Friday, October 22, 2010

Photowalk 40 of 52 - Senior Portraits at Killen's Pond - POTW

Photowalk 40 of 52 - Senior Portraits at Killen's Pond

So I was doing some senior portraits for a friend, I figured it would be a fun experience. I don't generally like to shoot people but I've been enjoying it more lately. I've got to say, I think I did a pretty good job, but I also see plenty of room for improvement. Some might say well how does this qualify as a photowalk?
Well for one my big rule was I had to leave my house, and I did. For two we did walk as we scouted for our next location. And for 3 the photoshoot worked for my intended purpose; to get out and shoot.

So my experience with the shoot was fun. We ended up getting a late start and the sky really seemed like it wanted to just let the rain fall. Because of this we stayed fairly close to some shelter instead of walking as much as I originally intended. It worked out well though. I wanted to go to Killen's Pond because I know it pretty well. I know that there are some really good scenes and backdrops and I needed to have something working for me. I was nervous enough going in because I very seldom shoot people let alone teenage males. I read up on shooting seniors portraits, I searched around for examples and I even watched a few videos from photovision.com. But I was still nervous. As we were getting where we were going and setting up we just kept talking about life, his future plans after he graduates, etc. I think that really helped to get both of us a little less nervous. Although you could tell we were both still nervous. The rain kept threatening so we stayed close to the shelter, but about half way through we decided to take a small walk and get some shots closer to the pond. Around that time I read his shirt and said that's great. His red shirt says "Natural Aphrodisiac". Neither of us had realized what it said this whole time, :) 
Photowalk 40 of 52 - Senior Portraits at Killen's Pond
But I gave him very basic instructions for dress. I told him decent looking jeans, a nice shirt and a comfortable shirt to be yourself in. I had the cap and gown for him to wear so we were good there. Oh well, this was a good lesson for both of us. I will try to pay more attention to the cloths of people before I take shots of them. After spending a little over 2 hours walking, setting up, and shooting we were done. We walked back to my truck and as I was putting all the equipment away the ran started to drizzle lightly, whew just in time! I had a lot of fun, I learned some things and the pictures came out pretty nice. I chose the POTW because he looks nice, the lighting was good and he looks casual.

Please check out the rest of the shots at www.flickr.com/photos/dmize/

Please feel free to give constructive criticism and remember that this is one of few portrait type sessions that I've done.

DM|ZE

4 comments:

  1. I really don't shoot people that often either. I'm much more comfortable with product/food photography. But you've done a great job here. Do you think after you do a few more sessions with people you'll feel more comfortable? I would like to feel confidant shooting people one day, we'll see how that goes.

    The shirt's funny...and it's really funny that he didn't know what it said!

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  2. Like I always say, a mushroom or bug won't look at my shot and say ewww, I hate the way I look! Thanks for the compliment, I tried hard on these. I think that is part of my insecurity with shooting people. I try very hard so if someone doesn't like my work it bothers me. I've shot a few people through the years but this is really one of my firsts that weren't immediate family. This is meant for print, his mom really wanted some updated shots of him before he graduates. I think as I practice more and more I will get more comfortable. This month I have two family shoots, one with 5 and the other with 6 people in it. Those scare me, I have a hard enough time with 2 or 3! I did recently buy a studio light, stand, and umbrella. In hindsight I think I should have gotten a lightbox instead of an umbrella but I'll get one someday. I think I'm going to continue to work on flash lighting some more but I think from now on I may stick to hotshoe flashes, much more portable! Once I'm done with my 52 photowalks I will look a little more at my projects for next year. I am very busy and the photowalks + editing take a fair amount of my photography time. It really doesn't leave much for other photography related projects. Plus I would really like to start printing and framing some of my shots. I recently subscribe to a magazine about portrait photog that has helped me a bit, I'll be writing a review on it soon.

    Oh and the shirt, I was floored when I finally read it half way through the shoot, heh, I'm thinking his mom is going to kill me!!!

    Thanks,
    DM|ZE

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  3. Don't let his mom kill you. Part of the beauty of digital is you can clone out the text!

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  4. Well, I thought about it but I think it might be a little difficult. Plus, I didn't really feel like spending that much time on it. Maybe if I have more time in the future I will give it a shot.

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