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11/12/2004 03:41:06 PM · #1 |
I am doing a photo shoot of a policeman tomorrow and curious if anyone else has done any studio shots of men in uniform. I am looking for some ideas on poses and backdrops. (no this is not for my hero shot, I already have my hero shot entered) His uniform is very dark blue, almost black. I have a large american flag I thought I might use for one background.
I would appreciate any ideas or example photos anyone might have.
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11/12/2004 03:44:46 PM · #2 |
I did a studio session of a man in the military a few months back... Obviously "formal" poses work well: straight on, maybe saluting, 3/4ths. The flag would make for a nice background provided it's large enough and your aperture is open so it doesn't distract. You might also try a gray, white, or tan background.
Good luck! |
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11/12/2004 05:31:25 PM · #3 |
Thanks so much for your input Kim. I really appreciate it.
Anyone else have any helpful hints/ideas?
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11/12/2004 05:59:57 PM · #4 |
The info I have depends on the reason for the shoot. Is this a portrait shoot? or is this just candid type real life stuff.
I would use the flag if it were a studio shoot, use an aperture of aroun 8, maybe lower depending on what kind of room you have and what not.
If it were anything other than a studio portrait, I would really try and get his vehicle involved, You could even do just his/her badge, name tag, hat (if applicable) etc. Make a nice piece of personalized art that the officer could hang in his/her house that isn't a massive picture of his/herself.
Normally I would never say this but since it's a man/woman in uniform, a most respectable uniform at that, I wouldn't get to creative with the light. I would consentrate on making him/her look more honorable than attractive (using the word attractive lightly) If the officer brings their family, dress a child in the uniform. The size of the uniform and cuteness of the child will make a memory worth having forever.
Just my two cents.
joe
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11/12/2004 08:25:58 PM · #5 |
| I think the standard shot is with the face straight-on and the shoulders turned about 15-30 degrees to the side, if you're shooting a portrait "bust" shot. If you want the upper-half of the body (including badge, medals, other insignia) they should probably just be facing you directly. If this is a dress-uniform portrait, I think they usually wear their hat -- make sure you have some low lighting so you can see their eyes in the shadow of the brim. |
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11/12/2004 08:44:24 PM · #6 |
Just a word of caution regarding the military and their uniforms for anyone reading this.
While a photograph of our militry for personal use is OK, once you want to sell it (DPCPrints or otherwise), you MUST obtain a release from the member if recognizable AND from the particular branch of service.
This is such the case of a shot I want to get reproduced for sale:
I gave this young man a business card and asked that he contact me so I could get copies to him, not knowing at the time how it was going to turn out and that I would end up with a marketable image.
I have never heard from him and have no idea how to get hold of him, alas this shot is on hold.
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11/12/2004 10:32:23 PM · #7 |
Thanks so much to all for the great input. The uniform he will be wearing is his everyday uniform. He is having this done for his wife and mother for Christmas. He has no children but that is something to keep in mind in the future. He has asked me come to the station sometime in the near future and take photos of any of the officers who want them made. He was saying he would like to have some taken there of him with his car and feels like some of the others probably would also. I might suggest the child thing then.
Magicshutter thanks for the idea of the badge, name tag,...etc. That would also make a great keepsake photo. Your 2 cents was worth much more than 2 cents to me. :) It triggered other ideas also.
GeneralE thanks for your suggestions on posing and about lighting if he is wearing a hat. I can see where the angle would make a difference with the badges and tags.
BradP this is another picture of yours that has made me say wow. I love looking at your portfolio and really admire your work. This one is so touching. I would have never thought you would have to have release from the military branch also. That is ashame that he never contacted you. This photo is outstanding and I am sure one he would treasure for life.
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