Opportunity

[donlfaulkner]

I think we've been handed the opportunity of a lifetime.

My oldest stepdaughter's youngest son is graduating this year and is in need of senior pictures. A “real” photographer wants more than she can afford at this time. So she has approached Princess and me about taking his senior pics knowing full well we are rank amateurs. We are thinking “Yes, we can do this” and if it turns out that we suck she can still go to a “real” photographer. This is an opportunity to stretch ourselves a bit and explore new avenues in photography. I don’t know if my little camera and pea brain are up to the task but I’m game to try

[Dawn U]

Congratulations! I'm sure you'll do fine. Props, lighting, and a relaxed kid all help.

[donlfaulkner]

Any pitfalls I should watch out for? Portrait is a brand new venture for me. Here to fore I have been a "snapshooter". Looking at the work on this forum I feel totaly inadequate.

[CaptainTom]

find some senior images you all like on this and other forums and try to duplicate them the best you can. Pay attention to the details.

[donlfaulkner]

Dawn, Tom

I'm stepping way out of my comfort zone on this project. I don't want to screw it up for him. The Princess has a God given talented eye and I'm just now beginning to learn.

Sigh! so much to learn--so little time!

[Dawn U]

Don,

Is there anybody around you can practice on? What equipment do you have? Any ideas where you want to take the pictures at?

[donlfaulkner]

Dawn,

I have a kodak dx7590, a kodak dx4330 for cameras (not much, huh?) and a silver sun shield from my car for a reflector. absolutely no lighting equipment other than the built in flash on the camera. Looking for an old barn or shed. Son has a motorcycle and maybe a barn/shed. grandson has some props. a guitar and I don't know what else. Will practice on the Princess tomorrow in the back yard with the reflector and get the feel of whether it will do what I want. I've got a lot of ground to cover and nothing much to work with. I hope I can pull this off. If so, then maybe I can justify spending some money on equipment instead of food and shelter. :)

[Dawn U]

Hey, food and shelter are good things. :)

Just remember that large white walls make fantastic reflectors. Then you can use something else (like the sun shield) to bounce some fill from the opposite side. If the silver is too much, white poster board is cheap and effective. Light colored concrete also works to bounce light - which could be bad if it's putting light where you don't want it. Dark fabric/paper/whatever works well to absorb light from where you don't want it. Mirrors (with some helping hands) make great light sources - they can act as hair lights. Between the sky (background), a white wall (key/main), a reflector (fill), and a mirror (hair/kicker), you've got a regular 4 light studio type set-up. For me, lighting isn't really an issue. Posing is. I suck at posing.

Can't wait to see how your practice shots go.

Just remember, it's the photographer, not the equipment. I took a good portrait of my grandmother with my Minolta DiMage Z1, a table lamp, and a purple sheet. Never thought that would be the last real picture taken of her.

[donlfaulkner]

I may have a problem posting pics of the Princess. She claims the camera doesn't like her...what does the ignorant camera know? I'll find something or someone that will let me pratice for viewing.

[Dawn U]

Too bad you're so far away - I'd let you practice on me. :P Although, that may be better for your camera. ;)

[donlfaulkner]

Thanks, Dawn and Tom, for your help. Definately you have given me food for thought and pratice.

[toverman]

Easiest thing to do with what you have is to find even shade, outdoors, so that there are no "hot" spots or strange shadows on him. If possible, shoot early or late in the day, when the sun isn't as harsh and the light is much prettier. Incorporate things he likes ... does he play a sport? Have him dress in his uniform and do some poses. Play a musical instrument? Really love his car? Do a search in the "people" area of this forum with the word "senior" and you're bound to find some inspiration.

Portraits also are made and broken by the eyes. They must be in sharp focus, and preferably have a "catchlight" in them ... bright light reflected in part of the eye. Look at the photos that inspire you and you'll see what I mean.

Good luck! If you weren't so far away, this would be a great opp to gather a few TPFers for a meetup. Not only would we all learn, but the kiddo and his mom would have a bunch to choose from.