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04/11/2006 02:55:11 PM · #1 |
I'm starting my foray in to portrait photography but I am seeking to avoid the classic "sit here and look at the birdy" *click whir* "NEXT!" mentality.
I want my photos to portray a sense of story, reality, and viewer interaction.
With that in mind, I'm trying to assemble a shopping list for props which are useful in a variety of contexts (avoiding the cliche 'broken greek column' props of grad photo fame). What do your models sit on, lean on, interact with, stand beside, or hold? |
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04/11/2006 03:24:30 PM · #2 |
I think its best to use props that are personal to the person you are doing the portrait for. If the person plays violin, have them hold one. If they are an avid reader have stacks of books near them, etc. Making it personal will mean so much more to your client.
That said, I'll admit MOST of my portraits do not include props at all. If they don't add to the image, simpler is better.
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04/11/2006 04:17:46 PM · #3 |
Great thread, I hope you (we, actually) get lots of ideas from the experienced portrait shooters. I like you am also just beginning to try my hand at studio work and have very few props. One, this school desk, I came across by coincidence when it was being discarded. Plopped my older son down in it for a quick photo or two for stock. Another, this typewriter, was specifically requested by a client, and I was able to borrow it from my uncle there in the photo. (The color version of this photo was purchased for $25, by the way, and this b/w went into the regular istock lineup). Props can be anything... I am beginning to believe that they don't have to be new or expensive.
Message edited by author 2006-04-11 16:18:25. |
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04/11/2006 04:24:14 PM · #4 |
| apparently if you use cheese as a prop people will be talking about it for months! |
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04/11/2006 05:00:16 PM · #5 |
teh best things to get are a posing stool and posing table. these generally are not seen in the photo, but are used to pose the model -they are adjustable for tall short kids etc people.
a chair is good - something with a decorative a back like a bistro chair - perhaps something like this.
fabrics - laces, nearly see thru ones.
hats and scarves seem to be popular items.
sheet music maybe.
the best way to affect your photos is lighting and posing. props are secondary.
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04/11/2006 10:07:22 PM · #6 |
>>>>>>
Message edited by author 2006-04-12 07:16:04. |
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04/12/2006 07:16:16 AM · #7 |
| Bumping up for more input... anyone else? |
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