The Art of (photographing) Conversation

I find the people look much more natural when deep in conversation rather than posing for the camera. The ebb and flow of human emotion, especially when free from the need to “look like something”, is endlessly fascinating. I positioned two Speedlights in opposite corners of the room, well above the conversation round the table. Whilst setup takes longer than with flash on-camera, the lighting emphasises people’s faces in a way that tells a story. What were they talking about? I have no idea!

Speaker A has started the conversation about who-knows-what. He is quite relaxed.

Speaker B does not agree and is making his point. He hunches forwards and is tense.

Speaker B has finished and Speaker C is listening intently to Speaker A opposite him. What thoughts are going through their heads?

Speaker B is listening intently to someone on the opposite side of the table. It is not clear if he agrees or not. Possibly not.

It looks like Speaker D is putting her views across to an as-yet hidden opposite speaker.

Speaker B is listening intently as he decides whether to intervene or not. He is well forward in his chair, prepared to speak.

Speaker C is listening intently and does not quite agree with Speaker A

Speaker A makes his point. He sits back in the chair and uses hands as well as voice and facial expression. Few posed pictures could capture this point in a discussion. He seems content.

Speaker E puts in her point of view but remains relaxed as she sits back in the chair.

Speaker A sits forward a little as he presses his point home.

Speaker B is ready to offer his views but he is not so stiff now and listens intently. Speaker C is smiling and content to leave the others to it.

Speaker B says what he thinks. He is relaxing into this conversation.

Speaker A brings up a new matter. And so on!

The hostess laughs to the photographer at the exchange that made the dinner pass so easily.