portrait photography advice

pigeon

I'm too soft.

In spite of my pleas that I'm not a portrait photographer, and have no experience with it, a friend wants me to take a portrait of her and her two college-aged children. I gave in, and will be meetng them on Sunday - before the youngest goes away to college!

When I told her I have no studio lighting or backdrops - she said "That's fine - I'd rather it be taken in the park." So.... I've got the location picked out - with several possible spots there. I'm familiar with my camera, and I'm not intimidated by taking photos in general, just these kinds of posed photos.

I'd love to hear from you any tips you think would enhance this one shoot. I don't foresee me getting into this as a profession (but I won't say "never") - but I am motivated to get this "right". As a test shoot, I've recruited a couple to sit for some shots on Friday at the same time of day (6:30-7:30pm).

One thing in particular that would be helpful: samples of excellent portraits, especially outdoors, with various poses and creative style/design. I need ideas. I'm not familiar with the most admired portrait photogs, and Google is my friend but I'd spend a good amount of time weeding through the searches.

Whose portfolio do you really admire? Any parting words of wisdom?

thanks so much!
teresa

bsvirginian

After viewing your website I don't see that you need too much advice. Certainly get a shot of the mother and both of her daughters (?) and one real tight as in cheek to cheek. Keep the sun in front of them but not completely in their faces. I guess you aren't using fill flash. Have a good time. bsvirginian

jdryan3

Especially if you are not going to have fill flash, look at getting reflector - min 36", 42" is better for a group. It means you will need an assistant, but the difference will be dramatic. And even though you will be shooting at 6:30-7:30, the light can still be harsh, so have them sit in the shadows if possible for less contrasty (?) images.

Scott_Quier

with bsvirginian - I also don't think you need a lot of advice. Having said that, if you arent' going to use fill-flash, I would think you would want to do something like these two photos of yours.





If you can find yourself an assistant, turn your subjects a touch more away from the sun and use your assistant to hold a reflector to fill the shadows a bit. Something as simple as a white bed sheet can easily serve as a reflector.

• Think about backgrounds - what's behind your subjects
• Get them comfortable, have them doing something that they like to do. Mom suggested the park. Any chance of having the three of them actually playing in the park, hanging out on playground equipment such as a slide, swings, etc?
• Be creative, don't rush, and have fun. Get them laughing!

pigeon

Thanks Scott, Dave & Bob...
I've searched on the internet for some really well-done outdoor family portraits - with creative posing/props, selective focus, etc..

I've seen them before, but now can't find them. I remember a few arrangements, but I was hoping for some photos that sparked ideas on what I could do - rather than just line them up, quarter turns, with hands folded on laps. When I saw them before, I remember thinking: "wow, I'd never think to do that!"

While I'll do those traditional shots, I'm hoping to add a few extras with some special _style_.

-teresa

Scott_Quier

Not AWE inspiring, but might give you some ideas

pigeon wrote:

Thanks Scott, Dave & Bob...
I've searched on the internet for some really well-done outdoor family portraits - with creative posing/props, selective focus, etc..

I've seen them before, but now can't find them. I remember a few arrangements, but I was hoping for some photos that sparked ideas on what I could do - rather than just line them up, quarter turns, with hands folded on laps. When I saw them before, I remember thinking: "wow, I'd never think to do that!"

While I'll do those traditional shots, I'm hoping to add a few extras with some special _style_.

-teresa

I don't think a lot of my work is awe inspiring, but here's a link to a portrait session of mine from earlier this year. You might find some inspiration in there. Link

Angelo

pigeon wrote:

I'm too soft.

In spite of my pleas that I'm not a portrait photographer...

but you are a photographer, a damn good one too.

I just checked out your site... take a chill pill and go have fun shooting your friends. You'll do great

pigeon

Yeah, perfectionism is a really pesky character trait.
Thanks for all your kind words. I'll just go out and do my best.

If I can get them to relax and have fun - then everything else should fall in place.

-teresa

ChrisOA

I am really learning portrait aswell right now and the best advice i can give ya for outside shoots is do what was said in thsi thread already
outdoor shoots people really digg the out of focus backgrounds

~Jan~

I'm not going to give you advice, because you don't need it, but I have to say your photography is AWESOME!! I LOVE the one of the foal with the mare in the background, and the little girl showing her undies made me laugh out loud. You are VERY talented, and I'm sure they shoot will be phenominal.

pigeon

Thanks Jan and Chris.

I've finally put my finger on what's pushing me outside my comfort zone with doing this - and portraits in general.

I'm accustomed to NOT interacting with my subject - and when I do, it's a short conversation, maybe asking for permission to photograph them. Then, I hope they ignore me, forget I'm there. Or, we can carry on a conversation - as long as they don't feel umcorfortable that I'm shooting. I like the spontaneous shots best! I like catching people doing what they are doing, and I'm clumsy at directing them.

I thought about that tonight... I was at a park, with my camera and my dog. A young guy was fly fishing, and it looked like it could be a cool shot. I simply asked him if he minded me taking his picture - then I didn't have to tell him what to do. He just said "sure", then went about his business. I spent about 5 minutes photographing him and no one said a word! I never said, "OK, now go stand over there by that rock and look toward the boats." or "Cast again, but bend your elbows a bit more..."


I have plenty to learn about the interaction and posing.

For practice, I asked some friends if they would "model" for me in exchange for the images. They were very accommodating... true to my nature, the ones that I like the best are the candids, and shows the "true" person.
Below are 2 of my favorites, but I can rest assured the client wouldn't be buying these 2 to hang above the mantle! (Maybe I'll do some portraits to pay for some camera gear, and then do documentary work to satisfy my artistic urges!)

Here, the dad felt something crawling on his arm while I was photographing all 3 of them on the bench. They took time out to get a close look at the little guy before putting him on a tree.
http://prints.pigeongallery.com/gallery/3256882#180322736

Another favorite is this one: http://pigeon.smugmug.com/gallery/3256882#180350923
This was after the shoot was over, about 8:15 - light was fading fast. We were walking toward the entrance, along a curvy, brick walkway shaded by trees. The young girl was telling me that fairies come out this time of night, and if you are very quiet and very still, you can see them, or at least see their fairy dust. The wonder on her face is priceless, and I would trade all the other photos of her for that one.

I believe much of the value someone puts on a photograph is knowing the story behind it.

-teresa

schmoo

Teresa,

I completely understand where you're coming from and am actually a bit relieved that I am not the only one who feels this way. I have a definite comfort zone when it comes to ophotography and you described it very well in yourself. Posing people is tricky, most of the time I am afraid to approach a stranger and ask to take their photo... and with models for a specific shoot I'm afraid to interact too much with them because I just want to capture them being natural. You said it very well also, in that a photo is made even better when you know the story behind it!

You do some great work and I think the shots of your sample family are warm and wonderful. Thanks for also sharing the stories about the little girl.

dangin

pigeon wrote:

Another favorite is this one: http://pigeon.smugmug.com/gallery/3256882#180350923
This was after the shoot was over, about 8:15 - light was fading fast. We were walking toward the entrance, along a curvy, brick walkway shaded by trees. The young girl was telling me that fairies come out this time of night, and if you are very quiet and very still, you can see them, or at least see their fairy dust. The wonder on her face is priceless, and I would trade all the other photos of her for that one.

absolutely wonderful image; great bokeh, priceless expression, neat catch light pattern in the eyes, brilliant colour... everything just works in this image. kudos!