JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

one paragraph from a much longer "lesson" if you want to call it that. It does make some pretty strong points but I wonder what you all think? Link at the bottom if anyone cares to read the entire thing before comment.

"If you’re preparing for a portrait session of a family, avoid hopping online to scavenge other photographers sites for posing ideas and post processing looks. Where is the uniqueness in that? With the age of the internet, any bit of information is available at our finger tips within seconds. When we immerse ourselves in the work of other photographers, we end up ripping off our own creativity. Instead, sit down with a pencil and paper and start brainstorming. It’s going to be tough, it’s going to take some time, but what if out of all that, you came up with something completely unique? Something completely yours? After all, how do you think all these other poses came to be? What about all the filters, actions, and presets in your post processing? Think about it, and act on it."

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/14-ways-to-significantly-improve-your-photography-today#ixzz2ALnAj2Ut

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

When it comes to poses, I think it's all been done.

You either go with the tried and true 'traditional portrait' poses or try something a bit more creative. Even with creative poses, I really doubt that I could think of anything that hasn't been done by at least one other person.

As for post processing.... Well you can either try to please yourself or try to please clients. If you go the 'please your client' route, then I would imagine that many of them will have you attempt to recreate the PP of one of your peers.....

JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

I think your thinking is right on, new was done 500 years ago, maybe

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

[quote=JohnM]Great link, John. Thanks David

wireman8 Loc: Toledo, Ohio

I agree, most clients want you to duplicate something they've already seen and liked.

-lois- Loc: Oregon

I agree. And while the client MIGHT have an idea they want you to try, most clients don't know what they like until they see it. I always look for good ideas online...have a whole board dedicated to it on my Pinterest. I don't copy it exactly but it gives me ideas. Some current ideas ARE done to death...but those are usually the ones the clients have seen and love. And...if you come up with a good innovative pose and someone sees it and like it...then you'll be the one copied!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Client Ego and Eyesight collide and you are the true victim. A friend who sculpted with plasticlay quickly quit doing real people - They were never happy. For her I would take straight on, 45 left/right/below/high and so the sculpture was VERY correct... who we think we are is not who we see.

And Yes, the saying goes, "nothing new under the sun" so true with poses.

nikon_jon Loc: Northeast Arkansas

I love DPS as well as APN and LIGHT STALKING. I get their emails on a regular basis and enjoy reading some of the things they have. I have been involved in photography since I was 14 yrs old, but still pick up some good info from these and other sites. And, of course, UHH is my daily dose and would find it hard to live without it. Amazing how many 'old fogeys' such as myself are hanging around here. :wink: