GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Excellent advice!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks for remembering Monte! He was my favorite teacher and I still base lots of my techniques and business practices on his teachings. He left us way too early..I miss him!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Questions very similar to what the OP asked are very frequent on this forum. The photographer did his or her best to produce something satisfactory and pleasing for the "client" but alas, the client was somewhat disappointed. Tell y'all a secret- this can happen to the best of us- even experienced, savvy and prominent photographers. Remember, in portraiture, headshots, people pictures, or whatever you would like to call this area of photography we are dealing with PEOPLE. Each PERsON is unique in their visual perception, or lack thereof, their ego or self image, their tastes and expectations of what the expect when the come to a photographer for a portrait.

I HOPE I know more about portrait photography than most of my clients, otherwise, why world the pay me for my services for something they can supervise and get anyone to do or even create a selfie! I, however, do agree with many of the others here, that LISTENING SKILLS are just as important as photography skills. This is why one of my most valuable 'tools" is the pre-sitting session I do with all of my portrait clients. Once folks realize that you or I are on their side and have their interests and satisfaction at hart and in mind, the rest of the job becomes easier.

As far as facial aesthetics and body types are concerned- these are vanity issues that should enter the conversation. Sometimes it's a very minor issue, a gap in the front teeth, an asymmetrical smile, a complexion blemish, a lazy eye- a nose length or shape nothing devastating but some folks can get overly self conscious- perhas something they were teased about as a child. When people have confidence in you, they will tell you theses stories and then I know exactly how to aproach my lighting, posing and camera angles. Double chins, scars, acne, wrinkles- heavy set, deep set eyes- not a problem!

I explain the difference between a character study and a more cosmetic approach and let them decide what the woud like me to do. There is nothing wrong with signs of age- most older folks I photograph don't wanna look like babies but the don't want to look like a relief map of the Himalayas either- there is a good compromise in between. Again most folks don't mind seeing some skin texture, however, no one likes to be portrayed or remembered with signs of illness or serious blemishes.

Then we oftentimes discuss themes and styles. Some want straightforward businesslike images, others prefer a bit of glamor or fantasy- "Old Hollywood" perhaps, something more theatrical. Visual and performing artists will want things that are indicative of their work. Business portraits can be the usual bread and butter head shots or something more dynamic- we gotta find out. Understanding the final usage of the images is vital-is for institutional display, the boardroom or the living room? Perhaps it is a gift for the significant other? A shot for the business card or the annual report? We suggest props, locations, lifestyles, hobbies, professional connotations?This definitely makes the work more interesting and stimulates creativity.

My selection system goes beyond traditional -it's old a dirt but it still works. I never show an unflattering image- anythg that look awkward, goofy, is a near miss- gets culled. If necessary, everything gets what we used to call "proof retouching", that is very light work based on what I suspect might be upsetting to the client, based on our pre-session conversation. As I alluded to, some folks can be very sensitive about certain "flaws" and once they see a bad image, you can explain you head off and the may not "get it"!

So...I still produce hard copy- paper proofs. People love to sit around the table with me and my wife (she does most of the sales) and "play cards" We compare the different poses, expressions and treatments side by side and pick out the best of the lot. I have a giant Beseler opaque projector and the selected prints are then projected int various sizes of blank frame that are kept in out viewing area. Sending images out online? OK- I know- it's the latest rage. I call it "sales suicide"! As I said, I DO listen to my clients and respect their opinions and selections but I still know more about portraiture than "Grandma" unless grandma is "Grandma Moses" or Annie Leibovitz! Uncle Oscar, the family photo mavin, jealous siblings and the cat are all gonna opine on the images for whatever motivations they harbor. I wanna make the suggestions first! Oh- an only God knows what kinda screen they are viewing on at home- betcha it ain't calibrated and color and density accurate.

Lots of work, but it does pay off!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

I did portrait sessions for many years, with minor retouching on the majority of images. My rule was always if you could tell the picture was retouched, it was too heavy handed. The most frequent comment I would get was people telling me what a great camera I had.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I would think, when doing a shoot for a client, that it would be wise to talk with the client and perhaps let them know your intent or what you normally do in processing to ensure that they are agreeable to this. People are fairly sensitive about things and it's always good to discuss potential issues up front. I'd say you handled this one well and chalk it up to a learning experience.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I don't do many portraits, but when I do, I drink Dos XX!!! LoL

SS