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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Advice Please - first engagement session....Maybe
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02/04/2013 02:00:29 PM · #1
hello everyone,
I am a complete newbie, (took camera off manual for the first time in September).

I fell in love with the Colorado landscape since moving here 4 years ago so I try to spend one morning, most weekends, getting up before sunrise then just going somewhere new and see what I find.

I'm having a blast, and I'm getting good feedback from family & friends to where now I have someone I used to work with ask if I'd give it a go and take some engagement photos for her.

The only portrait I've done is for my son's senior pix for school.. I have no idea where to start. Any advice?
02/04/2013 03:08:02 PM · #2
welcome

of course it appears you've been lurking for quite a while now..

Message edited by author 2013-02-04 15:08:54.
02/04/2013 03:12:47 PM · #3
Hi,

take e look to the portfolios of my FB friend Todd Laffler, something can inspire you! ;-)
02/04/2013 03:30:14 PM · #4
Do your best to help the couple relax and enjoy the activity.

Do not give them everything you shoot - go through and pick the top dozen or so poses.

Get them the pictures as quickly as possible - increase the opportunity to do a re-shoot or find another photographer if it is a disaster.

Multiple changes of clothes is a good idea.

Watch for physical "blemishes" and shoot to minimize them. (My one wedding, the bride had a quite large mole / growth near her mouth - good luck with that one!). I'm also thinking of things like a "big nose" or "big ears" or "ears that stick out", etc.

Watch the setting, background, and lighting. Portraits are quite a different animal than landscapes. I like to shoot using a sports setting, and take bursts of shots - less likely to get a transient expression. If possible, shoot outside in the shade (all shade). People tend to move, so you need enough light to be able to shoot at around 1/80 with a moderate depth of field, but if you have to get just one thing in focus, make it the eyes.

I've had better luck with a desert-like background (tans / browns) rather than a tropical / lush background - not sure why, but the shots just look better - maybe it is less distraction(s) in the background.

Control the shoot. Have them give you an idea (or a list) of poses / clothes they want, but you give them instructions shot by shot what you want / need them to do. Be sure to work in the things they requested, but you should never be asking them, what do you think we should try next?

Try different / non-traditional poses.

And finally, have fun. The more you enjoy what you are doing, the more relaxed the couple will be.
02/04/2013 03:34:01 PM · #5
Grab hubby, kids whoever, take em inside outside and Practice Practice.... google portrait photography.... don't get all worried, No matter how bad you think you do, they will love it!! (do keep outta harsh lighting) (contrasty where sun n shadows get on subject!)

Have fun... it'll show in your work!

Again as stated above, YOU choose the shots to show to them!!!!!! Do NOT let em see all, they will pick the worst, or want you to edit ALL of them... Lessons learned the hard way!!!!

Ohhh and Portrait Proffesional, the Wedding photographers best friend,,, I don't think it costs much, I've had mine forever, but you can get rid of a tons of blemishes, wrinkles, make the eyes POP, just don't make them look too plastic.. but sooo worth the money!! (In my opinion)

Message edited by author 2013-02-04 15:38:33.
02/04/2013 03:45:09 PM · #6
What if they want to look at the LCD right after the shots? If that's a no no, what is a polite way of making people understand?
02/04/2013 03:51:54 PM · #7
Originally posted by lady:

What if they want to look at the LCD right after the shots? If that's a no no, what is a polite way of making people understand?

I don't see that as a real problem - go ahead and show them the LCD, but be sure to clarify that the display is too small to give you anything more than a general idea of how the shot looks - I've seen many shots on the LCD that looked great, but on the computer screen, not so much (even oof blurry!). For example, you could probably tell via the LCD display if the color combination of clothes & background is working or not, or if the hair needs some attention, but precious little else.

And, don't give up control of the shoot to allow them to run back and forth between posing and looking at the LCD. A simple, "trust me" might work... ;-p

Message edited by author 2013-02-04 15:52:56.
02/04/2013 03:53:39 PM · #8
I'll show them a shot here and there on the LCD during the shoot. I think it helps them relax a bit when they see a good shot and it prevents them from asking after to see them.

I also tell them before we start shooting that some shots are just tests to get the lighting perfected and not every shot is going to make the cut.

Originally posted by lady:

What if they want to look at the LCD right after the shots? If that's a no no, what is a polite way of making people understand?
02/04/2013 04:06:57 PM · #9
if you have iOS or android get the "posing app" its great for when you are in the field and need to call up some quick poses.
02/05/2013 02:36:05 AM · #10
First, consider what your end product will consist of.
Then think of how to get there.
You'll likely need modifiers like reflectors or flashes, to make good on the Colorado harsh lighting.
Might I ask where in CO you're based?
What are the client's expectations?
Can you meet them?

Portrait/group shooting is equally about rapport and ability. The two are separate. If you are new, make sure the client understands this! Plan to spend more timing arranging, stay calm, see what works. Ensure the client knows it will be a learning process for you.
02/05/2013 09:20:56 AM · #11
Make sure you help them decide what to wear, first time I shot photos for a couple they showed up looking horrible and clashed so don't be afraid to tell them to coordinate and like others have said have them bring a couple of changes of clothes. Also remember if you pick the time you pick the light!
02/05/2013 09:57:39 AM · #12
This and plenty more excellent examples at //www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com

02/05/2013 06:29:10 PM · #13
Thanks Mike!

Yes I joined quite some time ago and have been lurking on and off. Now I'm finally understanding alot of what you all are doing now that I'm understanding my camera!
Originally posted by mike_311:

welcome

of course it appears you've been lurking for quite a while now..
02/05/2013 06:31:25 PM · #14
Thanks Giorgio!
He's got some great talent! and he's from my home state of Jersey!

Originally posted by GiorgioBaruffi:

Hi,

take e look to the portfolios of my FB friend Todd Laffler, something can inspire you! ;-)
02/05/2013 06:35:01 PM · #15
Thank you so much David..
This is really really good feedback!!!!

I think I'll have a blast because they know I've got zero experience at this so the pressure is off a bit.. But I still want to do a great job of course!

Originally posted by dtremain:

Do your best to help the couple relax and enjoy the activity.

Do not give them everything you shoot - go through and pick the top dozen or so poses.

Get them the pictures as quickly as possible - increase the opportunity to do a re-shoot or find another photographer if it is a disaster.

Multiple changes of clothes is a good idea.

Watch for physical "blemishes" and shoot to minimize them. (My one wedding, the bride had a quite large mole / growth near her mouth - good luck with that one!). I'm also thinking of things like a "big nose" or "big ears" or "ears that stick out", etc.

Watch the setting, background, and lighting. Portraits are quite a different animal than landscapes. I like to shoot using a sports setting, and take bursts of shots - less likely to get a transient expression. If possible, shoot outside in the shade (all shade). People tend to move, so you need enough light to be able to shoot at around 1/80 with a moderate depth of field, but if you have to get just one thing in focus, make it the eyes.

I've had better luck with a desert-like background (tans / browns) rather than a tropical / lush background - not sure why, but the shots just look better - maybe it is less distraction(s) in the background.

Control the shoot. Have them give you an idea (or a list) of poses / clothes they want, but you give them instructions shot by shot what you want / need them to do. Be sure to work in the things they requested, but you should never be asking them, what do you think we should try next?

Try different / non-traditional poses.

And finally, have fun. The more you enjoy what you are doing, the more relaxed the couple will be.
02/05/2013 06:35:42 PM · #16
Thanks Mark!!! These little tips and tricks are priceless!

Originally posted by MarkB:

I'll show them a shot here and there on the LCD during the shoot. I think it helps them relax a bit when they see a good shot and it prevents them from asking after to see them.

I also tell them before we start shooting that some shots are just tests to get the lighting perfected and not every shot is going to make the cut.

Originally posted by lady:

What if they want to look at the LCD right after the shots? If that's a no no, what is a polite way of making people understand?
02/05/2013 06:37:42 PM · #17
Thanks Yassi!! Luckily I know her so that shouldn't be too much of an issue at least this time..

Originally posted by lady:

What if they want to look at the LCD right after the shots? If that's a no no, what is a polite way of making people understand?
02/05/2013 06:39:01 PM · #18
thanks David... good thoughts!

Originally posted by dtremain:

Originally posted by lady:

What if they want to look at the LCD right after the shots? If that's a no no, what is a polite way of making people understand?

I don't see that as a real problem - go ahead and show them the LCD, but be sure to clarify that the display is too small to give you anything more than a general idea of how the shot looks - I've seen many shots on the LCD that looked great, but on the computer screen, not so much (even oof blurry!). For example, you could probably tell via the LCD display if the color combination of clothes & background is working or not, or if the hair needs some attention, but precious little else.

And, don't give up control of the shoot to allow them to run back and forth between posing and looking at the LCD. A simple, "trust me" might work... ;-p
02/05/2013 06:40:12 PM · #19
OMG Mike!! There is an ap for that??? I work in IT for God's sake but I apparently am living under a rock.. Thanks!!

Originally posted by mike_311:

if you have iOS or android get the "posing app" its great for when you are in the field and need to call up some quick poses.
02/05/2013 06:47:04 PM · #20
OK Derek.. you've gotten to the nuts and bolts of how ignorant about this industry I am and pushed me right out of my comfort zone. Have not yet learned to use a flash properly and I've seen reflectors being used I haven't had the opportunity. Guess there's no better time to learn. Guess I need to get studying!

I live just south of Denver and the client just north. You're right, we do have some pretty harsh daytime lighting but the evening hours are awesome and we've had quite a bit of cloud coverage lately. There's also the possibility to shoot indoors but I'll still need lighting.

Luckily the expectations are minimal.. Told her I've got no experience and she's asked if I would give it a try...

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

First, consider what your end product will consist of.
Then think of how to get there.
You'll likely need modifiers like reflectors or flashes, to make good on the Colorado harsh lighting.
Might I ask where in CO you're based?
What are the client's expectations?
Can you meet them?

Portrait/group shooting is equally about rapport and ability. The two are separate. If you are new, make sure the client understands this! Plan to spend more timing arranging, stay calm, see what works. Ensure the client knows it will be a learning process for you.
02/05/2013 06:48:36 PM · #21
Thanks Bob.. I never would have even thought of that.. I will suggest that and I'll pick the time!

Originally posted by PapaBob:

Make sure you help them decide what to wear, first time I shot photos for a couple they showed up looking horrible and clashed so don't be afraid to tell them to coordinate and like others have said have them bring a couple of changes of clothes. Also remember if you pick the time you pick the light!
02/05/2013 06:57:53 PM · #22
Thanks Jason!! Good Stuff!

Originally posted by smardaz:

This and plenty more excellent examples at //www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com

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