Photo Peas Classroom - How to Direct Your Subjects/Pose
Post ReplyPost New TopicPosted 2/2/2010 by lollydohbird in General Photography
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lollydohbird
PeaFixture

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Posted: 2/2/2010 1:15:37 AM
I'm flattered that Jami asked me to cover this topic. There are a ton of fabulous photographers on this board who rock this area, so I hope I can do it justice.

For me, being able to direct a family/subject and being able to effectively "pose" (or not pose) them begins with a good personal connection. When I photograph a family, a couple, or an individual, my goal is to capture some very real, authentic moments and reactions. I feel that in a HUGE way this comes from how comfortable we are with each other. Most people show up to their sessions rigid, nervous, and stressed about what they are wearing, or feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. So to help loosen things up and build that friendship, I do a few things right off the bat:


1. I'm not in a rush to get started, and I make sure they know that we will take all the time we need to get them feeling comfortable and having fun.

2. I take about 15 minutes right at the beginning of our session to sit down and just CHAT! I want to know what their profession is, what their interests are, what the latest movie they saw is, how they met, anything to break the ice and get us laughing and talking.

3. With small children I bring treats! I make them tell me about swimming lessons and I share my latest story about my dog, or how I wiped out walking up my front steps. We become little BFF's and I break out the Pez dispenser that fits so conveniently in my flash slot and explain that if we have a TON of fun during our session, not only will they get candy throughout, but they will be able to take the Pez and it's refills home.

Once we've broken the ice and had a few laughs, we get started. I let the kids pick the first "shooting spot" even if I know it's not going to work well. With adults I let them know that there will be NO looking at me and smiling unless I specifically ask for it (which I eventually will for a few shots). I tell them that IF THEY FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, THEY WILL LOOK UNCOMFORTABLE, and that as hard as it may be at first, I want them to pretend I'm not here at all.

For families, I have everyone sit down or stand together and CUDDLE. As long as I can see everyone's faces, I don't care where they are standing/sitting. With couples I'll have them start with a hug, and individuals usually just get to stand in a way that they would if we were hanging out chatting. Once they are in a natural position, I tell them to look at each other and "play." This simple instruction..."play" leads to some fantastic shots that are completely authentic.


It's been interesting dissecting my sessions for this lesson, but I've come up with some "Key Points" that I find that I live by while I'm working. And here they are:

1. The initial bond is a make or break it thing (for me anyway). Once we are friends, the rest is just fun.

2. Bring treats. Usually just for kids, but occasionally a small box of cupcakes has been delightful with adults.

3. Come up with better words than "Cheese". When I want my subjects looking at me for a shot (this is mostly just for kids) I have them say things like "stinky feet" or "daddy smells" instead of "Cheese" or "look here." Without fail this gets the kids laughing with their genuine little grins. For adults, occasionally I'll make a smart (and not always appropriate comment) that tends to get some good laughs.

4. For kids: don't stay in one spot too long. They get bored quickly and need a change of scenery. And don't be afraid to step away from the parents for one on one shots of the kids. They often cooperate better when mom & dad aren't around with their "watchful eyes".

5. Create moments for families (& couples). Have them play Patty Cake, give Eskimo kisses, tell secrets, play Peek-a-Boo, tickle each other, kiss, or play other games to get them close and giggling. It takes the pressure off and gives you some FABULOUS shots.

6. Tell mom & dad to kiss and make sure the kids are watching. The reactions are priceless.

7. Make silly faces, and get the kids participating.

8. Get down & dirty. I spend half of my sessions laying on the road, kneeling in the snow, or running around barefoot. Getting down on kids levels is important and helps them feel more comfortable with you.

9. Families usually come to sessions prepared for anything. Make them lay on the ground so you can shoot from above, have them wade in a shallow creek nearby with their pants rolled up, or get dad to give the kids horsey rides. These things are so silly and fun that even mom & dad can't help but crack a smile, and it helps give you something different for their photos.

10.CUDDLE, TICKLE, CUDDLE, TICKLE. It keeps everyone together & laughing.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: DON'T STOP SHOOTING! I shoot several hundred frames during a 40-90 minute session. Shooting continuously one shot after the other helps you catch those "in between" moments that mean so much. So just keep shooting!!


Anyhoo...I've provided a few of my favorite shots below to give you an example of what typically comes out of my sessions. Thanks again to Jami for organizing these lessons! I hope some of these tips have been helpful and I hope I covered what I was supposed to.
Thanks!
Heather




tifftiff2
StuckOnPeas

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Posted: 2/2/2010 1:34:48 AM
Oh Heather! Thank you for this lesson!!!


~Tiffany


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Stacey Anna
StuckOnPeas

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Posted: 2/2/2010 1:46:06 AM
Thanks Heather, great advice!
Stacey



amarvel
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Posted: 2/2/2010 2:17:42 AM
what great tips heather!!!! thanks so much!


Angela
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beccaburke
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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:23:12 AM
Heather, thank you! Wonderful tips...I really need these!


Becca

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_Shanna_
I pea a lot...

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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:24:51 AM
Thank-you for sharing Heather!


Shanna

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EssieP
StuckOnPeas

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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:37:38 AM
Fabulous Heather! It's great to "see" you here and thanks so much for sharing your smarts with us! I just {heart} your work!!


Esther

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Molly C
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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:59:28 AM
Thanks, Heather! I know nothing about posing, it is something I am really going to have to work on if/when I start PBing, so this is a great lesson.


Molly

Nikon D700
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fosteranders
PeaNut

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Posted: 2/2/2010 5:24:41 AM
Thank you!!

~Julie

denosunhugger
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Posted: 2/2/2010 5:55:19 AM
WOW! Heather you ROCK....these are GREAT tips to use and refresh thank you for taking the time to write them down for us.

Jeannie Deno

KimAshton
BucketHead

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Posted: 2/2/2010 6:05:54 AM
Thank you.


Kim

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lbfritts
Can you hear me now???

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Posted: 2/2/2010 6:20:37 AM
What great tips! Thanks so much!



Gina_MI
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Posted: 2/2/2010 6:26:47 AM
Thanks for the terrific suggestions. Your photos show great examples of what you were talking about and how it makes for more authentic looking images.




bendedroad
Nicki

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Posted: 2/2/2010 7:27:02 AM
Great tips and well illustrated with your sample shots.


Nicki

Nikon stuff!

The more I know, the more I realize how much I don't know!

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paintedmoon
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Posted: 2/2/2010 7:35:10 AM
Oh, thank you for this! Your methods are right on the mark, and it shows, because your images are absolutely STUNNING! The 4-up of the girl at the top is proof of how, as you say, the "in-between" moments are as good as the "main" moment.

And you're so right - you have to have a plan. I'm naturally shy, so I've learned to "fake it" a bit when we first get started. When they're nervous and stiff at the beginning, I have to really force myself to be even that much more relaxed/happy/at ease, even if I'm more nervous than they are! And I need to do more of what you do - have a specific plan/timeframe for how the session goes - chat/let kids pick a spot, etc.

Again, your images are just brilliant - thank you for sharing your knowledge and photographs with us!

Anne

paintedmoon
Ancient Ancestor of Pea

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Posted: 2/2/2010 7:36:50 AM
P.S. And can I just say that your skin tones are PERFECTION in every way, even on what were some obviously grey/overcast days (my evil nemesis). I bow down to you, LOL.

Anne

karene
Ancient Ancestor of Pea

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Posted: 2/2/2010 8:03:57 AM
Heather, thank you so much for putting this together for us! I have always been a huge fan of your work, and getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at it is wonderful! Thanks!


~ Karen


LiaL
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Posted: 2/2/2010 8:08:19 AM
Heather, thanks so much for these tips. I'm a nature/landscape photog, mainly due to lack of other subjects but perhaps I can get my grandkids interested in posing soon (not successfully in the past!).


Lia

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TREZmom
Lost and Found in Pea-land

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Posted: 2/2/2010 8:47:02 AM
This is really useful information. Thanks for taking the time to do this lesson. I am looking forward to applying your tips more consistently.

WVButterfly
Ok, I have 5000 posts...now what?

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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:06:42 AM

and I break out the Pez dispenser that fits so conveniently in my flash slot


That's borderline brilliant and hilarious at the same time! I hope I'm not the only one wondering how you came across the knowledge that a Pez dispenser fits into a flash slot

Thank you so much for the lesson! I'm going to make a few notes about the kids...my nephew can be a tough nut to crack sometimes but I think you have some great tips to try.

Thanks again


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carla
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squaek
AncestralPea

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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:30:15 AM
Your images are beautiful! Thanks so much for the tips. I wish I had even 10% of your people skills. Will be bookmarking this for sure!


Shauna P.G.
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Sugarmommy
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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:33:39 AM
Thank you Heather, that was wonderful advice! I don't do photoshoots but there are some great tips in here for my own kids. They DO get bored of the same spot for long periods, and I've never ASKED them to tickle eachother or tell secrets. That's just brilliant. I guess my minds always on aperture and SS. lol!
I LOVE your work, you have a beautiful style. Thanks for sharing.


Amar
CC and plays always welcome and much appreciated!
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craftyluv
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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:40:33 AM
Thanks so much Heather for a well thought out, well stated and beautifully illustrated lesson.


Blessings, Rebecca





My gear:
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Dewey06
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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:51:05 AM
Thank you for sharing, it's great to see ya around


Heather-Feather!

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lollydohbird
PeaFixture

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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:05:56 AM
Thank you so much everyone!!! I've missed this little community, so it's great to be here!

First let me say ANNE - for you to say you like my skin tones WOW, HUMBLING! This is something I've been working my butt off on, and I have always admired how fabulous the tone of your photos are! You seem to nail it every time (which is why I've been stalking the lesson you did on here. ) So thank you! (Do you have a blog I can stalk yet?)


I have a challenge for you. I will be shooting some friends of mine soon and even tho were friends im still stuck...she is 52 yrs young and 5 '3, he is late 70s around 78 and 6 3. give me Ideas for posing etc..


Yeeees.... This would be a challenge, and what you do will depend entirely on their physical abilities (his mostly). If their knees are ok and you can have them sit down, I would try to find a set of stairs and have her sit beside him, but a few stairs above him. This will bring their faces closer to the same level. Or, you could have her sit on his lap. But again...depends entirely on what they are physically comfortable with/capable of. Good luck!



UtahMomX4
AncestralPea

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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:10:47 AM
Heather!!! This is such fantastic info, thank you so much! I use the Pez dispenser too, but I guess I'm cheap because I don't let them take it home with them! LOL!

I just love your work and I adore how relaxed and comfortable everyone looks. I have pretty good people skills generally, but for some reason on a session I get so nervous and feel like I can't talk to my clients. I need to work on that!

Thank you again for doing such a wonderful lesson!


~Jami

Life in Moments Photography Blog

Canon 40D!!!!!, Canon XT, Canon 18-55mm, Canon 50mm 1.8

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. - Audrey Hepburn

pezjunky
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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:31:20 AM
Thanks for sharing. Great advice.


Desiree
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mom2fourpeas
PEAlicious

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Posted: 2/2/2010 1:12:40 PM
Thank you Heather for tips. This is the #1 thing that I'm terrified of and probably why I haven't pursued a business. This definitely has given me some ideas. They show up not knowing what to expect and I don't know what the heck to do with them. lol (AWKWARD!)


~Kami
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scrapmingo
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Posted: 2/2/2010 1:35:45 PM
Thanks so much Heather! I LOVE the pez idea- I have been using mini marshmallows but is really hard to handle those while shooting. Conveniently one of the stores here has Pez by the larger box... hmm! I love to talk and play and that is definitely when the shots I love come. Great advice!



bvb
PeaAddict

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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:51:25 PM
Thanks for writing this! It's a great reminder to sloooooowww dooooowwwn and not get too excited to start shooting.

-Becky

sandh2o
PeaNut

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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:54:46 PM
Thank you for a great post! Love your images!

jodar
mama to 3 now!

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Posted: 2/2/2010 4:57:52 PM
Thanks so much for sharing such valuable tips and tricks! I love seeing your images and what you have written gave me a click as to why I havent been entirely happy with my sessions lately. Thanks so much!


Jodie
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Jennifer G
BucketHead

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Posted: 2/2/2010 5:16:09 PM
Thanks Heather! I'm a blog stalker of yours If you ever hold a 'newbies with DSLR' course, i'd love to come (I'm from Southern AB-close to Lethbridge).


Jennifer G.

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mommy2katia&karyme
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Posted: 2/2/2010 5:30:30 PM

Thanks Heather! I'm a blog stalker of yours
Me tooooo!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! You already know I'm a big fan of your work!

marisol

pattyl
BucketHead

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Posted: 2/2/2010 6:42:44 PM
Really nice lesson to read and absorb- thank you so much! And your shots are proof you know what you're talking about- you can see the fun and the connection. Thanks again!

scrapulous
Ancient Ancestor of Pea

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Posted: 2/2/2010 7:18:45 PM
Thanks Heather! I love the Pez idea.

Gwen

cuptonmillerlpn
PeaAddict

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Posted: 2/2/2010 8:55:31 PM
Loved your posing hints aka, plan. Also really enjoy looking at your photos. You really do bring out the best in people. I appreciate you taking the time to share with us. I do believe getting to know people really makes them worm up, and be comfortable with you taking their photo.


Carolyn Upton Miller

KimBoom
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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:03:06 PM
I LOVE HEATHER WARD!! Thank you so much, Heather! I have missed seeing your posts!


~Kim~

my Blog:http://capturedmomentsbykimjones.blogspot.com/

Mrs. U
PeaAddict

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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:15:59 PM
This was WONDERFUL!! Thank you Heather!!!

And HOLY MOLY do I feel better after reading that you take several hundred shots during your session!!! YAY!!

Count me in the Heather Ward fanclub!!

His,
Shari

Charleen Fotografie
BucketHead

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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:17:58 PM
Thank you!!! I the Pez idea also!! It's a great idea to hand out something as you go along!

Charleen



myliesmom
PeaFixture

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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:43:13 PM
Heather, I your photos. Count me as another blog stalker! Thanks for sharing your talent.


~Steph~

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luvtknpics
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Posted: 2/3/2010 10:50:20 AM
Thank you for sharing! Wished I had you people skills!


Melissa

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My blog Luvtknpics photography

hampton32
PeaFixture

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Posted: 2/3/2010 3:00:47 PM
Awww, Heather, I was sooooo looking forward to this because I have been such a huge fan of your work (and PS actions) for such a long time, and of course you did not disappoint!!



I could look at your work all day and never get tired!

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful advice and for sharing your gorgeous images. I know I will come back and re-read.


~Carolyn

My Web Site
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TrUcksR4CowGirlS
The important thing is not the camera but the eye.

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Posted: 2/4/2010 8:44:27 PM
Thank you, thank you!!! A great read, with a few things that really popped out for me, that I tend to think I "know", then, promptly forget on a shoot. It all became so much more clear, and defined.

Off to try Chell's printing idea to add this to my notebook.

I really liked your first point regarding not being rushed, I found that to be very true for me as well, to get to the shoot WAY before, and not only scope it out again, but just sit and think, or simply walk around. I found that calmed me a lot! I wish I had then taken the time to sit and chat with them too, while they are good friends, it didn't occur to me to do so, since we talk off and on anyway, and I bet the photos would have been that much better.

Good to see you here! And I too, love your actions! Hope to hear more from you.




Staci
Staci Brock Photography

What's in my Crumpler bag:
Nikon D200; Nikkor VR 18-55mm; Nikkor 70-300mm; Nikkor 50mm 1.8; Tamron 28-75mm 2.8; .5 Wide Angle with Macro

On My Computer:
CS4, Imagenomic: Portraiture, Noiseware, Real Grain


mommyg
PEAs out!

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Posted: 2/5/2010 1:32:59 AM
Great tips Heather...LOVE your work!



~Amy~

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Canon 5D mkII/ Canon 5D/ Canon 24-70mm 2.8L,/ Canon fisheye/ Canon 50mm 1.4 and Canon 100mm 2.8/ CS4





dunno2
PeaNut

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Posted: 2/5/2010 1:56:16 AM
Heather
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge & talent!!

Always have your work!

Great ideas!

My favorite thing I do with couples is to start with, so how did you two meet? I love hearing the stories!

Thanks again!

Amy

Tradewinds
PeaAddict

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June 2008
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Posted: 2/5/2010 2:24:11 AM
Wonderful lesson Heather! Thank you for the great tips!

TrinaRN
AncestralPea

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May 2006
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Posted: 2/5/2010 3:26:02 AM
Thanks for the tips Heather!

I don't have a problem with the under 4 crowd, but what do you talk about with older kids? I don't seem to connect with the 8-12 crowd all that well.

I love your work! I am always so impressed with your lifestyle stuff and how natural it looks, you are so awesome at really capturing people as they are! Something I strive to do, but not yet successful with!


~~Trina~~



Website | Blog | Facebook

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nikon D700 | Nikon D300 | 24-70/2.8 | 70-200/2.8 | 85/1.8 | Sigma 105/2.8 macro | SB900 | Apollo Westcott 50x50 softbox | AB400
CS5 | LR 3
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On location photog, wishing for a studio soon!

jellymummy
PeaAddict

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Posted: 2/5/2010 5:03:48 AM
Thank you so much, this is really timely for my e-session tomorrow! I will let you know how we get on with 'play'-ing! I it!


~Julie S~

"As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs." - Sam Abell

Nikon D700; 35mm f/2; 50mm f/1.4; 18-200 VR; 105mm VR macro; 15mm fisheye; SB-900 flash

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lollydohbird
PeaFixture

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Posted: 2/5/2010 9:51:44 AM
8-12 is a hard age, as are teenagers....but I just start with a question like "so do you play any sports or instruments?" Usually I can find something to get them talking and as long as I act interested and praise them for how "cool" it is, then they open up pretty quickly. With teenage boys I joke with them saying things like "have you done this before?? You doing some secret modeling on the side???" ...or something kind of borderline making fun of them while complimenting them at the same time (every kid is different)...I can usually get a few laughs.


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