Family Portraits
May 23, 2014 19:52:22 #
Ok all I need some advice. My highschool neighbor came to me and told me she told a family she was a photographer and she would love to do their family photos and that since she was new so she would not charge them. They said "great". She asked me if I would help. She owns a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot. Has never shot anything but flowers around her house. And only uses auto. She is a sweetheart, but I think she is not quite ready for this. I think Im going to give her a crash course in basic photography. Any other suggestions????
May 23, 2014 20:35:26 #
Jcmarino wrote:
Ok all I need some advice. My highschool neighbor... (show quote)
Anybody that would think a High School kid was a photographer, is probably not expecting much.
And, some coolpixes a very capable of taking a decent pic. It's more about lighting, than what you shoot. Maybe she is a wiz at light. Are you really knowledgable about lighting a group? Becuase if not, in what way are you going to help.
In any case, they aren't paying much, so they don't have a lot to lose. Maybe they will both learn!
And they could easily be lit with a couple of reflectors, if she knows what to do with them.
This isn't meant to be a slight on you, just maybe you are underestimating her. Help her out and show her a bunch of uTubes on group portraits. She'll be ready. It's only a photograph, not a wedding.
And, JC, welcome to the Hog. ;-)
SS
May 23, 2014 21:01:15 #
Your right, the family maybe trying to help her out too. I have off camera lighting and reflectors and suggested some of the best times to shoot. Before the time comes, I will try to see just what she is capable of and let her shoot, look at the photos and make suggestions of what she might do to get a better shot and let her try again. I might take her on a shoot with me and have her assist. I have a family coming up that might be open to a teaching moment. Walk her through what I do and let her try with with her camera to see what she gets. What do you think?
May 23, 2014 21:42:43 #
Jcmarino wrote:
Your right, the family maybe trying to help her ou... (show quote)
JC, sounds like you have everything she needs. A few uTubes, and helping you assist, will be worth way more than a thousand words.
She probably takes it in HS(maybe). Photography is not hard, most only need a glimps of how it's done to start running. Unforthunately, it's not intuitive, so hands-on helps a lot. Your plan sounds, sound.
Also, if she is attractive, or in some way interesting, you may have a ready and willing model, which may help you too, if you ever need one!! I'm forever looking for models! :lol:
I think it's what they call a win-win. :thumbup:
SS
May 23, 2014 22:18:36 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Earlier today, PalePictures posted a link for a "36 rules of portraiture" tutorial which she may find useful. Other than that, if she concentrates on establishing a rapport with the family during the shoot, so they are relaxed and natural, she should do fine.
May 24, 2014 06:09:06 #
Great link! (36 rules of Portraiture) Thanks for posting that, one of best lessons I have found as I have been exploring portrait photography for just over a year now, after many years of landscapes and avoiding having humans get in the way of "the picture". (I have been a portrait painter for many years though).
amehta wrote:
Earlier today, PalePictures posted a link for a "36 rules of portraiture" tutorial which she may find useful. Other than that, if she concentrates on establishing a rapport with the family during the shoot, so they are relaxed and natural, she should do fine.
May 24, 2014 09:08:46 #
Jcmarino wrote:
Ok all I need some advice. My highschool neighbor... (show quote)
Funny story - for both the high school kid and the neighbor who believed she was a "photographer."
Your help would depend on how much time she has and the availability of better equipment.
May 24, 2014 09:41:13 #
amehta wrote:
Earlier today, PalePictures posted a link for a "36 rules of portraiture" tutorial which she may find useful. Other than that, if she concentrates on establishing a rapport with the family during the shoot, so they are relaxed and natural, she should do fine.
Thanks for that, a really great link.
May 24, 2014 17:48:02 #
May 24, 2014 17:53:30 #
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