Photo environment suggestions

[Dobick]

If you had a request to take a few images of a person with the sole objective of the sessions to make the person appear to be approachable, and "human" what kind of ideas/setting would you place them into.

A bit of a background on this:
The person has a long law enforcement background, and is a good man, but has the reputation of being someone very rigid, and unapproachable. I have been asked to take some photos that show him in a relaxed atmosphere, possibly interacting with others, to show a softer more human side to the man. My thoughts immediately turned to an environmental type portrait, but the place where I am getting stuck is on what kind of environment to place him in.

Some ideas that I have so far are in a living room on a sofa with a dog (kinda envisioning a big lovable lab type) I also thought about a jeans and casual dress type shirt on a dirt road (maybe with family/wife) or maybe in the park, etc.

I guess the overall theme/feeling that they are wanting from the shoot/images is a common man from West Texas, but also true to who he is. If I can get the elements right, I can make the technical part of the photo work, but I am looking to go to them during the planning stages with a few more than two ideas so they have the options to choose the ones that suit them best.

Thanks for your hellp

[ramblinray]

How about the dog licking his face out in the yard, maybe in a pile of leaves. Playing catch with a youngster would be good also.

[Dobick]

One thing that I kinda ommitted on purpose, is that these will be for a local campaign advertisements/mailers, etc, so I will need to keep them somewhat dignified.

I like the playing catch idea, and I also just thought about a playground interacting with a child, say pushing someone on a swingset, etc.

I dunno, maybe playing fetch with a dog in the yard?

What'ya think?

[rogerfsmith]

In a school scene interacting with the children in the classroom.
Cheers,
Roger

[Dobick]

Thank you very much for your suggestions! exactly the kind of ideas that I was looking for

[KdLaneJr]

Holding the door open for a respected/admired female elder on the way into church...

[ol geezer]

Him and a clild fishing.

[andyz]

Coaching little league, talking to a basketball/football/etc team in a huddle, speaking to a community group (senior citizens, Kids on Patrol, etc) with his shirt sleeves rolled up, tie loose, speaking to the local Lions Club or whatever, not behind a podium.

[wsteed]

Off the top of my head, here....around a patrol vehicle...interacting with kids (possibly teens). Kind of a Norman Rockwell 'take off' ?

[LonestarMan]

1st Thought:
Feed store environment with a cup of coffee, sacks of feed, bales of hay, friends talking, laughing.

2nd thought:
Train yard, trains, rails, SanteFe, guys in overalls.

Still a man's man, works with and appeals to the local Slaton feel. Laughing or smiling big. Let them know he's just like everyone else.

Good luck Kent!

[picman]

Does he have a hobby or other non-work interests that would be appropriate?

[SaundraU]

I guess I'd look to see what else he is into hobby wise, if you put him in a totally foreign environment the photos could backfire assuming the campaign is something like chief of police or political or some sort of office he is running for. If the other party gets wind of that kind of set up they can turn it into he's lying about who he is. So i would go with something he already is involved in.

This time of year lots of law enforcement do thing to raise gifts for needy kids - is he - show him receiving gifts at the local place from some of the locals

Is a member of the lions,VFW, etc - what kind of event does he get involved in that you could use

Does he have a wife/kids - something from their daily life - at home in the kitchen helping the kids with homework - appeals to most because then it says education is important

[studiocygnet]

At the grill for a barbecue or tailgate party, with kids around.

[123canon]

ok, girls in bikinis are out. what about playground with kids or grandkids??? out by a lake fishing?

[Dobick]

These are absolutely excellent suggestions!!!!! Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. Keep them coming, I love it!

Originally Posted by LonestarMan

1st Thought:
Feed store environment with a cup of coffee, sacks of feed, bales of hay, friends talking, laughing.

2nd thought:
Train yard, trains, rails, SanteFe, guys in overalls.

Still a man's man, works with and appeals to the local Slaton feel. Laughing or smiling big. Let them know he's just like everyone else.

Good luck Kent!

Todd,

These are all great ideas, but I will PM here in a second and let you know some additional info. Being that you are from the area, you might have some additional insight that can help tremendously.