okay TPF'ers I really need your help on this one

[Some Idiot]

I have a client that has me worried about an upcoming shoot


Basically we are shooting maternity, but while we are out she wants a few of her 2 year old as well.......

1. She wants to shoot outside

2. She won't budge on time, 10:00AM

3. She wants foliage in the pictures

4. McKinney/Plano area

I went to McKinney 3 times last week driving and walking about trying to find a primo area to shoot her in, but I am at a loss


I'm hoping someone will read this and go "Oh, they need to shoot her ______"

Also, I make it a habit to not shoot at 10:00 in the open sun, tips and advise very very welcome

[bthompson]

What about Arbor Hills Nature Preserve? You can make it work there with some smart positioning.

[dmcantrell]

At 10:00AM in open sun, you can find a place with trees (hence the foliage), place the subject in complete shade, and light the subject with a off-camera speedlight.

In Plano, there is a spot behind the St Andrews United Methodist Church called Steeplechase Park located near the intersection of Plano Pkwy and Dallas North Tollway. There is a park, and a pond, and lots of greenery.

[Some Idiot]

bump ? I really could use some feedback

[danchez]

if she wants to be in direct sunlight, make sure she is facing away from the sun. Use the sun as a hairlight.

[Alices Wonderland]

I haven't been to Adriatica yet, but the photo's I've seen there might make this a nice option.

Prairie Creek Park is really nice with the waterfall and trees there.

That or keep it simple and just go somewhere on the Bluebonnet trail in Plano..there's benches and sweet bridges and plenty of trees to keep the direct sun off you.

[toverman]

Prairie Creek Park is very nice; it's in Richardson west of 75 off Renner Road. If it's on a weekday, I'd recommend that spot. On a weekend in the spring? Not so much ... it's a fave of photographers and families seeking photos.

Also look up Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, which also has trees, open space and a large pond.

If you can wrangle an assistant to hold a scrim, diffusion panel, reflector or light/flash-on-a-stick, you'll have it made in the near shade.

[Rson]

Downtown Plano?

There is a park there and lots of old time places.

[texkam]

Bob Woodruff Park

+1. It's over on the East side of Plano. From the parking lot, take the sidewalk north to find some shelter under a grove of pecan trees which should be putting out their leaves soon.

There is also Harrington Park adjacent to the Plano Senior center (near Central X-way north of Collin Creek Mall). A concrete trail parallels a stream.

East Spring Creek Pkwy, across from Collin College campus by the amphitheater parking lot is both a wooded area and large grassy field.

Hope this helps.

[WarrenG]

The old Swan Court area should be getting green. I am not sure I would go the Adriatica route given the maternity theme, but that is just me.

+1 for Arbor Hills as well.

[audrey97]

I vote for Arbor Hills & Adriatica (behind the Castel) along with several spots up and down Stonebridge Drive in McKinney (great trees, greenery, etc). I'd also toss in Downtown McKinney but not necessarily the square. Head over to Central Park or the Heard Craig House.

[Some Idiot]

thanks for all the feedback guy/gals, I will be scouting out the best place this weekend for her "Mother Nature" inspired maternity shoot at high noon - LOL

[texxter]

Arbor Hill is nice. Back in Nov 2008 a Mom asked me to do her daughter's pictures at Arbor Hill at noon. I used an assistant, diffusion panels and flash/softbox to get the job done. Some images were done in full sun and some in the shade. It's very doable, but not as simple as point and shoot:

In the shade with xsmall Photoflex softbox

Another one with the same set up

Full sun with large diffusor over her head

Another one with diffusor in full sun

Good luck!

[texxter]

One more thought...

Also, I make it a habit to not shoot at 10:00 in the open sun

I understand it's harder. But my suggestion is that you force yourself to practice getting good images no matter what the ambient light. Not practicing with a client, obviously, but practicing with a friend or TPF setup. I do exactly that all the time, practicing for the sake of practicing and gaining confidence in my ability to get the shot no matter what.

As photographers we need to accomodate our client's schedule, which may result in shooting under difficult conditions. It's worth it to master it.

[Some Idiot]

tomorrow's the big day !!!!!!!!!! :-)

come on clouds