Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

LIPstudio · **Before you snap an Entrepreneurer -** 03-20-2008, 07:50 PM

I have been asked by a business firm to photograph the president of the company at two different locations. I typically shoot family portraits and weddings and some business friends, but here is my question:
What do you say to a president, very business like president, right before you take the picture so you can capture to essence of his firm and/or his stature? Do you know of a tricks or a verbal sample of what to make him feel or what to make him think to capture the image?

Let me know what you guys say to a entrepreneurer before you snap him?

About to enter new horizons.
Thanks

brad · 03-20-2008, 07:52 PM

"Say 'Million Dollar Sales Year!'"

LOL

HeatherLou · 03-20-2008, 08:07 PM

I just did 50 something biz headshots for 3M. I had them all say "Retirement!" LOL Got lots of good smiles!

Shaggysnack · 03-20-2008, 08:18 PM

I have kids say "Fuzzy Pickels" for a truly natural smile. As dumb as it sounds, it makes adults smile also. I have never tried it on an entrepeneuer though, maybe they just don't laugh.

carrbowl · 03-20-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIPstudio

Let me know what you guys say to a entrepreneurer before you snap him?
Thanks

'So what do you say to a very successful entrepreneurer right before you SHOOT him??

click...I don't know you tell me'

is that corny enough for you

shaggyrockmer · 06-20-2008, 12:41 PM

just say "FREEZE M**THA*F*CKA" he'll be startled, then you laugh, he laughs and you take a real smile picture. One that he will never forget. Probably slapping his knee laughing so hard.

Damon · 06-20-2008, 01:14 PM

"Your stock just dropped 40%"

CaptainTom · 06-20-2008, 04:27 PM

I'd hope you would talk a while with the subject and learn something about them. Findin out what kind of photo is expected is helpful. Getting a whole book full of smiling faces doesn't work if that's not what they want.

Money usually gets a business person to perk up.
For introspection I'll ask them to think up a one sentence description of their company/business.
For a serious expression I'll try to get them to describe their worst day ever.

There's no one right answer for every situation. Have the equipment ready to shoot and then speak with the subject to get them to open up a little.

CaptainTom · 06-20-2008, 04:27 PM

I'd hope you would talk a while with the subject and learn something about them. Findin out what kind of photo is expected is helpful. Getting a whole book full of smiling faces doesn't work if that's not what they want.

Money usually gets a business person to perk up.
For introspection I'll ask them to think up a one sentence description of their company/business.
For a serious expression I'll try to get them to describe their worst day ever.

There's no one right answer for every situation. Have the equipment ready to shoot and then speak with the subject to get them to open up a little.

I find that a remote shutter release helps because they will relate to the photographer and not worry about the camera until after the shutter clicks.

123canon · 06-20-2008, 05:57 PM

i am a huge fan of the remote shutter release, carry on a conversation and snap as needed. i usually get a veriety of expressions to choose from

CaptainTom · 06-20-2008, 06:09 PM

I wonder why my post was doubled? I did an edit and it came out as new post. I'll try to edit this post and see what happens......

editing the post as expected ??

probably pilot error !!

boxofrocks · 06-20-2008, 06:12 PM

I couldn't get any personality out of an exec I was shooting today. I told him to say "boobies".

It worked, but I wouldn't recommend it.

CaptainTom · 06-20-2008, 06:21 PM

I don't want to hijack this thread, but along the same lines.

Yesterday I photo'd an entire office with no problem. When the big boss came to have her head and shoulders shot, she was the most difficult subject I have ever had. She didnt' like the position of the lights, the camera, the height of the stool, you name it. I tried to change things to what she wanted, but it would have ruined the image and changed the entire look of the shoot.
Left with a bad taste in my mouth, and I'm sure she had one too.

How should I have handled this ?