Dramatic B&W for Children?

primedigital

Here is another one for critique from my Children's archive. I really like this type of lighting but I have been told that parents really aren't that interested in more artistic, dramatic portraits of thier children and prefer portaits with flatter lighting and fewer shadows. This has not been my experience.

I would like to know what others think. You can view more of my children's photography here, though few of them are done in this style. Take a look around my site and sign the guestbook if you have the time. I am interested in what others think about the site as well.

DavidTO

I could understand the parent's reactions. At the same time, i like the look and could see a coffee table book of images like that. A study of children. Would be cool. But I probably wouldn't want pictures of my kids like that, I dunno.

You should turn on protection for your site....

primedigital

DavidTO wrote:

I could understand the parent's reactions. At the same time, i like the look and could see a coffee table book of images like that. A study of children. Would be cool. But I probably wouldn't want pictures of my kids like that, I dunno.

You should turn on protection for your site....

Thanks for reminding me. I had turned it off to copy the url of the image.

urbanaries

primedigital wrote:

Here is another one for critique from my Children's archive. I really like this type of lighting but I have been told that parents really aren't that interested in more artistic, dramatic portraits of thier children and prefer portaits with flatter lighting and fewer shadows. This has not been my experience.

I would like to know what others think. You can view more of my children's photography here, though few of them are done in this style. Take a look around my site and sign the guestbook if you have the time. I am interested in what others think about the site as well.

This shot is adorable. Unique and well-executed.

I keep hearing over and over from current and potential parent clients that they are tired of the norm, they're looking for something different and creative. (Muslin backdrops are so 1985!:giggle) I say let those who want evenly lit, textbook posed portraits go to Olan Mills...consistent, predictable work for those who desire it.

I wouldn't change your style or approach a bit. In fact, like I told PhotoCat (who had a similar experience as your post), I'd showcase your creative side even more on your website...then you're setting expectations for better or worse.

Your work is fantastic and I look forward to seeing more!

illuminati919

This is probably one of the best childrend photos that I have seen on the forum. In my opinion the parents have no idea what good photography is and if they want there kids portrayed as loving little babies then they should choose a different photographer. You did a wonderful job and keep doing things the way you are because to me it looks phenomonal. .

primedigital

urbanaries wrote:

This shot is adorable. Unique and well-executed.

I keep hearing over and over from current and potential parent clients that they are tired of the norm, they're looking for something different and creative. (Muslin backdrops are so 1985!:giggle) I say let those who want evenly lit, textbook posed portraits go to Olan Mills...consistent, predictable work for those who desire it.

I wouldn't change your style or approach a bit. In fact, like I told PhotoCat (who had a similar experience as your post), I'd showcase your creative side even more on your website...then you're setting expectations for better or worse.

Your work is fantastic and I look forward to seeing more!

Thanks for your kindness Lynne. I tend to agree with you that I should be putting my best foot forward and not worry about loosing the walmart portrait crowd. I already tell potential clients that my prices aren't walmart but you get what you pay for and my quality and innovation is well beyond what you would expect at walmart or Olan Mills. I need to emphasize that more and go after that specific demographic, (people who want artistic, unique portraits of thier children, wedding etc...)

My biggest problem is that I know very little about marketing to a specific clientele but I am starting to wrap my mind around it. Thanks for your advice. I needed to hear that.

primedigital

illuminati919 wrote:

This is probably one of the best childrend photos that I have seen on the forum. In my opinion the parents have no idea what good photography is and if they want there kids portrayed as loving little babies then they should choose a different photographer. You did a wonderful job and keep doing things the way you are because to me it looks phenomonal. .

Thanks for the props. I have been evolving as an artist for most of my life but as a photographer for only the past 4-5 years. Does that make any sense? I have only had an interest in photography since around 2001 and as a professional for the past 2 years. Still I know what I like and what I consider to be creative work. I'm just working with a different canvass, (dslr sensor rather than oil paints or clay).

Sam

I think this is a wow photo, and from my point of view, would encourage you to continue down this path. I can't believe there isn't a market for this exceptional quality, and unique perespective.

Sam

Scott_Quier

I'm with the majority here - this is a great shot. I looked at the gallery you linked to and I like the work you have there. Were I you, I would continue to explore/work in the manner you have. You will soon have customers breaking down your door for some of your work.

System

as a grandparent with two small grandkids, I would say yes to your photos in a heartbeat-

great stuff, tracy-

checked your website-

easy to get around and great photos in it-

Scotty_R

Tracy, the photograph is well done and would appeal to many parents. If the mall photo package at $27 for an 8x10, two 5x7 and 50 wallets with bright flat lighting is what they're looking for, then send them in that direction. The work you display here and on your site is well done--stick to your style--there are plenty of parents that want creative photographs of their children.

jdryan3

Great shot. My sisters each have portraits of their kids (and them w/their kids) in this type of B+W. I have taken some of my son (B+W but different look). These are what everyone, including Grandma, displays. There definitely is a market for this type of photograph when done as well as yours are.

We actually also have the 'school' portraits on display - more because they are classiclly kitsche, which is very noticable compared to the B+W

Good luck and keep up the hard work.

primedigital

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. You have all changed my way of thinking to the point that I am no longer going to worry about trying to be everything to eveyone, but rather concentrate on what I find appealing and am good at.

Here is another from the same session.

DavidTO

primedigital wrote:

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. You have all changed my way of thinking to the point that I am no longer going to worry about trying to be everything to eveyone, but rather concentrate on what I find appealing and am good at.

Perfect!

And along the way, maybe you could make some informative posts about your techiniques in....the Techniques forum!

KAM

fantastic

primedigital

DavidTO wrote:

Perfect!

And along the way, maybe you could make some informative posts about your techiniques in....the Techniques forum!

David, I have created a brief tutorial on how this was lit here in the technique forum. Please excuse the crappy graphics of the diagram, (not my strong spot) !!

DavidTO

primedigital wrote:

David, I have created a brief tutorial on how this was lit here in the technique forum. Please excuse the crappy graphics of the diagram, (not my strong spot) !!

Fantastic!

cdonovan

The parents that don't like this type of photo are better off heading to wally mart and sears to have their pictures taken like their friends have...that is a beautiful shot...I absolutly love it and would also buy it in a heart beat if it were my child!

primedigital

cdonovan wrote:

The parents that don't like this type of photo are better off heading to wally mart and sears to have their pictures taken like their friends have...that is a beautiful shot...I absolutly love it and would also buy it in a heart beat if it were my child!

Thanks!

kjs

Really beautiful shots!!! I would absolutely buy these in a heartbeat (and pay good money, too!). In my opinion, a beautiful portrait of a child doesn't just mean a picture of them smiling at the camera with some cutesy props behind them. It's capturing the beauty and innocence of a child. And, your portraits definitely do that!!! I would definitely stay on this path, and like someone else said, you will have parents knocking down your door!!!

I can't wait to read your tutorial on the technique forum! Thanks for taking the time to do it!!!

Kim

KvPhoto

Tracy,

I personally would love to have portraits like this of my daughter. Lighting is not my strong point but I am starting to try and learn more, I am going to check out your tutorial later when I get home from work. If there is one thing I have learned in all the years I have been photographing the world around me is that you should never deviate from what you enjoy, love and are comfortable with. Don't settle for giving less than what you would want to receive yourself.

Kristina

CarnalSigh

Thumbs up!!
Primedigital.....I love those types of shots. Nearly every one of the children I've done are not in the standard portrait pose positions. Black and white casual is fun to shoot, and the parents I've dealt with think they are great. True, there are still fuddy duddies out there that think anything other than your dry boring poses are wrong, but they'll be missing out on the quality and unique portraits you provide.

I do my stuff in the client's home, so it's even easier to get a more candid/relaxed/intimate look to the photos. It's the only way I'll photograph my kids from now on.

Bravo....I think your baby shot above is excellent.

primedigital

Thanks again to everyone for the kind words. You have all encouraged me greatly. Here is one last shot from the same session. I had this one printed at 16 x 20 and it turned out a little soft. Pity, because it was one of my favorites.

Nandita

Tracy,

Just wanted to add my words of encouragement. And to say, that it's not just us photographers who appreciate your style.

Check out www.classickids.net

They're pricey but quite sought-after by my friends.

primedigital

Nandita wrote:

Tracy,

Just wanted to add my words of encouragement. And to say, that it's not just us photographers who appreciate your style.

Check out www.classickids.net

They're pricey but quite sought-after by my friends.

Nandita, Thanks for the comment. I took a look at classic kids and the images are awesome. That is the kind of work I would like to exclusively specialize in. Also went to your site and I like it. Nice images, simple, clean design and easy to navigate.

Seneca

primedigital wrote:

Thanks again to everyone for the kind words. You have all encouraged me greatly. Here is one last shot from the same session. I had this one printed at 16 x 20 and it turned out a little soft. Pity, because it was one of my favorites.

I love this picture...I would put her name going vertical on the pic...so cute.

DavidS

I like this shot and I really like your gallery.

Nandita

Hi again,

First of all, thanks for your compliments.

I hosted a baby shower today and all the women were talking about Classic Kids and how they wished they could afford to go there. So, there is definitely a market for it. I specifically asked them about the more pensive photos with darker tones, shadows, etc. and they said that's what they want.

Go for it! You are already at that caliber -- you just need to find your market.