Don't say "cheese" for pictures...
Apr 3, 2023 11:31:04 #
PhotogHobbyist wrote:
What I have found effective is to have the subject say something off the wall like, "french fries" or "peanut butter" because most people are expecting to hear, "say cheese" or something similar with the ee sound. Throw them off a bit and they might just smile at the ridiculous or off beat words. Worked well for me in school photography.
Rumpelstiltskin...
Apr 3, 2023 12:36:58 #
Y'alllandscapshooter is always talking about the likes of Ansil Adams. Street shooters oftentimes reference Henri- Cartier-Bresson and Weegee, and Portraits idolize Karsh, Arnold Newman, and Annie Lebovitz (etc.) So, could imagine Karsh shooting royalty, Popes/ politicians/ dictators/captains of industry, and famous actors and saying "OK Your Majesty/Lordship/ Excellency/Mr. President/ Your Holiness/ Mein Fuhrer/ Sir/Madam, etc. Just look at the camera and say "Cheeses/Pickles/S**t/Money/Kishkas/whatever? I don't think so!
If the subject is lactose intolerant they might say "cheese" and have a serious digestive emergency in your studio! Blechhhhh!
If the subject is lactose intolerant they might say "cheese" and have a serious digestive emergency in your studio! Blechhhhh!
Apr 3, 2023 13:16:48 #
Especially with groups I ask them to put their heads down then look up when I count to three. Seems to work.
Apr 3, 2023 13:46:50 #
Often it depends on the person or group you are photographing. I found it satisfactory many time to have late elementary or middle school studentsto say "boys" if a girl and "girls" if a boy. I also tried a different tact with lower grades. I'd have the boys say, "Girls have cooties" and the opposite for the girls. I stopped that after one boy, instead of saying, "girls have cooties." He said, "Girls have boobies." I got a red face and the parents there helping had a good laugh. I quit using that one.
Apr 3, 2023 16:46:53 #
Apr 3, 2023 18:48:31 #
Apr 3, 2023 20:40:08 #
Rather than become politically incorrect, I am fond of the little toys to put on my lens. Sure the kids and some grownups have never seen them. I also have some finger puppets. Acting a little goofy may be just the ticket. You must also consider some people don’t like to be photographed. There are way too many reasons why. You could have a short session where the subject or subjects make strange faces to the camera or each other. It is best to keep the subject(s) relaxed so the photo session goes smooth.
Apr 5, 2023 00:09:23 #
JoSkalka
Loc: San Diego, CA
I have a group sing the "A, B, C's and hold when they get to "Eeee." They chuckle about singing the childhood song and it always creates a natural smile across the group.
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