If we have positive thoughts, we will be happy. 

Nervousness and mental agitation are common impediments to positive thoughts, especially for people who are not photographed often.

The role of the portrait photographer therefor, must be first and foremost to manage relaxation and positive thinking in ourselves and our subjects.

Most photographers are concentrating on poses and the best lighting. They see only the surface of the person. Forms and shadows. These elements are important. But managing thoughts is paramount.

How can we (portrait photographers) manage relaxation and positive thinking?

The most important thing is to manage our thoughts. We must be relaxed, calm and genuinely happy when we go into a photo session. It takes enormous time and effort to master our thoughts but it is arguably the single most important life skill we can learn.

Learn how to recognize positive thinking in our subjects. Are they calm? Easily able to smile? Relaxed? 

Learn how to help induce relaxation. Simple tools from yoga like breath control and focusing thoughts are extremely effective. Ask about, and understand anxieties. Get them accustomed to the camera clicks and the big camera being aimed at them.

Manage thoughts. Control the conversation to ensure positive topics. Talking about the latest massacre might not be as conducive as talking about a new child or plans for the future. 

Do not apply time limits to a photography session! The urge to hurry will be a huge imposition especially with a new subject. 

Learn to judge the resultant photographs in terms other than technical achievement. Understand that capturing true beauty is far more important than worrying about whether or not the correct Rembrandt light triangle is evident. 

Future Topics:

Managing Relaxation

Managing Thoughts for happiness

When is Photoshop not good?

Using the camera as a tool to establish self confidence