Help taking photo of 100 yr. old woman: Hi UHH Friends--I need suggestions for poses, simple lighting and your lens recommendation from my kit for a photo session I am doing for a...

Kayper Loc: Seattle

Hi UHH Friends--I need suggestions for poses, simple lighting and your lens recommendation from my kit for a photo session I am doing for a female friend's 100 year old mom (birthday February--the birthday girl is reluctant and we don't think she will tolerate a professional photographer!). I am a hobbyist and mostly take landscape and product photos for fun and photo books. I have a Nikon D750. Lenses that would be appropriate--Nikon 85 mm 1.8, Nikon 105mm 2.8, Nikon 50 1.4 mm, and Tammy 24-70 2.8. I am willing to purchase some type of lighting--I have reflectors and the SB Nikon 600. I have done some review online about having the angle of the camera a bit above the subject, shallow depth of field, blurred or no distracting background. I will practice beforehand and I know her tolerance of the shoot time will be short. I would appreciate any tips that you are willing to share!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Kayper wrote:

Hi UHH Friends--I need suggestions for poses, simp... (show quote)

Outdoors
Sitting in a nice chair
Nice background out of focus.
Talks to her and capture her emotions as she speaks.
I would use the 105 2.8

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Why not let a Pro' Photographer handle the 'Delicate ' situation. That is what they are used to.(Perhaps trained to do it better).

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Kayper wrote:

Hi UHH Friends--I need suggestions for poses, simp... (show quote)

In a comfy chair by a window that is curtained, letting filtered daylight wash the room (and subject). The soft shadows will be flattering, and given that she doesn't look forward to this, the more she can feel comfortable in her surroundings, the likelihood you'll get a better shot. Think minimal gear for minimal impact. Have a conversation with her before you get started. As her to reflect on her life - get her talking and she won't even realize there is a camera in the room.

wireloose

Glyn Dewis has done some great work with WW2 vets and has tutorials on his site with lots of tips, https://glyndewis.com/?v=79cba1185463, and on Youtube including talks about relaxing the subject, not just the image https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WBWaNdFo6E

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

I would stay away from something formal. Catch her in her natural expressions and several different light situations. get her to talking about her family and places, relive memories; she will be more relaxed.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

More important than anything is to talk to her care givers and let them know what you are thinking then reformulate the plan based on their feedback.

Robert1 Loc: Davie, FL

Pablo8 wrote:

Why not let a Pro' Photographer handle the 'Delicate ' situation. That is what they are used to.(Perhaps trained to do it better).

Did you read the part where the OP stated that the birthday lady doesn't appear to want or tolerate the use of a professional?

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Kayper wrote:

Hi UHH Friends--I need suggestions for poses, simp... (show quote)

Use a tripod and a cable release so your face isn't glued to the camera's viewfinder.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I photographed my mother for her 90th birthday. She was in her own living room in a chair she had inherited from her grandmother with nice window light. We dressed her in a really nice dress. I suggested she simply look out the window and react to whatever she saw there. I think I got really nice images. Her eyes were interested and her smile was quite natural instead of the forced "now, smile, please" look. With nice window light, I didn't have to use flash, which might have resulted in that "deer in the headlights" look.

Bill_de Loc: US

After the formal shots (if any) are done, lighten the mood. Give her a shot of really good brandy. Then you will both have more fun.

----

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Kayper wrote:

Hi UHH Friends--I need suggestions for poses, simp... (show quote)

Try a nice scene perhaps outside. A decent chair so she is comfortable. Bokeh is okay. Try soft ambient light. Stay away from harsh light. Use a lens that is 85mm or 105mm. Get in close. The face is more important than what she is wearing. Your friend may also be in the photo so mom is comfortable. Have both looking to the side slightly. Try in Monochrome to even out facial color.

Keep mom relaxed by having her telling both of you stuff that she has seen and experienced. She has some great stories I’ll bet. Be a good friend and bring her a bouquet of flowers so she will feel comfortable with you.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Place her in a chair with a good background and light. Just take occasional unposed casual shots as she's talking to family. If she's unwilling to pose, a large set of casual shots will probably yield a couple reasonable photos you can use. Digital pictures are free. The number is only limited by your card.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

PixelStan77 wrote:

Outdoors
Sitting in a nice chair
Nice background out of focus.
Talks to her and capture her emotions as she speaks.
I would use the 105 2.8

I would add, tell a humorous story or joke to set the mood and to coax a smile or laugh from her.

Stan

photoman43

Gene51 wrote:

In a comfy chair by a window that is curtained, letting filtered daylight wash the room (and subject). The soft shadows will be flattering, and given that she doesn't look forward to this, the more she can feel comfortable in her surroundings, the likelihood you'll get a better shot. Think minimal gear for minimal impact. Have a conversation with her before you get started. As her to reflect on her life - get her talking and she won't even realize there is a camera in the room.

What Gene just said! Soft window light, preferably from a south facing window, on a day when the sunlight is filtered by clouds or something. Avoid flash as she will likely be wearing glasses and flash just adds to her uncomfortableness. Have her doing something she enjoys and just capture the moment.