Royal Photographer Samir Hussein on How to Capture the ‘Perfect’ Picture

Photographer Samir Hussein is sharing advice on how to take a memorable picture.

The photographer (who has captured several noteworthy moments, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s iconic rain photo) appeared on a recent episode of the Royally Obsessed podcast, where he chatted with hosts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito about his experience working with the royal family.

While discussing his all-time favorite shots, Hussein revealed that the key to capturing the “perfect” photo is to use the surroundings to your advantage. Take the couple’s rain photo, for example. While the rainy weather wasn’t ideal, Hussein planned ahead knowing he’d be at a disadvantage.

“Normally when there’s a lot of rain, it creates havoc with your flash,” he said. “We knew they’d be walking under an umbrella, so quite often, their faces are covered up. It can be very hard to get a clean picture of them.”

Of course, not every photo Hussein took was a keeper, but all it takes is one shot. He added, “There are so many things that could have gone wrong: the flash could have not gone off, the rain could have been obscuring their face, it could have been slightly out of focus because the camera would have picked up on the rain drops directly on their faces.”

Hussein suggested being ready at a moment’s notice, since the most candid interactions happen within a matter of seconds. “We’re talking about a few seconds when they get out of the car and start walking toward us,” he continued. “It was a split second. Normally as photographers you’re waiting for those little moments because you know you haven’t got long. You’re just waiting for that moment when they might give each other a quick smile.”

If you need us, we’ll be practicing our at-home photography skills à la Kate Middleton.