I have been doing HDR landscapes for years. I have become inundated with 1’s and 0’s standing waste high in brackets that I have yet to process. I feel I have triumphed pretty well in the landscape industry and am very satisfied with my photos.
Now the move…
I am curious about doing more portrait work and extending my business into the portrait market. I love newborn photos, I have a soft spot for those. I am not too fond of the idea of weddings, but I like the intimate portrait sessions for engagement photos and even maternity sessions.
The boudoir stuff is alright, but I think I would get looked at like
a weirdo by most women if I offered that, I don’t want to be classified as a perv, so I’ll stay away from that, even though I would know it is an art form. See even trying to justify your case, it still looks a bit perv-ish. There is no shovel large enough to dig me out of this one…
Regardless, I would really like to get into the HDR Backgrounds with portraits in the foreground. I have done several of them for myself and my family, but now I want to extend that into my business. However, I have one huge problem that I need your help with.
The problem is not with my gear, I have three 600 EX-RT Speedlites and an ST-E3-RT droid to command them. I recently purchased a 24″ x 24″ Soft Box, 26″ Octabox with beauty dish, and a very large 60″ Octabox. I have several reflectors and continuous lighting setups and MANY stands for all the gear. I just recently bought several fabrics and baskets for the arrival of my new baby (my first real client).
So what is my problem?
I am a very, I mean VERY, timid photographer. I like to take my time, very methodically with my landscapes, I study the scene, take my shots and move on. If there are other photographers there, I tend to shy away from even using my camera. I do not take my camera to family or social events, because I don’t want to seem rude or invasive.
I find it difficult to even operate my camera when there is another person on the other end, I have written books about the camera for crying out loud. So I am asking you some questions for guidance. I give out a ton of free insight and advice here on EverydayHDR, but this is one topic I struggle with and could use some help with.
- So why is it so difficult?
- Why do I frequently break out in hot flashes when I am photographing someone?
- Do I have a psychological condition?
- Is this something I can recover from? Because I just spent a lot of money on portrait gear if not 🙂
Thanks in advance for the help, I really do need it! I would like to try and get this resolved within the next 2 weeks, my new client (second child) will be here and I really don’t want to let them down!
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
I have faced the same issues you are facing. I found that my worries was that I was now “on stage” in front of people who were going to ‘judge’ my work. I experienced this sort of issue even after 30 years dealing with the public, giving talks, and teaching. I was “out of my comfort zone” so to speak. As I gained more experience doing portraits I have become more confident in my ability. So, for me, it was something not in my comfort zone and somewhat a fear of failure or being judged by the results.
Hmm, that is interesting, I feel the same way. I can teach with no problems on just about any topic, talking in large groups is a cake walk. But being behind the camera with a client in front is pretty nerve wracking. Thanks for the tips.
I live this in my everyday job as a journalistic photographer for the Army. Tomorrow’s assignment is at Jefferson City at the capital, taking pictures of the Commanding General in front of all State legislators. To say I don’t get nervous would be a lie, even after 26 years. Still more confidence comes the more you do it. What helps me, just think of camera as my shield and I’m hiding behind it. Never let them see you sweat.
Yeah, that would make me sweat! I think I just need the practice of more, repetition would suit me well.
Hi Blake,
If it is possible and practical, why don’t you go to the location in advance and scout the scene, decide where you want to place your subject, work out the composition, find out where the sun is going to be in the sky, Pre-plan the Poses etc so when your subject arrives you will only have to spend a small amount of time on the Shoot.
Darren
Blake my friend – I have suffered from some of the same things that you mentioned. I used to get very uptight using my camera around others and I have sat in a spot where I wanted to take a shot and waited so long that the light is no longer good and I leave empty handed. I also wanted to start doing portrait work etc – after talking about it and talking about it and talking myself out of it – it came down to the fact that I had convinced myself that shooting people was creepy and I did not want to be that. Then I started looking at more and more portrait photography and I realized – this is a gift that we have and one that we should share. We have been given a way to see things in a different perspective and a way to capture that in a way that brings out emotions in others – and it would be a shame not to share that gift. The other part of it was plain confidence – I can shoot many things but am really confident in one area – so I had to build my confidence and get up the muster to go shoot a portrait sessions. After doing this once I found that I really REALLY enjoyed it and that I really want to do it more. I hope that I am making sense here…I came out of my comfort zone just to post this as I am more of an introvert and like to lurk and read – but we are here on earth to help others and you are asking for help – and you give a lot to the community – do this – second shoot with someone – or get a group together or go to a workshop for portraits – that will be far less creepy and probably relax you a bit – start there and see how it feels 🙂
Thanks Chris! So you think going out to the public park and photographing random stay at home Moms would be creepy? Yeah, me too, I think you are right, and we share the exact same issue, well shared, as you have grown out of it. I think the second shooting is a great idea, I tried that once but the individual didn’t want to pay me, and while that would be great if I were just staring out with a camera, I think my time should be compensated for… at least minimum wage!
I appreciate you sharing your story with me, it is an inspiration as it seems you started in the same spot I am in now. Thanks Chris!
Blake – let me spin that a little for you – I thought of it the exact same way as you did – I wanted paid – because hey I thought I was worth it! I have sold images, shot weddings and the like – then I thought a bit different – well…this is what I WANT TO DO. So what if I shoot free a couple times and let me physiological wall be chipped away at – sure it hurts my pride shooting for free – but my pride will come back after I am able to branch out comfortably and shoot these new things that I want to. Think of it as paying it forward. Maybe say – ok, you dont pay me, but you dont get my images either? The route that I took and am taking is hey – anyone willing to stand in front of my camera and let me shoot? You would be surprised how many people will say sure!! And this is time practicing for YOU and what YOU want that in itself is payment for you. You build a portfolio and get comfortable at the same time. Maybe allow the model 3 photos to use as she wants you give her the finished product or what have you. I just shot these this past Sunday – http://lhmn.us/4BCs and not only did I have a absolute blast but I feel that I got some really great images and I got one of the best compliments I could get from someone that I admire thier ability and work in this area.
Just something to think about my friend.
Chris
That is a great outlook, I guess either way I win. Any excuse to use my camera and try something new is worth it. I need to get myself out there more, I have been so dang busy building new training products though. I want to do both, but right now all I have time for is the training. I am very passionate about the training side. Ideally I would like to make my living doing just that, however, I will need to supplement in other places to keep the roof on the house.
Those shots are great! I love the finger gesture shot, really shows attitude!
Blake – I’m into landscapes and industrial images rather than portraits, but one thing I have found when doing shots of my grandkids (ages 2 to 17) for their parents is that, given they have short attention spans, things go a lot smoother if you can find ‘mother hen’ something to amuse herself with rather than have her ‘help’ you pose the subjects. The fathers are fine, they go off and make coffee just in case they get roped in and get their photo taken.
The youngest one in particular likes to review her image on the lcd so I encourage her to do some ridiculous poses for fun and then a special proper one for mummy – generally works.
Occassionally in order to get a sense of scale of say the wheel of a water mill, I have to rope in a member of the public; at first I used to find this daunting, but after a while I found that most people are very pleased to help – at most it costs an emailed copy of the image.
Best of luck
steve
Thanks Steve! All great advice. I can see how the Moms would want to “help”. I would be that Dad who just walked away, although I might check their camera settings on the way past them… at least scope out their lens 🙂
I will keep all of this in mind for the future endeavor. I appreciate your advice greatly.