Tag Archive for 'wedding'

Ten ways you should prepare for a wedding

Published
by
Tommy
on December 29, 2008
in advice on photography and weddings
. 1 Comment
The pressure to get amazing photography on a bride's big day can be nerve-wracking, but there are things you can do to minimize the stress of a wedding day.

The pressure to get amazing photography on a bride's big day can be nerve-wracking, but there are things that you can do to minimize the stress of a wedding.

This post will deal with ten ways that you as a photographer should prepare for a big photographic event such as a wedding or other important event in which you want to be totally prepared. Once you have been shooting these events with some regularity, this sort of list may be second nature to you, however, if you are new to the wedding photography experience, you will want to look at this list as a sort of checklist to ensure you are completely prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for the event.

I have not shot many weddings. However, I do know that there are certain things I want to do to make sure that I don’t screw one up or do anything to slow myself down. I want to do the best possible job that I can. So if you are a newbie, I would even go as far as to recommend printing off this post and putting it in your camera bag and looking at it days before you go to your wedding or big event to shoot. After all, most events such as these are huge emotional experiences for the people involved and they want good work done. Often times they are paying good money for them as well. And the reality of it is even if you take great photographs, if you aren’t prepared, you could still screw things up or at least do work that is not to your own potential. So without delay here is the list:

1. Get good sleep – There should be no late partying the night before. If you are tired and exhausted, how can you possibly do your best. It doesn’t matter if you are having a great time with rehearsals or hanging out with the bride or groom or their guests, you should not get so involved that you space out your duties to what they are paying you for. Get lots of good sleep and you’ll be much better for the big day.

2. Check out flickr – Flickr is just my suggestion because there are so many great photographers there but it could really be any resource where you will find work from other photographers who will inspire you. I find going to sites like flickr helps encourage me and fire me up about what I am about to perform at the wedding. I want to make sure that creatively I am totally on fire and ready to make the magic happen. Looking at other photographer’s work can make that happen.

3. Checking out your own work – Sometimes I get down on myself and don’t think I am much of a great photographer. I do know that there are many better photographers out there than me, but I know that I have talent and I know how to photograph people well. I find looking at my own work does two things. First, it let’s me see where I am so far and what kind of work I have produced to this point. It helps me realize that I can aim for better. Secondly, it helps me realize that I am a pretty good photographer and motivates me to know that I will do a great job for my client today and reminds me why they chose me in the first place. It works as a sobering reminder as well as a motivational push.

4. Fuel up your vehicle – This may sound silly, but the day of the wedding should not be filled with small details that will slow you down and take up part of your day. Anything that you can do to help move your day along more smooth should be done the day, or days before. I like to fill up on gas the night before. That way I don’t have to worry about that, the day of the wedding. If you are close by or two hours away, fueling up is good because it means when you hop in your car, you are ready to go.

5. Charge all your batteries – Batteries in the digital age are so important. How many times have you lost the shot due to a dying battery that delays your camera? It’s happened to me many times when I am shooting my family around the house. At home, it’s not really a big deal. But at a wedding, it could be the kiss that you miss! What if you missed an amazing expression or a subtle look that the bride gives her hubby. You are there to record the day and the last thing you want to do is miss the shot! So be prepared by charging your batteries!

Without preparation, it is likely that important details of the wedding day will be missed.

Without preparation, it is likely that important details of the wedding day will be missed.

6. Go through your checklist – If you are going to shoot a wedding, you should have a checklist of all the things you need for the big day. Tripod, check. Camera, check, wide angle lens, check, compact flash, check. You get the idea. You don’t want to leave and get to the wedding, just to realize that you forgot to grab the power cord for your strobes. What a disaster that would be if you were planning on shooting indoor portraits for example. It is important that you put together a very detailed list and make sure the day before that you have everything you’ll need for the wedding, packed, clean and in good working order.

7. Pack the snacks – During the wedding day, you never know when you’ll get a chance to eat, so I always suggest packing food for the big day. You are on your feet all day. You need nourishment. You are running here and there and you want to make sure you have the energy you’ll need to do the best job you can. In fact, this is so important to me, that I wrote a whole lengthy post on the subject. Check it out here!

8. Iron your clothes – Again, the last thing you want to do the day of the wedding is be rushing doing things that you could have taken care of the day before. So, even small details such as ironing your clothing or shining your shoes, should be done the day before. Not only does it save time, but it ensures you look professional. No bride or groom wants their photographer in wrinkly clothes. Your images may look amazing, but you too need to look great in person too.

9. Talk to your bride and groom – I usually shoot the rehearsal and dinner, but even if I don’t get a chance to do that, I try to get on the phone with my couples the day before and discuss last minute details with them. For example, just making sure that you are both in agreement as when and where to meet. Even if you already established that. It is important to make sure you touch base and ensure that nothing has changed last minute. I always make sure that they have my cell phone number at this point so that if anything comes up, they will be able to get a hold of me. After all, remember, this is the biggest day of their lives.

10. Check out the church – This one pertains more towards what you do days or weeks even before the wedding rather than the day before, though that would work too, but I always find it a help to go to the location of where I will be shooting and just scope the area out. I like to find photographically appealing areas and make mental notes of them. I also like to find good positions that I can use to shoot from during the ceremony. It also gives you an opportunity to see what lighting conditions will be like during the day. Many pros don’t do this, but I think if you want to do the best job possible, it is to your benefit regardless of how long you’ve done weddings.

The moral of this story is in order to do a great job on the big day, it takes intentional preparation and mental readiness.

If you are mentally, emotionally and physically prepared, you can tackle the big day with confidence.

If you are mentally, emotionally and physically prepared, you can tackle the big day with confidence.

Spotlight interview with Danny Iskandar

Published
by
Tommy
on December 26, 2008
in Spotlight Interviews, advice on photography and weddings
. 2 Comments
The amazing photography of Danny Iskandar

The amazing photography of Danny Iskandar

Today we are interviewing Danny Iskandar from Fishers, IN. He is an internationally recognized wedding photojournalist. His work is amazing and awe-inspiring. What I noticed most about his wedding work and possibly even more from his engagement work is just how natural his subjects look. It is so real and so emotional and yet they seem almost perfectly orchestrated.

I was moved by his dramatic website intro which almost seemed like a movie trailer. It showcased some of his best work and made you feel like you were watching a dramatic scene in a romantic movie. The music was perfect and complimented his extreme talent. Today we will discuss briefly Danny’s work and his love for capturing couples on their big day. So without further delay, here we go!

P.O.T.P.: Danny, first of all, thank you so much for agreeing to join us here at Pieces of the Picture. Let’s get started. Your work is amazing and you are a master at what you do. How long have you been in the business?

Danny: Three years

P.O.T.P.: That’s incredible. So what would you say sets you apart from other portrait photographers in your area?

Danny: I do weddings.

P.O.T.P.: So, how did you get your start?

Danny: I did it for a friend for free.

P.O.T.P.: Why are you a photographer?

Danny: It’s my passion since I was a kid.

P.O.T.P.: What did you do before you became a photographer?

Danny: I was an engineer.

P.O.T.P.: What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Danny: I am a wedding photojournalist, so it’s the people.

Capturing people being "real" in photojournalism with this level of creativity takes intuition and much talent.

P.O.T.P.: Any tips for those considering getting into your line of work?

Danny: You need to have that passion first in your heart. The passion to capture moments, in my line of work. If you don’t have it then it will be difficult. If you have that passion, everything else will follow more easily.

Emotions run high at weddings. Great photojournlist will be able to do more than just document it. They will make you feel what their subjects feel.

P.O.T.P.: What gear do you use?

Danny: Nikon d3 and D300 with Nikkor lenses.

P.O.T.P.: A tip that has helped you that might help other photographers.

Danny: Be a second shooter or intern or whatever you want to call it to somebody whose work you admire. Even though he/she does not give any financial benefit. Consider this a free lesson or course.

P.O.T.P.: What is your biggest challenge in photographing people?

Danny: Make themselves comfortable to you, this is very important especially if you are a wedding photojournalist.

Capturing the life in people.

P.O.T.P.: What do you feel is your strongest area in photography?

Danny: You could judge for yourself, by visiting my website.

P.O.T.P.: Most interesting customer you’ve had to photograph?

Danny: A couple that could just naturally in front me without I am telling them what to do.

P.O.T.P.: What’s your secret to satisfied customers?

Danny: I am photographer, so it is obvious I have to deliver the goods. The images. Concentrate on the images and you will be fine.

P.O.T.P.: Do you find yourself directing subjects often?

Danny: Depends on the subject, as a rule of thumb I try to minimize directing my subjects unless I have to. I want my subjects to find their own moments.

P.O.T.P.: You’re on location, would you rather shoot urban scenery or nature?

Danny: I chase beautiful light more than anything else.

Beautiful light comes in all colors, levels of brightness and sometimes at the most unexpected times.

P.O.T.P.: That’s perfect! So, if you weren’t a photographer what would you be doing?

Danny: Still an engineer or open up a restaurant.

P.O.T.P.: Film or digital?

Danny: Digital, I don’t understand why people still want to shoot film.

P.O.T.P.: Actually, I agree, but I know that there are many out there who still insist on shooting film. Besides people, what area of photography interests you as well?

Danny: Landscape.

P.O.T.P.: What have you found to be an effective form of advertising and marketing

Danny: Word of mouth

P.O.T.P.: That really seems to be the case with many wedding photographers. What do you like most about photographing weddings?

Danny: Capturing people moments in probably one of the most milestone in their life. Finding locations/spot for creative portrait and turns that into beautiful images for my clients.

P.O.T.P.: Danny, from the images I have seen on your site, I know that your subjects must be thrilled with what they get from you! What is the best part of being in business for yourself?

Danny: I could still take care of my kids at home.

P.O.T.P.: That’s wonderful and I completely understand! Okay, so what is the hardest aspect of being in business for yourself?

Danny: Being alone most of the time, sometimes I miss those adult conversation that i used to have in my previous job.

P.O.T.P.: Where did you grow up?

Danny: Indonesia

P.O.T.P.: Did you take photography courses in high school or college?

Danny: Yes, for probably about six months in high school. College no.

P.O.T.P.: Besides weddings, do you photograph other subject matter for your business?

Danny: Engagement.

Unconventional composition and beautiful light are what makes Danny's work so special.

P.O.T.P.: Myspace or facebook?

Danny: Facebook

P.O.T.P.: Do you ever want to quit?

Danny: Not at the moment.

P.O.T.P.: In one word, define your style

Danny: Creative wedding photojournalism

P.O.T.P.: List the top 5 ways you believe that photographers should educate themselves in photography.

Danny: First thing the fundamental of photography (f stop, speed, iso, depth of field), second learn about lighting.  the third, fourth and fifth are the same as the first and second.

P.O.T.P.: Besides shoot, shoot, shoot, best advice to photographers just starting out .

Danny: You need to have an approach of how do you want to shoot, the proper camera setting, the proper lens, then think of how do you want to shoot/compose it in order to tell the story.

P.O.T.P.: If you could only bring a camera and one lens and one piece of foam core to photograph the wedding of your favorite television actor, would you take the job?

Danny: I don’t need the foam core, but yes I would do it.

P.O.T.P.: How do you generally direct subjects?

Danny: This is a simplistic way to say it: stand here, sit here, walk here or walk there, do this do that, etc.

Photography like this requires the ability to get your subjects to relax around you. Images like these speak high of the photographer's personality.

P.O.T.P.: Haha. You make that seem so simple! Do you have a studio?

Danny: No

P.O.T.P.: Most popular products you offer to your customers?

Danny: My images.

P.O.T.P.: That’s great! Best answer of the night! Do you work alone?

Danny: Yes

P.O.T.P.: Do you have lots of photographers contacting you trying to assist or work under you?

Danny: Sometimes, yes probably 5-6 times in a year.

Beautiful light can come anytime of the day or night.

P.O.T.P.: Okay Danny, I think we’ll wrap it up here. You have been wonderful to converse with and your answers show that you are very confident in what you do and your images just prove that so much more. I think what makes your work so special is your ability to use light in any form and compose images that are beautiful and original. It has been an honor to interview you and I appreciate you taking time out of your obviously busy schedule. I’m sure you’ll make many fans here!

To see more of Danny’s work, check out his website!

Thank you guys for continuing to support us with your visits. We have so many great photographers lined up to interview, we hope you will continue to stop by throughout the week, but especially on Fridays as that is the day we get a chance to sit down with great people photographers. Remember, if you have suggestions, let us know!

Stumble It!

Don’t forget the snacks!

Published
by
Tommy
on October 6, 2008
in advice on photography and customer service
. 2 Comments

Have you ever driven across Texas on I-10? If you haven’t, allow me to paint a picture for you. My wife and I were leaving my home town of Galliano, LA and we were on our way to Tucson, AZ, Holly’s home town. Galliano just south of New Orleans which is situated on I-10 and the same interstate runs right through Tucson. So basically, we just had to hop on the highway and go west some 30 hours or so roughly. The majority of the trip is through Texas as you might imagine and while we both love taking road trips, once you get into west Texas on I-10, you start having thoughts of despair. It is probably the longest stretch of highway in America that is that rural and isolated. Perhaps I-70 in western Kansas may have it beat, but I doubt it.

Do not attempt a trek across a wasteland such as western Texas without being prepared with fuel and rations.

Do not attempt a trek across a wasteland such as western Texas without being prepared with fuel and rations.

Anyway, if you ever drive through there, you have to mentally prepare. You must also prepare with filling the tank before you go too far. There are some stretches of the highway where you won’t see a gas station for many many miles. So if you are running anywhere near low, you had better fill up before you go into one of those ridiculous long stretches of empty highway. In fact, western Texas is so big that I once heard a university in El Paso will play schools in Southern California, but they will not play eastern Texas schools because the distance is too far. I don’t actually know if this is true, but I wouldn’t doubt it. Anyway, the point of this story is that if I were driving through this enormous desert wasteland ever again, I would ensure I did two things. I would fill my tank with gas and fill up anytime I thought I might be running even close to low and the second would be keep nourishment in the car. I would pack all types of snacks and goodies to eat.

Trail mix like this can save you from feeling faint and can nourish you to give you the energy you need to make through a long day of shooting.

Trail mix like this can save you from feeling faint and can nourish you to give you the energy you need to make through a long day of shooting.

Now as you think about this, you may say to yourself, there’s no way I would want to go that long without eating, so I would prepare for this with aforethought to what conditions might be present if I didn’t prepare. The same should be thought about when going on location to shoot. Now I don’t mean a simple photo shoot that you know will be over in a matter of minutes or even an hour. But rather what I am referring to is photographing an event such as a wedding or labor and delivery photography. And just as it would be foolish not to prepare for a long trip without bringing rations, the same can be said of attempting to tackle an entire day of shooting with nourishment. With a normal 9-5 type of job, there are scheduled breaks, and times that you can take a lunch break. But in these types of job situations, sometimes it is not feasible or possible to take a break for lunch. Sometimes all you can do is eat on the go. It’s not that you necessarily don’t want to take a break and sometimes you might even have time set aside for a break, but in these situations, you don’t always get to take them.

I’d like to give two examples that happened to me that taught me a lesson. Recently, I photographed a wedding that was an all day affair. There was supposed to be lots of breaks throughout the day so as I planned for the day, I planned with the idea that I would be able to take a break here or there and grab something to eat. Now I am accustomed to eating small portions, so I wasn’t very concerned that I wouldn’t be able to eat a full meal for the whole day. I just wanted to make sure that at least a few times of the day I could eat something small to keep me going. To make a long story short, I ate at nine o’clock in the morning and didn’t get a chance to eat again until eight o’clock that night. That’s eleven long hours! I was on my feet the whole day, rushing around trying to get photos of the entire day and practically forgot about eating. Then about five o’clock when were really in the thick of it, I got desperately hungry. I needed to eat! But I didn’t have the time and I didn’t pack any snacks! Big mistake!! I should have packed some granola and threw it in my pocket or camera bag. I became light headed and weak and I know, though we still did a good job, that I didn’t do as good a job as I could have had I been feeling better from the energy that food at the right time would have given me. The thing is, it doesn’t only affect you, it affects your clients, because you can’t give them the absolute best service possible. Thankfully, we did get good portraits and event photographs from throughout the day that it didn’t really matter that those shots maybe were not the absolute best. Overall, they were very happy with everything.

The other example that I remember was when my wife was having our son Moses. We were surprised by when she went into labor. Though she was like almost a week past her due date, it was our first child and we were still surprised when her water broke and she went into labor. As bad as my memory is, I remember that day extremely well. I don’t really remember what happened before that point, but after she called me on the cell to tell me her water broke, I was on my way to her quicker than a jack russell terrier after a Beggin’ Strip. I got her to the hospital probably breaking every speed limit from our house to the hospital thirty miles away. My adrenaline was pumping and I don’t think I had ever been that excited or nervous before in my life. I was in another world. The last thing on my mind was food. I was going on empty but I couldn’t tell because adrenaline covers a mulitude of missed meals. And while I was able to have enough energy to not only help my wife through the first hours of her labor, delivery and photographing the whole thing, I did get weak towards the end. I had no earthly clue how draining the whole experience would be. (My wife laughs at me because “I” say it was draining for “ME”! HAHA!!) It wasn’t long after she gave birth to Mo that we trying to catch some ZZZs. I quickly passed out and was so exhausted that when my wife went to the bathroom and passed out, I didn’t even notice. What a memory! The point is, again had I been nourished, I wouldn’t probably have dealt with the situation in the same way.

There are many days that I shoot all day long. But for the most part, I always carry snacks with me. Even if it’s only a banana or something small like a couple cookies or trail mix.  It might be the only thing I get to eat all day and I don’t want to be put in a situation where I might “run out of gas!” Even a softdrink is better than nothing, however empty calories with lots of sugar usually doesn’t make you feel better in the long run.

Again, it’s not only your health and your quality of life during the day to be concerned with but it can also affect your paycheck! So, on my checklist everyday is “Don’t forget the snacks!”

Spotlight Interview with Robert Mullins of Robert Mullins Photography

Published
by
Tommy
on October 3, 2008
in Spotlight Interviews and advice on photography
. 2 Comments
We have yet to interview a wedding photographer. It is our pleasure to present our interview with Robert Mullins as our first interview with a wedding photographer. His work is beautiful. His attitude is humble yet his work is masterful. I have known Robert for a while from a critique website we both spend time on called Photosig. His work is beautiful, delicate and at the level of a seasoned professional yet he hasn’t been in business all that long. Please enjoy our interview with Robert.
Robert Mullins Photography

Robert Mullins Photography

P.O.T.P.:  Robert, I’m am really happy that you have agreed to talk with us. I’ve known you for a couple years and have always admired your work. Would you please tell our readers a little about your history. 

Robert: My life as an artist began at the point my Dad finally left the military and we settled in Huntington Beach, CA (I was 14) – and I immediately became fascinated with everything surfing.  I surfed three times a day, before school, after school, and after dinner at night by the lights of the pier – life could not have been simpler!   

Surfing is art as a lifestyle. I think that was the foundation of my quest to blur the line between work and play.  I’ve spent the last 28 years chasing passion before profit.  I never really wanted just a job. 

I feel that art isn’t limited to producing visual delights (of course); it should be one’s passion – no matter the passion.  I lived and surfed in California and Hawaii for 16 years until I broke my neck racing motocross (as a hobby). 

For the next 15 years I spent my days teaching and playing golf as a PGA member, during which time I got my B.A. in Organizational Management.  

It may sound trite but ‘wedding photography’ is my latest, and quite possibly greatest passion. The way I see it, everyone is beautiful and everyone has a story to tell.  My goal is to tell a story with my images …  

P.O.T.P.: How long have you been in the business?

Robert: The short answer is: completely full-time since 2003 – but it’s really not that simple. 

Beautiful masterful light that brings out the beauty of the day.

Beautiful masterful light that brings out the beauty of the day.

P.O.T.P.: How did you get your start?

Robert: After my son was born in Dec. 2000, I decided I didn’t want to spend 70 hours a week away from home any more.  At the time I had been managing golf country clubs for a few years … naturally, many weddings were performed on most Saturdays in Southern California and I found a way to meet a few very talented photographers.  Between 2000 and 2003, I assisted or was second shooter working for free or for very little money, with some very gracious and talented photographers. I didn’t want or need the money, I needed an education and believe me I got one … I lost count after over 100 weddings …  

P.O.T.P.: What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Robert: I strive to capture images of the bride living the wide range of emotions she’ll undoubtedly experience on probably the most emotionally charged day of her life … I want her to look back and remember what she was feeling at the precise moment the image was created. 

Capturing exactly the way the bride felt on her day naturally and in the moment.

Capturing exactly the way the bride felt on her day naturally and in the moment.

P.O.T.P.: Name a major photographic rule that you find yourself breaking frequently?

Robert: I love this question because I’m really still learning the rules and honestly I have always championed the quote, “I may not know art, but I know what I like”.  Lately I have become a better student of my craft – I’ve been to some very good workshops and seminars in the last two years and I’m blessed to be friends with some talented, amazing wedding photographers.  

P.O.T.P.: What would you say sets you apart from other wedding photographers in your area?

Robert: Honestly, if I had the answer to that one I wouldn’t share (laughing)! It’s no secret that I’m located smack dab in the middle of the most saturated market in the world here in Southern California, more specifically; the OC … to stand out here is tough.  Only thing I can do is continue to produce work that attracts a specialized client; one that appreciates my eye and style and can tell the difference between good and great.  

P.O.T.P.: What do you feel is your weakest area in photography?

Robert: Honestly, I would like to get better images of the flow of the ceremony without being obtrusive.  The images like the father spending time with his daughter prior to handing her off to the groom; the groom as he’s watching his bride approach; the many different expressions of the parents during the ceremony; the ring exchange is a challenge for me – all these type images I feel I’d like to be able to get in physically closer.  However, it’s alarming to me to see photographers encroaching in the personal space of the ceremony. I just don’t want to work that way – I’m looking at trying out a 300mm f2.8 lens here in the near future; but I’m not sure that’s the answer. 

P.O.T.P.: What is the best part of being in business for yourself?

Robert: It’s the time I get to spend with my son … He’s now in second grade and I have yet to miss one day walking him to school or walking him home.  This year we’re going to ride our bikes a couple of days a week.  I love the opportunities I’ve had to watch him grow and learn – I’m definitely lucky.  Of course I think he’s special and different because he’s my son; but he truly has a special sensitivity and is already an artist in many ways … I can see his passion for details, the little things …  

 

P.O.T.P.: Any tips for those considering getting into your line of work?

Robert: Yes … know the equipment you use intimately. I mean really get to know your equipment – I practice getting camera settings with my eyes closed; I change CF cards and batteries (in my camera and all my equipment) blindfolded or in the dark just so I know how if I need to.  I walk around all the time with a simple light meter taking readings everywhere I go because I want to know my exposures without chimping the histogram. I play a game with myself all the time – I walk into a room (or other naturally lit location) with my camera, find a subject, then set what I think the correct ISO, aperture and shutter speed would be to get a properly exposed image. My point is: become a technical genius and you’ll become free to do what inspires you … operating your equipment should be second nature.

The other piece of advice I have is to have a goal to assist and second shoot at a minimum number of weddings with an experienced pro or two (or three or four), before you take money from a bride and her family.  My goal was 100 – It took me about 24 – 36 months to get there. 

P.O.T.P.: What do you feel is your strongest area of photography?

Robert: This may not have anything to do with photography in general but it is what keeps me in tune. Over the years I have developed a keen intuition and sensibility into how people interact with each other … I think this gives me the ability to anticipate moments and capture them in a way that is memorable. I love to go out and just watch people – I live very close to a medium size harbor that has so much activity I often sit on a bench with my laptop and morning coffee and just people watch.  

Robert Mullins wedding photography

P.O.T.P.: What photographers have influenced you?

Robert: My inclination is to name off some quasi-famous names of a few of my friends but really other photographers do not influence me. I’m attracted to images based on what I like and what I try to achieve usually because I’ve thought about the same things … I’m more influenced by cinema.  One of my heroes of cinema died recently, Bud Browne the father of surf films, he was 96!  

P.O.T.P.: Robert, your insight is really interesting. Your attitude is really great and we can all learn from you. Very good points you make. Thank you again for taking time to sit down with us and talk to us about your work!

Can’t get enough of Robert? Check out his website!

Quick tip for easy variation on the same pose

Published
by
Tommy
on September 29, 2008
in advice on photography
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My common way of photographing subjects, especially groups is straight on or slightly above their eye level. And unless there is a reason to, I normally never shoot up at them. There is times when shooting up at my subjects is appropriate and has an interesting look to it. Yet the norm is I almost always shoot straight at them. But recently, I have been trying something new. It’s been done for years but it is just something that I haven’t done very much before. So, it’s pretty simple actually. Let’s take a single of a girl for example. Just pose her leaning into something. For example, with her arm extended out leaning on a lower object than where she is sitting. It doesn’t have to be much lower; just six inches lower or so. Then, have her bring her head towards the lower shoulder, (the shoulder that is closer to the camera) and look towards the lens. Bring the camera up above the subject about a foot or so and have the subject look up towards the camera without wrinkling their forehead. This will cause different parts of their face to look different. For example, it will enlarge their forehead and make their chin smaller. But if they have a small forehead and large chin, this would make a good pose. If you shoot straight on and then switch camera position to this, you can have a totally different look with a minimal amount of work. Of course, this is just one quick example and many variations could be done on this concept alone.

Another idea would be with a single male. Head on would be fine, but try raising the camera about six inches to a foot above him while he leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. He could either bring his hands to his chin or not. Either way would be fine, but just have him looking in an upward direction toward the camera. This is an interesting look that is a bit different from the typical head shot. It also stretches out the neck and hides any double chins that someone may want to hide. Actually anytime you do this pose with hand near the chin, that is just another way of hiding any unwanted double chins from showing. And a third way to make the neck even less visible is to use a light ratio that is high enough for the neck to be in the shadows. Just light in such a way that you do not illuminate the neck. This is called retractive lighting. I call it carving and sculpting with light. We are painters and sculptors and our medium is light.

The raise in the camera position is about one foot. It isn't much but if you look closely, you can see subtle differences that make these two photos distinctly different.

The raise in the camera position is about one foot. It isn't much but if you look closely, you can see subtle differances that make this photo distinctly different. A subtle change and you have different image.

With large groups, having a raised camera position is good for getting everyone’s faces in the shot. If you have a group of thirty for example and you try to capture all of them standing in rows next to each other, the likeliness is that you will get some people covering other people because they are standing behind someone who is almost as tall as they are. You may have seen examples of shooting large groups of people like this for school classes or high school reunions or maybe large companies that want photos of all of their employees. But you know when an amateur is photographing a large group because you will have people’s faces completely blocked by others that are standing in front of them. You may want to consider this technique next time you are photographing a large group.

One last to thing to keep in mind. The distance you are from your subjects makes a big difference. If you are photographing a single person and you are 12 inches above them but you are only three feet from them, those twelve inches will look very dramatic. Conversely, if you were 12 inches but were 30 feet away, it would appear that you were at eye level. You could even be three to four feet above their eye level yet you would still look like you were near eye level if you were 30 feet back.

Remember, the customer wants something different. The more options you give them the better. And the great thing is, you don’t have to reinvent everything, every time you snap an exposure. Sometimes, simply changing your camera’s perspective can make a dramatic change that the customer will love.

 

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