Should be said that this is just one way of doing things, and of course you don't need to do that at all. The best portrait shooters I know are very quiet and calm, and wouldn't dream of prancing around and resorting to silly tricks to force reactions from their sitters.
As always, do what works for you.
True, there's no need to prat around, and in fact I tend to be quite serious during my shoots. I do work hard to maintain communication and energy levels though.
I will always show her ... run through all the images with her ... you have probably never met her ... She is meeting a complete stranger and in my case, male, that can send alarm bells ringing in any woman's head so she will be making assessments about you.
...and I shoot 99.9% females so I was speaking from a personal view.Who's she? Blokes have photos taken of them too. I'd guess I probably shoot at least 70% male portraits.
I get that nervous feeling on every shoot I do, not because I'm nervous of the person but that nagging feeling of "will I be able to do a good job..." but in all honesty, once I'm behind the camera and start to get into the flow all my misgivings evaporate.. Practice practice practice, my stuff isn't ground breaking or competion level but I'm having a ballOne if my main problems is I get shy/nervous, daft isn't it. I have to go to peoples houses in my current job which I've been doing for 8 years and I still get it sometimes lol. But by shooting people I know I hope to get the confidence to overcome this. Thanks again all, your all stars![/Q
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I can't do serious...I tried being the serious photographer for a while but found I got way better images when I just be myself.
I also rely heavily upon my Canadian accent
Seriously - why does everyone think we say 'aboot'???? I've never said aboot in my life... eh.Canada Ay. Noo doot aboot it!
He looks like f***in' Wayne Gretzy oot thare.
Ok, I'm done.
Seriously - why does everyone think we say 'aboot'???? I've never said aboot in my life... eh.
But I do say aluminum and o-reg-ano.
Aluminum.A looo mi num??
@Raptor Mike I've had a look at your flickr page and you obviously know how to use your camera AND take a good photo. My recommendation is to create an album of your " People " photos that you find are representative of what you are capable of and this will be your " window dressing " your advert if you like, for the next step. Get yourself a Purpleport account and put together some lines of who you are and what you want to achieve. Add photos from your "people " album, they must be re-sized to 900 X whatever, you are allowed 15 photos as a free user, unlimited if you pay £32 a year; Look through the castings and see who want's to "Collaborate" (that is the term used for Trade for photos) and only you can say how far you are prepared to travel for a shoot. Alternatively, you can browse the "Models" within a given distance that you put into your criteria and approach someone. You can offer to help them with their portfolio which in turn will help you with yours and see if they are prepared to accept. I ALWAYS mention that I have no issue with a friend or partner being present during the shoot but that's just me and to be honest I generally get the 3rd party to assist me....fetch, carry and hold ha ha. This has been my approach and has worked for me and I now have a number of references (positive) to my name which is another leg up on the ladder. My circumstances are different to yours in that I have no intention of making a living from it but by the same token all I have written can be the first step to a paid shoot for you.
https://purpleport.com/portfolio/metroman/?referrer=metroman