Practical advice for family photography
I realize that many of our readers have probably checked out our “Archives” section located at the top of our blog in the header, but for those that haven’t, check out our Archives. I have let it go but recently updated it. What I’ve done is made a list of all of our articles posted from the beginning and very brief one line descriptions to let you know what each post is about. I will try to stay on top of it.
Go to the archives section... NOOOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dead puppies… now that sounds morbid, doesn’t it? Believe it or not, my customers think it’s pretty funny. They think it’s funnier than saying “cheese”. I do too, but that is, in context, which I will explain in just a second.
My friend told me once that what it is that makes a joke funny is the unexpected punch line. If you can guess the punch line of a joke because it is so obvious, then it usually isn’t as funny as a really unexpected punchline. At times, a totally predictable punchline won’t conjur up any laughs or chuckles at all. So why I am I saying all this? Because I use dead puppies as a manner of getting families and children to smile for their portraits. I am big on having families say silly stuff like “say puppies” or “say kitties” but with families I’ll say, “say puppies” and then once they’ve said that, I’ll calmly and soberly say, “say dead puppies” with a slight emphasis on “dead”. This may seem gross or inappropriate, however, it almost always gets a great reaction… even from dog owners. In fact, I’m a dog owner myself. I love animals but this is just a shocking, joking way to get great expressions from families, especially adults. It almost always works on them. On children, over the age of six or seven, it works great. It’s crude humor granted, but it works wonderful. It’s pragmatic, yes, but not immoral. Here the end does justify the means.
The normal reaction to “Say Dead Puppies” varies but it’s usually shock followed by a grin and then bursting out into hilarity. People are a bit ashamed that they want to laugh and then they realize that they want to laugh because of the fact that they didn’t want to laugh but they did. I’ve gotten some great reactions from “dead puppies”, however I have to admit, I made a little girl cry one time because she just lost her puppy. So you never know. You may stick your foot in your mouth at times. But I’ve used that phrase countless times and never had a negative experience with it except for that one time.
All in all, I feel that it takes a certain personality to pull off something as crude as this. There is a way to be tactful and not come across as offensive. I think I have that ability. I’m a joker, not mean spirited, only slightly sarcastic. So, I think I can do it. If you laughed hard at my post, then what the heck, give it a shot! If you found yourself repulsed and trying to figure out how to take me off of your RSS feed, then you’re just like my wife (haha, she told me to write that! Boy is that true!!!). Anyway, it’s been a winner for me and I thought you guys could appreciate it. Now go give your pooches a kiss!
Believe it or not,"Dead Puppies" is what got this great expression!
Ever have problems getting your subjects to relax? Here’s a quick list of ten different groups and ways you can get all of them to loosen up a bit. After years of photographing each of these, I have learned what it takes to get each to relax for me, be themselves and even smile.
The thing you have to realize is that there is no set way to get any subject to smile, but the following ten groups will explain briefly how to get those individual groups to feel less nervous when in your presence. You think you’re nervous in front of your subjects? Trust me, they’re even more nervous than you! So here we go:
1 With friends or family - Remind them of something fun or funny that both of you would remember. Conjuring up memories that have fond memories work well. For example, “Steve, remember when you threw up on grandma!”
2 With your clients - Talk to them about their work. Also engage them about their families. If you dig enough, and I don’t mean that in a weird or intrusive way, but just talking in general will get your subjects relaxed and you can usually find something to converse about that you both will have in common.
3 With you young children - Pick your nose. Kids love when you’re willing to be silly and funny.
4 With pets - The best way for animals to relax is to exhaust them before you shoot. They behave best that way, so have their owners take them for a long walk before you photograph them. This advice complimentary of Cesar Milan aka The Dog Wisperer
5 With teens - Being silly, but not too childish will work. Though I am very silly and childish in my humor and teens do tend to appreciate it. I think however do not talk down to them or treat them like they are young kids. You can act silly but don’t treat them younger than they are.
6 Elderly people - Let them do the talking. They have a lot to share and lots of wisdom. Ask them questions about life in general or about their family and then let them take the wheel and steer.
7 With very shy people - Sympathize with them. If you’ve never dealt with shyness, then you have no clue, but if you have then you totally understand. Being shy really comes down to insecurity. So don’t do anything to make your subject second guess themselves. Just compliment and get on their level and make yourself very approachable and talk a lot. Talking more than them puts the pressure off of them to do the talking and this will usually relax them and help them open up to you. Also I find it helpful to “pick” on them a little and razz them a bit. I find if you don’t overdo it, it really helps them to loosen up a bit.
8 With babies and infants - It’s not that they are nervous, rather it’s that they’re fussy and need to be relaxed. Have mom cradle and soothe the baby. Take many breaks, as many as needed and give them all the time they need, but work quick. Timing is everything and if you miss the shot, you may not get it back.
9 With uptight people or those overly concerned about their appearance - These people can be a challenge to get to relax but the key here is to go with them where they’re going. In no manner, do you want to belittle them or their concerns. To them, whatever you may think is silly or overly concerned about on their part, is still big in their eyes. And after all, that is all part of being a good photographer, caring about what’s important to your subjects. However, engaging them in conversation can diminish the amount of thought they are putting into themselves.
10 Over protective mothers - Anyone whose photographed infants and babies before will know what I am referring to. Mothers, especially first time mothers and even fathers with their infant children, can be overly concerned that you’ll hurt their child or that they might get hurt in the process of being photographed. Other concerns may be that they will become cold if their children are being photographed with their clothes off. My suggestion to dealing with parents such as this, is to reassure them that you will keep their children safe and then actually do that. Take all necessary precautions to make sure that your studio is completely safe. Also, if you are photographing a baby nude, I suggest keeping the temperature up a bit by using a portable heater near the area where you will be photographing them.
I hope that this list, while simple and to the point has been helpful and beneficial to you. If so, feel free to leave a comment in our comments section. And join us again here on Pieces of the Picture, where we post at least three times a week with helpful, motivational and practical advice for portrait photographers.
Suggestions, I’m taking suggestions!
I’m taking time today to tell all our readers that we really appreciate all the time that you guys take to read our blog and comment when you do. We spend many hours each week preparing blog posts that we think will benefit you. If you’ve read more than just a few posts, you have probably noticed that our articles are tips and advice on photographing portraits of people, that range from birth to the elderly and everything in between.
We are now nearing the end of the year and our work is slowing way down. We have time now to spend writing blog posts and spend time working and improving the blog. The number one reason we are even here, is for you! We want to write articles that you will actually read and want to read and learn from. So what I am asking today is for your suggestions. Write us in the comments section. Tell us what you are interested in and tell us what you want us to write about. Be specific. I’ve got time to invest into this blog for the next few weeks, so we’re ready to get up some great content. Also, every Friday, we’re posting interviews with great photographers. If you have a suggestion for a photographer that you’d like to see interviewed, let us know!!! We’re not afraid or too shy to ask anyone for an interview. Of course, our interviews are with family friendly portrait photographers. So come on, let’s hear your suggestions!
I realize that many times we all read articles on blogs and never think twice about leaving a comment, but I really want to encourage everyone of you to leave us a comment today. I don’t use the word please here to frequently, but today I’m asking PLEASE!
Thanks again everyone and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Through our many years of photographing clients, sometimes the people that want to talk the most are the elderly. But I think it goes further than that, sometimes I think they need to talk. Loneliness sometimes sets in when they are plagued with aches and illness and especially the loss of a spouse. They go from having a lifelong partner to talk to anytime to being alone. You can create a quick bond with your client by being courteous enough to take a little extra time to listen to them, even sympathize with them if needed. Not only will your client most likely feel more relaxed around you but you will have a little bond with them.
Also you will know what to say and what not to say to them during the session. For example, if they tell you some story about a recent loss in their family you will know not to ask about that during the photography session or at least be very sensitive to that subject matter. A lot of times instead of older people receiving our respect, they lose it. An important thing to remember is that they have been around longer than us and have experienced more than us. That should mean something to us and they deserve our respect.
However, let me throw a little warning out here. I personally have run into situations where someone wants to talk so much that is becomes difficult to photograph them. So remember there is a balance between listening and getting the job done which is to produce a quality photograph of your client. Remember any photograph you take no matter what the age could be your client’s last photograph, so make it the best it can be!
Holly
