PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Hi everyone. I have decided to build a portfolio so that I can get some practice in several different areas. So far I like taking photos of flowers and landscapes but would like to move into the area of kids and/or families. I have to start out simple otherwise my brain will shut down. I don't understand studio lighting/speed lights at this point, so I'm going to just do golden hour and back lit. I see by doing a search I can find several family poses. I figure it will take me a year to have a good variety. I know lots of people that are willing to help me out by letting me take photos. I'll offer them a free print (or food certificate if the pictures don't turn out.) Ha. I have a Canon 40D and just purchased a 70-200mm. I am learning Lightroom and PSE 10. I have reflectors although don't have anyone to hold it (and the wind is always blowing here) I'll drive around and look for good outside locations. I really want to take this seriously... any tips out there on building a portfolio? Thank you all -in advance.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Paul, I will probably have to do this in a few sittings.
First, the lighting. When I ask models(people) to model, I always ask if they can bring a friend, especially girls I don't know. Not because I don't trust myself, but you can't see where the hair is, that's their job. And they can hold reflectors/diffusers.
Natural light is really nice, but you almost always need fill light.
Google uTubes, for anything you can think of. Watch AdoramaTV tubes.
As for the portfolio, wether hard copy or digital, you need your strongest photos. Better to have six really strong ones than add a bunch of weak fill. By the time your done, you will know the order(and hopefully have a style). It's very important to get it right. The bookends and the fill in between.
Start looking at portrait photographers who's style you want to emulate. Young guys like Dave Hill and Joey L. And classic artist like Cindy Sherman and Annie Leibovitz.
Try and take some portrait classes.
Hope you get lots of replies on this, it's a huge and exciting genre.
Good luck

sixshooter Loc: constitution state

for a great portfolio involving people..get an Idea of who they are and what interests them..find their comfort level and then shoot away..try not to over think the shots..Technically you need to be sound and do instruct the posing but not to the point where they feel awkward..Incorporate interests without being too cliche and bribe the children. Wrap a dollar store gift like it's the most fabulous present ever!! they may have it at the end of the shoot...only for the best listeners and smilers..of course!!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Paula, i don't have any sage advice for you, but I do have one comment. I don't know if you can put together a folio in a year, but it is possible. You have chosen a time-line that reflects a methodical and mature awareness that photographic success is not an overnight achievement. You get an A+ for practicality.

As an aside, would you please read the thread at:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-121996-1.html

And give some thought as to whether you could be of service.

Gratefully,

Bill (Mogul)

PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Thank you for your input everyone.

PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Hi Bill,

I have considered doing a service like this. I know that Captain C is involved with "Now I lay me down to sleep"-...

EstherP

Paula, if I read your message right, you are using the building of a portfolio to also learn more about photography?
May I make a suggestion?
Once you have taken a photo, it is easy enough to retrieve the settings you used by reading the exif data.
I would suggest you also note information that is not shown in the exif: Location (indoors, outdoors, dark barn, light sunroom); weather and time of day (bright sun, overcast, shaded area, out in full sun); additional lighting (studio lights, fill-in flash, remote flash); reflectors used (if any). It really doesn't take that long to write it down and later on you'll never have to sit there thinking: Why is this such a very good photo and that one so rotten....
(If your portfolio is also intended to show your skills to other people, only put your best photos in there, and make a separate portfolio for yourself with "poorer" photos that can still be used to learn from).
EstherP

PaulaBrady Loc: Havre, Mt

Those are great ideas Esther. I really appreciate your taking the time to answer. I will be using your ideas. Thank you.