PORTRAIT WORKSHOP

Had a great workshop last Saturday!  Portraits on Location - always challenging - always rewarding!

People photography - especially portraiture - can be very intimidating for many photographers and their subjects.  Why?  Well, in addition to the technical choices and decisions that must be made you're also dealing with personalities, emotions, and perceptions.

How many times have you heard this ... I hate having my picture taken!  I take terrible pictures!  Instead of giving up - accept this for what it really is - these people have had an unpleasant or unflattering portrait made in the past and are not crazy about repeating the process.  Deep down they would love for a photographer to create a dynamic portrait of them!

Hey! - this is opportunity knocking!  Get past your fear!  Take it in small steps.  Study, learn, practice, practice, practice!  Trust me  - you'll improve each and every time out.  The rewards from capturing some great shots of your subject and creating a fun, easy atmosphere during the shoot is tremendous, and makes this type of photography extremely satisfying for both photographer and subject!  A favorite quote of mine..."The Greatest Risk Is Not Taking One". 

Here are some photos from the workshop - these are by workshop participant David Jaehning.  He is the co-owner of Ozarks Photography, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Visit his website,  http://www.ozarksphotography.net  to learn more about him and his business. 

David did a fantastic job of working with our models!  Here are some of his shots from the day.....

         














 When possible, work in props and environments that reflect who people are - what they do.  It's a natural setting for them.  The benefit?  They're at ease, and it's a meaningful, storytelling portrait!

                     
 REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - PORTRAITS

• Preview the location before the shoot if possible to assess technical challenges and artistic opportunities.

• Build rapport early on with your subject.  Involve them in the process - project excitement!  Remember - this is a collaborative process.

• Know how your equipment works - inside & out.  Your attention should be focused on your subject - not technical issues.

• Choose your background & props to enhance and contribute to your subject - not overpower them. 

• Posing - Show your subject what you have in mind - direct them as well as encourage their spontaneity.  Have your subject make small changes in their pose, hand placement, and expression.

• Lighting - keep it simple.  Select lights & modifiers that flatter your subject, and don't intrude on or slow down the shoot.

• Lens selection - Choose carefully-based on what you want to include - be careful of facial distortions with wide angles.

• Camera angles - shoot a wide variety.  Mix it up - high, low, etc.  Shoot a lot of exposures.  There's a natural warm up period for both the photographer and subject.  Digital is great for this - shoot, get the mood going - remember, what you're after are a few really great shots from the session!

      Alright!  Get your camera, lights, and a willing subject.  Plan a portrait shoot, experience the fun of this type of photography, and create a memorable experience for yourself and your subject!


 Happy Shooting!         Michael