How to get people to POP./ Getting a nice shoot vs a flat one
Feb 23, 2012 12:38:38 #
How to get people to POP.
I was handed a P&S camera and ask to take a few pictures. But the scene looked so flat. I have seen better mug shot. I tried to get everyone happy, a even though they were all family, you would not know it. Not really much I could do with the very simple P&S camera.
So folks how would you handle this type of photo section?
I was handed a P&S camera and ask to take a few pictures. But the scene looked so flat. I have seen better mug shot. I tried to get everyone happy, a even though they were all family, you would not know it. Not really much I could do with the very simple P&S camera.
So folks how would you handle this type of photo section?
Feb 23, 2012 12:58:32 #
Ok, Take a hint from David Zyser. When shooting a group shot of friends or family, ask them to do a group hug and then shoot them immediately while they're still animated. I've tried it and it works to break the stiffness.
Feb 24, 2012 11:15:58 #
group hug or "face sandwich" get their faces rally close. these fun shots are what people will relate to in a more relaxed feel. Remember if your're having fun, so will they. If you do this it will show in the final product. Good luck!
I had a family with 8 children in my studio, as i was setting them up one said, "I don't want to be next to her, or can I sit down on the floor instead of him?" you get the idea... after about 15 minutes of shooting I said "OK you guys, this last shot, I want to to act like a family so on 3>" I counted down I what I got was hysterical! One boy had his brother in a headlock, two stuck their tongue out at each other, One had a goofy face while putting up two fingers behind the others head, you get the drift.
When all is said & done the mom chose this as her image for everything! "That's my family & you captured it perfectly!" I made up her Christmas cards and suggested the logo "Let there be Peace on Earth" She actually went for it. To this day I still work with this family and have received numerous referrals.. Take this approach towards the END of your session. I will say at the start "we are going to do these formal family portraits and then at the end we are going to have some FUN, so think about what you're going to do!!!! works every time....
I had a family with 8 children in my studio, as i was setting them up one said, "I don't want to be next to her, or can I sit down on the floor instead of him?" you get the idea... after about 15 minutes of shooting I said "OK you guys, this last shot, I want to to act like a family so on 3>" I counted down I what I got was hysterical! One boy had his brother in a headlock, two stuck their tongue out at each other, One had a goofy face while putting up two fingers behind the others head, you get the drift.
When all is said & done the mom chose this as her image for everything! "That's my family & you captured it perfectly!" I made up her Christmas cards and suggested the logo "Let there be Peace on Earth" She actually went for it. To this day I still work with this family and have received numerous referrals.. Take this approach towards the END of your session. I will say at the start "we are going to do these formal family portraits and then at the end we are going to have some FUN, so think about what you're going to do!!!! works every time....
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Feb 24, 2012 13:33:50 #
Frank T wrote:
Ok, Take a hint from David Zyser. When shooting a group shot of friends or family, ask them to do a group hug and then shoot them immediately while they're still animated. I've tried it and it works to break the stiffness.
How to deal with the blinks and improve the chances of a happy shot . . . .
I tell the group what i'm going to do so they'l know exactly when i'm going to shoot, will be relaxed, have their eyes open and will have a nice, natural smile. The Script:
"When I tell you, close your eyes. Then i'm going to tell the world's funniest joke. " This already tickles them because it's so ridiculous. "Then I'll have you open your eyes, blink once and I'll shoot. "
"Close your eyes.
So this bartender says, ' Hey! That guy didn't pay his bill!
---Left a terrific tip though."
" Open your eyes. Blink." Snap!
OK, the joke's not that funny. Use any oneliner. Just keep it short and snappy.
By this time ( if the group is at all friendly) YOU and your routine will be the world's funniest joke. Not only will their eyes be open, they will be nice and moist, ready for that glamorous catch light and, hopefully they will still be smiling.
PS: I still shoot about five frames in continuous mode at slow intervals., saying, "Great!" as I press the shutter for the first shot and they all supposedly relax.
Feb 24, 2012 14:13:49 #
Feb 24, 2012 14:30:27 #
another good trick is to have a large sofa in the room with it backwards to the camera. get the family to crouch down below the top so you cannot see them...tell them at the count of 3 to pop up and act what they think is normal...be ready with a burst of shots...comes out amazing. i used to use that with just kids...but the expressions are even better on adults!! crazy stufff...but people relate to it.
another one is to do a scenario..like "picture this scenario" ronnie has billie tied up with duct tape and is pouring chocolate syrup on top of his head. when i count to 3..i want you all to pop up and show your expression as to how you feel about chocolate syrup pouring down billies head. the difference in expressions are crazy....
anyway...someone earlier really summed it up....make it fun and you'll get great poses.
another one is to do a scenario..like "picture this scenario" ronnie has billie tied up with duct tape and is pouring chocolate syrup on top of his head. when i count to 3..i want you all to pop up and show your expression as to how you feel about chocolate syrup pouring down billies head. the difference in expressions are crazy....
anyway...someone earlier really summed it up....make it fun and you'll get great poses.
Feb 24, 2012 23:12:56 #
If it's women (Especially nervous Mother of the Bride, or stiff old Grandmas), take a couple "posed", then say "OK, now just the Pretty Women smile" -you'll get nice color when they blush! (The only time I EVER saw my wife's Grandma smile!)
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