A friend of mine asked if I would take pictures of her son for his Senior Pictures... I'm quite honored, as I've never done anything like that before. I take tons of nature photos, and pix of my friends and family (none of my close-up people shots are posted here, due to internet privacy issues). I want to take some amazing shots for this guy's senior photos. Since we're coming into late fall / winter, I feel a little more limited, but I know I can do some great outdoor shots in the local parks... Do you have a favorite website for composition ideas? Any other suggestions? Also... she offered to pay me, but I have no idea what to charge, or even if I should (since it will be my first semi-professional shoot).
@dawnetta, I have two friends that shoot seniors quite a bit and they are very talented. Take a look at pblackgallery.com and the other is http://imagesbylisadavis.com/index2.php I've shot with them a numer of times and used to work at a studio with them. Oh, and try threespotimages.com I used to work with him at the same studio. Good luck and just have fun with it!! :)
I had my first last year. The big thing is that you have to direct. Kids don't necessarily know how to pose in a way that is flattering to them. You have to be aware of every angle and position of every part of the body and to be able to tell the student where to place arms, how to stand, how to sit, how to turn their heads, etc. It avoids a lot of awkwardness.
Also, time of day and location matter. It is easier to shoot on an overcast day or in shaded locations because it avoids odd shadows. Hope that helps.
I agree with what @mrsjenebear said about posing them. One of the things I found was that my sister tended to put her chin down slightly, giving the appearance of a double-chin, which was easily corrected by getting her to lift it up slightly. Little things like that can make all the difference to the photo.
Shooting from above makes them look up and makes the face look slimmer. If outside look for natural reflectors, a wall, side of a white truck, even concrete, they can provide fill light and eliminate shadows on their face. If you have some fast glass, like a 1.2 or 1.4 lens (f/2 will work with a zoom), you can blur out the background and get some interesting look shots.
Get them comfortable and in a place where they are comfortable. That's your best bet. Another thing is have them bring or show you photos they like of others. you will get an idea from that. Good luck and have fun.
Also have them bring something important to them, e.g. football helmet if he plays on the football team, musical instrument, pet, etc...
I always like seeing senior pictures that really bring out the individual's personality and interests. Also a casual outfit and something more formal such as a suit, if he'd have somewhere to change.
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Also, time of day and location matter. It is easier to shoot on an overcast day or in shaded locations because it avoids odd shadows. Hope that helps.
I agree with what @mrsjenebear said about posing them. One of the things I found was that my sister tended to put her chin down slightly, giving the appearance of a double-chin, which was easily corrected by getting her to lift it up slightly. Little things like that can make all the difference to the photo.
I always like seeing senior pictures that really bring out the individual's personality and interests. Also a casual outfit and something more formal such as a suit, if he'd have somewhere to change.
Thanks to each of you! I really appreciate all of your suggestions =)