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Hotspam

Nikon D40

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR

04/18/2008 10:37:05 AM · #1

looking for advice from those who have gone before.

When I see people who have striking features and I want take photos of them what advice would you give me. For instance the very unique, deformed, ugly, or otherwise interesting person.

Should I just spill it and offer prints in exchange?

Advice please.

Jay

Bernard_Marx

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/18/2008 11:04:58 AM · #2

No pat answer will do.
How well you can "read" a person will greatly influence your success. Even within the scope of complete candor and forthrightness there is plenty of room for variations on a theme.

I would suggest taking a moment to empathize and consider. That should help inform your approach.

Edit to add: Sometimes I bill myself as an artist. Sometimes I buy a beer. Sometimes I chat a good bit first and other times I don't. Sometimes I don't speak at all and rely solely on hands and facial expressions. Sometimes I hand out a card and ask them if they want me to upload the result for them. Sometimes I steel. Only very very rarely do I offer a physical print.

Message edited by author 2008-04-18 11:09:30.

escapetooz

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/18/2008 11:13:10 AM · #3

Originally posted by Hotspam:

Hrmmm. Well I've never done it because I'm a 100% chicken but I just got business cards. I figure I can just give them one casually and let them know to contact me if they want some free images because I like their look or find them interesting. That way you aren't putting them on the spot, they have time to digest and consider. Unless of course you want on the street candids, and that's just always hard... though a few photographers on here have a real knack for it...

I'd imagine it would be easier with someone pretty than deformed or ugly but I guess that is all really a matter of what type of person they are. There are pretty people with no confidence at all and "ugly" people that have the confidence of a super model.

In any case I feel like its really important that you don't come off as wanting to exploit them. That you want to come together to make art and tell a story, not just photograph the "weird" person and show it off you know?

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

04/18/2008 11:19:38 AM · #4

Every transaction involves an exchange of values. The exchange rate has to be mutually beneficial. As Bernard said, put yourself in their shoes. A rip-off surreptitious street snap is one thing, asking someone to consider being a model for a photo session your are considering is another. Wanting something too much will lead to not getting it. Take the time needed to make the deal. Here is an interesting story:

Freud's sleeping nude 'paid Â£20'

Hotspam

Nikon D40

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR

04/18/2008 12:12:49 PM · #5

Thank you all for the advice.

I do hope everyone understands I DO respect the delicacy of the situation and do NOT wish to exploit anyone.

I understand that the best approach is probably to explain the statement I would like to make and why their particular "look" will help me make it. Then it needs to be of value to them as well to participate.

I guess I should wonder what my currency would be if I had a dry eye socket and someone wanted do a high contrast black and white potrait of me in the context of overcoming adversity or whatever. Obviously the photo would have to be more than shock value.

paddles

Pentax K10D

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

04/18/2008 11:52:35 PM · #6

If you're looking for something to trade, it doesn't have to be time for a copy of the print in question.

In one case, a friend posed for me (nude) for a project I was working on, and in return I shot some head-and-shoulder and full-body (clothed) modelling shots she could use for publicity (she's a singer). I've also offered people family portraits in exchange.

Sometimes, all people want is a bit of a chat and to know why you want to photograph them - the thought of being part of a work of art?

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/19/2008 09:21:41 AM · #7

I have found that I have to be decent, considerate, and honest about my intentions, and that I have to be prepared to be everything from blown off hard to politely declined.....and then respect the wishes of the subject.

I have found that it's a karma kind of thing for me, and that my ability to reach out in an empathetic way has gotten me more successes than failures.

You never know 'til you reach out.....good luck.

Hotspam

Nikon D40

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR

04/20/2008 10:06:35 AM · #8

Thanks - I was looking at some of the portraits, especially

Joey Lawrence's - inspirational.

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

04/20/2008 12:34:10 PM · #9