How to Photograph Hands

Photographing a subject's hands requires skill and a certain delicacy. Hands can tell a story and function as the focal point of beautiful artwork. To display the hands to full advantage, you must know how to capture subtleties and detail.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Discuss with the client prior to her portrait session about her hobbies and interests.

2. Explain to the client that you would like to photograph his hands holding something sentimental. For example, for a young child, it would be nice to photograph his hands holding his favorite snuggly blanket.

3. Photograph the client's hands with various compositions and in various settings. If someone is a nature lover, ask her to hold a small tree in her hands that she is ready to plant. This photograph would be symbolic of her love for nature and what she does to make Earth a better place.

4. Allow for your client to hold hands with his significant other, parent, or child to create a very loving capture. For example, a father could lay his newborn in the palm of his hand and this would make for a beautiful piece of art.

5. Encourage your client to feel free to enjoy time with her friends and family while you use a photojournalistic form of photography. This will allow for you to photograph her hands while she is playing, working, and enjoying life.