Need some advice, please!

MelP

I just got a call to do my first studio portrait. I've been using family up till now (or should I say abusing family). Anyways it will be a couple and their dog. So here are my questions:

1. How should I pose them?
2. I have no props, work out of the house. I do have Bar Stools, could those be used?
3. Also, need to make a quick (overnight) order for some backdrops and a stand. Any suggestions for brands or where to order that will get them to me by Friday? (I usually order from B&H, but lately they've been slow, maybe the holidays)

Any help, suggestions are definitely needed!!!

Very nervous,
Mel

[Not sure if this belongs here but didn't know where else to put it]

erich6

Can anyone help?

Mel,

I don't know much about backdrops and stands so I can't help you there.

I was in your situation recently and I worked it out with the "client" to take the shots outside. Found some natural backdrops and went from there. Worked out well!

Depending on the type of dog (and character) one lesson-learned for me was to let the dog get its excitement out of the system until it's good and tired. It will be a more willing subject once it's time to take pictures.

If you have to go indoors, a fireplace is usually a safe bet for a backdrop....

Erich

1ibandit

MelP wrote:

I just got a call to do my first studio portrait. I've been using family up till now (or should I say abusing family). Anyways it will be a couple and their dog. So here are my questions:

1. How should I pose them?
2. I have no props, work out of the house. I do have Bar Stools, could those be used?
3. Also, need to make a quick (overnight) order for some backdrops and a stand. Any suggestions for brands or where to order that will get them to me by Friday? (I usually order from B&H, but lately they've been slow, maybe the holidays)

Any help, suggestions are definitely needed!!!

Very nervous,
Mel

[Not sure if this belongs here but didn't know where else to put it]

I am no pro, hell I am not even an amature hehe, but I have 2 cents. so here goes.
1 The pose .. Many clues, but none worth a thing
2 Props bar stools I would think it would get the people to far away from what they really want the photo of.. the Dog (family).. I would think they want the dog close at hand.. If it is a little dog no problem they hold it, real big dog, and maybe the stools will work. Middle size dog you may want a way to raise it up(end table covered maybe... don't flame me just an idea)

3. backdrops ,, This one I think walmart is the ticket or some other fabric store. We have a " So Fro Fabric" store in my area that is nice for things like that. If you know color of the dog it could help with what you pick so you don't have a get a big range of colors or patterns.

well that is 2 cents.. I am sure that is all it's worth, but sometimes the pro's over look the cheap things..

Best of luck, and post results please

MelP

thanks
Thanks for your replies. I believe I am going to try my best to get them to do it outside. I'm not very good at posing, so maybe I can just get some natural looking poses that aren't all stiff looking. Who knows!

Thanks,
Mel

Art Scott

Your local wally world or taget will have some really nice metal with round seat blk "bar" stools...short...cost approx $9.99 ea.....chaepest background will be a roll of blk seamless paper , I say blk cause with 2 background lights(flashes) you can burn it to almost white if desired,,,I purchased mine from a theatical supply house..brand was Savage approx $30.....to have an unlimited array of backgounds I use Rosco colored gels[ http://www.rosco.com/us/retail/index.asp ] and just cover the background lights with them and you have instant mulitcolored backgrounds...by mixing colors you can create different types....later get (or make) a 10' (or 12") wide background (blk) by approx 24' to 30 feet long...that is long enuff to go from most ceilings to far enuff infront of a large group to not worry about it not being in the photo.....of course if you have the money available a ChromaKey Screen would be perfect..as then you take your most cherised landscapes and turn them into the background and a place called owen's originals [http://www.owens-originals.com/Resources/cromablueandgreen/DIGITAL%20COMBO.html ] has some great digital backgrounds.

A park is almost always a good option for family portraits or even their home [for dogs comfort].....take trip to local book store and look at the portrait guides in the photosection....also visit http://petergowland.com/ ...Peter Gowland was once the Priemier Glamout photog around...remember all those sexy tool calendars by Rigid Tool Co.......and yes some his examples date back to the1940's but still look great today.....a few more links for you to puruse....http://www.ruscelli.com/ ........... http://www.jgladman.com/jg_portraits.shtml ......... http://www.portraitking.com/Families.htm?GoAdPKfam .... and lastly a friend of mine's website............... http://www.robertsonsphoto.com/index-low/index.htm

These should present you with some examples of waht is / was being done..past and present.

Good luck

Photosbychuck

Hi, Mel
Good Luck with your photo shoot!
I would use some of the same poses you used
with your family. Let them pick some poses also if, they want.
Near a tree or big rock would help you pose them out side.
A bench at the park would also be a good place for some photos.
If you know where a tall brick or rock wall is in your area that
would make a nice background. Suggest to let the dog run and play before you start the shoot to work off some energy.
How did they find out that you did photography?

Take Care,
Chuck,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashevillepicturepost