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12/18/2007 12:12:26 AM · #1 |
Heres the dilemma...
I have a niece that doesn't have any money for senior pictures..
I would like to take the pictures for her for free, but the problem is I have no lighting or backdrops, so they would have to be outdoor pics..
Well, I live in Michigan, and its winter, so I cant think of any good outdoor type settings that would be appropriate.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
The deadline for yearbook is Jan 31.
Message edited by author 2007-12-18 00:13:35. |
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12/18/2007 12:18:46 AM · #2 |
might possibly a good indoor location. Not sure how far away it is. |
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12/18/2007 12:30:52 AM · #3 |
I don't know about your location...but if you have snow...why don't you both be brave and face the snow with the 'ice princess' type look. All the surroundings in white...and only your neice in a blast of colour.
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12/18/2007 12:41:24 AM · #4 |
I'm an ex-Detroiter myself.
Well, if you have the time, space and inclination, you can make yourself a super cheap home studio...I did my recent self-portrait with one home depot light, a reflector and a piece of black cloth in a room that is not so big.
Otherwise, I like Judi's idea...PLENTY of snow, right?
Other than a basic headshot inside a garage with the door open...
When I was a senior, we just went to Prestige! None of these cool location shots....Ah how time's have changed in 18 years.... |
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12/18/2007 12:41:51 AM · #5 |
Backdrops aren't too hard to come by. Lots of shops have big painted walls of various colours if you want a flat coloured wall, or find a nice rock-wall or something like that.
If you want something vaguely studio like with indoor lighting, I'm assuming your flash works. Hold some tissue paper infront of it as a diffuser, dial up the flash power, and you're good for a couple of metres of acceptable artificial light. With some alfoil, and some creativity, you can even try bouncing your flash onto a big sheet of white paper to the side of the camera. Tricky to setup the first time, but it actually works quite well. For the backdrop, you can use a wall, flat or textured or concrete or brick, or a sheet, or a tarp, or whatever you like the look of.
If you want more of a location shot, then I don't know what's in your area. :( If you want greenery, and there's none around, is there a botanic gardens or something like that where they might have a hot-house with year-round greenery? Shopping centres might have stands of indoor plants that you can use as background, or some cool architecture, however, don't look too professional about the shoot, as the centre might not want photos taken there.
If you venture outdoors, maybe your subject wants to go for a snow-queen glamour sort of look? :) (edit - ah, Judi, you beat me!)
Message edited by author 2007-12-18 00:42:38. |
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12/18/2007 12:53:18 AM · #6 |
Good ideas so far--
Any example of the "Snow Queen" look that would be acceptable for a senior shot--
What would she wear outside in freezing cold weather-- |
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12/18/2007 01:05:04 AM · #7 |
Hey Buzz, check out this site for on the cheap ideas for lights, backgrounds, all kinds of stuff. Also, if you have an external flash at all, check out the strobist.
Heck, you could get decent results with natural light from a good window and some cheap or even homemade reflectors.
Great gear is great, but not mandatory for great results. :-)
A nice window, possibly with a shear curtain for nice diffused light. A plain sheet tacked to the wall. Crumple up some tinfoil, wrap it on a piece of poster board. You have a studio. |
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12/18/2007 01:07:08 AM · #8 |
If it were me, I would just look at the forecast, pick the mildest day in the near future and shoot near home. Maybe some in a nice winter coat and then some where she just grins and bears it in a sweater. If you shoot close to somewhere she can go indoors to warm up, you can avoid that red nose, watery eyed "cold look".
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12/18/2007 01:08:09 AM · #9 |
| Since it's winter, but it seems you'd like to have some good natural lighting....is there anyplace around you with a nice atrium? |
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12/18/2007 01:39:07 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by buzzrock:
Good ideas so far--
Any example of the "Snow Queen" look that would be acceptable for a senior shot--
What would she wear outside in freezing cold weather-- |
I have spent the last 15 minutes going through a ton of photos looking for a shot I took for my niece's graduation pictures a couple of years ago. She didn't use them (I cannot tell people my "uncle" took my graduation shots!)although she did use one of them for he "introduction" card. I think I may have given her the negatives.
I will try and describe them. We live in Muskegon, MI which is right on Lake Michigan...lots of dunes, cold, ice, driftwood and sunsets! THe best of the shots I had taken were of her sitting on the sand with a short sand dune behind her. There was tall, probably dead but nice looking, grass in the background. She was wearing a White jacket with a fur-trimmed hood and a light pink angora-like sweater underneath. Her Daddy is Hispanic and with the dark skin, dark brown hair and eyes she looks beautiful in subtle colors...oh, yes, she knows it and uses it to a degree only a woman could figure out. (no letters please! :))
The shots were mostly waist up or shoulder-up and I used depth of field only minimally so that the background, although blurred was easily identifiable.
Taking winter shots can be a trial but also can be fun if you prepare. Take pictures as if it were summer, that is... backgrounds should be nice (lighthouse, artwork, etc). Try to find someplace that is sheltered from the wind if it is a very cold day. Try and find somewhere where you can park a running car with a good heater to keep your subject warm between shots.
Don't be afraid to include some rosy cheeks or red noses. If you show in the photos that it is winter, the rosiness will add a touch of realism not possible with studio backdrops. Believe me...it gives a real nice look to the subject.
Good luck! I will look for my photos and will post them if I do find them. |
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12/18/2007 02:09:08 AM · #11 |
I think that the snow could be to your benefit. If you find a nice area, with some nice tree's; and have your niece choose her clothes accordingly, perhaps a look like This
Not necessarily that same style, but these shots are always filling up photo shoots from Department stores like Macy's, Old Navy, GAP etc..
Good luck. |
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12/18/2007 04:52:16 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by buzzrock:
Good ideas so far--
Any example of the "Snow Queen" look that would be acceptable for a senior shot--
What would she wear outside in freezing cold weather-- |
I did a quick google and have found a couple that might give you some inspiration...but it also depends on what outfit she chooses to wear...I am not familiar with your traditions over there.
Snow queen
Jan Emil Christiansen
Snow Queen
Snow Queen
Glamour
These are just examples...but I am picturing her standing surrounded by white in a bright long flowing dress, maybe a cape and hood, standing, spinning, close up and the way the skin just tightens in the cool air....just beautiful
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12/18/2007 05:47:00 AM · #13 |
| Some garden center stores have a greenhouse section which will give you some nice soft light (try for noon, preferably on a bright day, to maximize the light). |
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12/18/2007 08:42:10 AM · #14 |
I remember an article in rangefinder about a photographer who doesn't use flash and uses the subject's house as his location for the shoot. Here is the article.
I remember it because of the pink flower portrait. It's one of the most beautiful portraits I've seen. Maybe the article can help you out. Oh, and this relates to your question. I'd say go to her house and photograph her there. Take some reflectors with you and find some windows. |
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12/18/2007 09:04:13 AM · #15 |
| Hart Plaza or possibly night shots with the Windsor skyline in the background. |
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