Don't take my picture! (4 images)

[texxter]

Today I went to a Sweet Sixteen party to do some portraits. I don't really do event photography, but this was my hair stylist's daughter, the photographer she had booked had an emergency and couldn't make it, etc, so she asked me to take some pics - I told her I can set up a small studio and take pics of the kids, but I am not very good at taking "live" pics at a party. She said that setting a small studio in a corner would be wonderful, so she hired me.

I really enjoyed photographing the teenagers - some were very awkward in front of the camera, some cool, some wild... the gamut - it was a lot of fun.

The first image I want to share is a Mom that really really didn't feel comfortable in front of the camera, but she wanted her picture. She actually wanted me to take just one frame, so that she could go away, but I tricked her into staying for a few, made her laugh, and finally she started to gesture telling me that she wanted to go back to her table. That's when I captured this image, probably one of my favorites of the night - it looks spontaneous and natural - she was no longer self-conscious, so she let herself go and I clicked. My learning - don't put the camera down when people are not cooperating - get them to relax, and keep on shooting.

#1.



#2. This little girl was walking around with a balloon and a plate with chocolate covered strawberries. I asked her if it would be ok to take her picture and she was happy to come to the studio corner and pose for me. I love the balloon, her cute face, the necklace too large for her, and the plate with food in front of her. It says "party" well!



#3. The two teenagers were very akward about getting close, I joked with them telling them that their hips were a mile away even though their faces were almost touching, and they both moved closer, about 1 in., and smiled, just when I pressed the shutter. Love the expressions!



#4. I love this girl's smile and I asked her to keep her Halloween Ball mask on, and to show me her glow-in-the-dark bracelets - she gave me this pose and I clicked. I like it!

[PhotoPhile]

Photos look great and I also like the background choice.


What was the lighting setup?

Umbrella to camera right and a background light?

[texxter]

Edward, thanks for your comments. All these images were done with one light only, a 5 ft. Photoflex octabox to camera right. There was no additional light on the background. I could have used a second light as fill, like a large umbrella behind me, but I chose to feather the light of the octabox and go for a more contrasty look. The background is a 9ft. hand-painted muslin from Silverlake. I set up this simple studio in a corner of the banquet room where the party was taking place.

[Ahh!]

Paco,
That first photo was a great photograph, and the reason people can trust a truly professional photographer, namely you. And, yes, keep it rolling and put people at ease. Interaction helps and it shows in this portrait.
I also like the lighting of that octo in your experienced hands.

[RKEnnis]

Thanks for sharing this awesome series, Paco. They are all great. I especially like that you persevered, and got such a nice image of the reluctant mother.

I always learn something from your posts, and this one is no exception. Thanks!

[tml]

Great natural expressions, Paco. Tri

[tukaniray]

Another round of wonderfully skilled photos by you Paco.

Thanks for sharing.

-Ray-

[texxter]

I appreciate the comments!

[bryanlindsey]

Nice light, awesome expressions.