Photo Shoot Tips

smileabunch

So, I apologize in advance for asking a question that has probably been answered in another thread (or many other threads) but I can't seem to find what I am looking for. I am pretty new to photography, but I am trying to improve my skills and get to a point where I feel comfortable saying yes when people ask to hire me for family pictures and such.

I feel rediculously inadequate in the area of the photo shoot setting. I am pretty sure a lot of this is experience and practice, but I am puting this out there for anyone who is willing to help out a beginner...How do you go about getting your subjects posed, but keep them looking comfortable and natural. Are there some tricks you can share for getting real (not canned) smiles? I am all about the candid shot, but not sure how to get it in a "photo shoot" setting.

If there are already answers out there I would love direction so I can find them! THANKS!

run_kmc

It depends on who you are shooting.

I'm mainly a children's photographer, and I don't try to pose them. I try to engage them in activities that will allow me the best chance of success (bet you can't climb that fence!), and then I just follow them around.

It's gotten to the point where I sometimes forget to give adults much direction, because I'm used to my directions being ignored.

smileabunch

I am a mother of 3 kids under age 5, so that is what I am used to as well...I think that is probably why I don't feel qualified to give direction to adults/parents of babies to get the shot I want. I anticipate photographing families and children. Thanks!

run_kmc wrote:

It depends on who you are shooting.

I'm mainly a children's photographer, and I don't try to pose them. I try to engage them in activities that will allow me the best chance of success (bet you can't climb that fence!), and then I just follow them around.

It's gotten to the point where I sometimes forget to give adults much direction, because I'm used to my directions being ignored.

ColoradoSkier

I would strongly encourage you to go to a Sandy Puc seminar if she is going to be in your area - info at http://sandypuctours.com/

I went to the one in Denver a couple weeks ago and walked away with about 15 pages of notes. HUGELY valuable, and at $59, a tremendous bargain.