so at a family barbq today, my brothers mother-in-law asked me to photograph her and her husband. she has seen my work and for some reason thinks im am a good photographer.
i know i don't suck, but I'm nowhere near ready to charge for my work, well maybe i am, but I'm not confidant that i can guarantee a good product. i tried to explain that to her and she insisted anyway. i told her i'd do it for free and she she balked at that idea, so then i told her i'd do it but only charge her if I am happy with the results :)
so i think its a good idea to try it and it will be fun as i am going to be venturing waaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone of inanimate objects or directing my daughter.
i'm thinking to do something outside, i need to find a place so if anyone knows some great areas in southern NJ for background please let me know. i would also love any advice you can give on lighting, best time of day, what to watch out for, etc.
oh and I am going to have to be able to provide good prints so any help there is much appreciated.
My son's doctors office is in the professional buildings on the other side. I'll actually be there tomorrow afternoon. I could make a quick stop and let you know how it looks now. Usually they have flowers and stuff in the spring.
It's pretty stressful, transitioning from shooting for fun to shooting for someone who has expectations. Look through the galleries here for two-people portraits to get some ideas. There are some great books at Barnes and Nobles on portraiture that can give you more tips. The key elements for something like this is time-of-day, available light, and everyone being comfortable - including you. Don't make too much of a production out of it. Keep it simple. Stick to a handful of pre-envisioned poses and keep it to no more than 30 minutes. Try to keep it to no more than 100 frames. People start to get anxious when someone's firing at them like a machine gunner. You also don't want to create a ridiculous amount of post-production for yourself. When it's all said and done, they're only going to want 5-7 images to choose from; more than that heads into the realm over overwhelming. In this type of situation, I'd simply print 4x6's of the ones you want them to choose from and give them those.
For anyone not ready to commit to everything involved in running a photography business, I suggest charging only a meal and 2-3x the cost of prints (if they want anything more than the previously mentioned 4x6s). Shoot in the golden hour and then let them take you to dinner.
I agree with Skip that 30-45 minutes would be a max for time. I generally post 15-20 pictures for that type of session. I know that I am taboo, but I usually give the CD and charge a rate that compensates me for my time. That way their prints aren't limited. Thats where you need a business model if you think this is a permanent transition. If you are going to use these photos in your portfolio then you should get a model release form. I have some if you need them. I modeled mine this way since sales tax in CO doesn't apply to labor, and all I have to do is charge my "session fee". I have a lot of other friends that do well charging 2-4x the cost of the prints.
I wouldn't shoot middle of the day - you don't want squinting and harsh lighting. Mornings and evenings are best. I am in CO, where I can end up with some very direct light at 9am, so I try to pick a place that has trees to give shade. If you have a chance then scope out the spot prior to the session at the same time of day.
thanks for the great info. i would love to be able to make a few extra bucks in time to help support this habit so i want to makes sure i start this off on the right foot.
Send in some stuff -- they will print 5 free 8x10s for you so you can see their quality. Excellent place.
thanks, that's going to be a whole new thread, titled how to get the best prints, so far i and happy with my online provider (kodak) for my personal use, but in no way is it good enough in my eyes to give as professional print. the images look great on my screen, and so-so great when they arrive in the mail.
ETA, im going to look into the WHCC, looks good from first inspection.
when i sign up for the free 8X10s, should I submit some sort of calibration photos?
My son's doctors office is in the professional buildings on the other side. I'll actually be there tomorrow afternoon. I could make a quick stop and let you know how it looks now. Usually they have flowers and stuff in the spring.
Just an FYI, when I went by today it looked great. All trimmed up. Everything's clean and washed up. I'm sure they're booking lots of weddings, so I'd go on a week day if possible.
that's the plan. i haven't been there is years, is it still open to the public or should i let them know i'll be there?
I believe it's still open to the public. I haven't ever had any problems walking around and taking pictures there. You could always call and ask though.
I'd stick with the natural light with maybe a reflector. There's plenty of shade. And if you start lugging a bunch of equipment, then they just might want you to pay to use the grounds.
I'd stick with the natural light with maybe a reflector. There's plenty of shade. And if you start lugging a bunch of equipment, then they just might want you to pay to use the grounds.
Don't shoot in direct light, the contrast/shadows are killer. Find an area that has indirect light, preferably near a light wall which will serve as a giant reflector.
An alternative would be to shoot with their back to the sun - you would need a flash to fill. This is a beautiful effect, so take your flash just so you can try a couple at the end of the session.
If you choose under a tree, watch where shadows fall - you don't want them across their face.
Make sure the light doesn't cast a harsh nose shadow across their face.
Check the background for distracting objects.
Make sure their wardrobe does not have logos.
If they happen to be sweaty or oily skinned, you may want to suggest they bring/apply powder.
Keep your eye on their hair. If there's a breeze, there may be flopping or tresses across face/eyes, etc.
Don't be afraid to be the clown to get them to relax and smile naturally.
