Things your photographer can't say but wish they could...

Being a professional photographer can be a lot of fun. Generally you’re around when fun stuff is happening and you’re celebrating with people and you’re taking pictures of people when they’re happy. They're chasing their own dream. They’re an artist and they’re making a living at being an artist.

But there are some things that get on their nerves. Most of these are things they won’t say, at least not to their clients, but they are things that can make a difference and so it is worthwhile for their clients to know.

With that slightly confusing preamble out of the way. Here are some things they won’t tell you.

Weddings:

Timing

Generally speaking your photographer isn’t going to be dictating what you do when on your wedding day. They spend most of the time in the background. However, there are some things you want them to capture and they want to capture and the more predictable the timing is the more likely they are to be there to capture these things.

As an example, if you want to take some portraits before the wedding make sure you’ve left enough time for makeup, prep, transportation and (if applicable) real and emotional breakdowns so you arrive at the location(s) in time for your portraits. If you plan for an hour and get there 55 minutes late you’re not going to get as many images as you saw in their portfolio. Calling to let them know where you are is a good idea too.

Uncle Bob

Photographers have a name for your family members and friends with big black cameras. They call them Uncle Bobs. (It’s a funny term in that it can be applied to your friend Nancy too - as in, “Then Nancy, this wedding’s resident Uncle Bob, started doing her own poses with the group and our timeline was completely out the window!”)

Most great photographers are willing to be more than patient with Uncle Bobs. They don’t worry that Uncle Bob will put images on Facebook. They don’t worry that Uncle Bob will make prints for you, etc. I know a few who will even lend Uncle Bob equipment. (but never ask for that because even those folks would wonder about you). What drives them crazy is when Uncle Bob gets in the way.

Ever look at a group picture and realize that half the people don’t seem interested enough to be looking back at you looking at the picture? Know where they’re looking? Uncle Bob. He’s standing next to the photographer with his/her big black camera shouting “look here.” What else are people going to do? Did you notice that there is no great shot of the kiss? That’s because when the photographer went to capture it, framed oh so perfectly down the aisle, Uncle Bob jumped out of his seat in the way and the only picture the photographer got is of the back of Uncle Bob’s head. If you know you have an Uncle Bob in the family, do the photographer a favor and just drop them a line ahead of time to say that you’ll love to see their pictures, but you’re so excited about your photographer too and could they please just be sure they let the photographer work?

(Important safety tip. At my friend’s weddings - usually my friend’s kids weddings these days - I am the volunteer thug. In this role I control Uncle Bobs, drunk guests, unruly vendors etc. I also feed photographers. But this takes me to my next point).

Food, Drink, Rest

Your photographer is likely to be chasing you around for about 7 hours on your special day. I’ve been to a few weddings since I got this job and I also had the sort of strange but also special responsibility of shooting one (by accident but it worked out ok for everyone) and I can tell you that during this day they are likely to walk, run, climb and crawl at least 10 miles.

If you’re like most people you hired your photographer for two reasons. You like their images and you like them. Try not to forget about them on your special day. It doesn’t take much, a few minutes of planning in the middle of the hours and hours of planning for these days, but you’d be amazed at the horror stories I hear of sitting out back by the garbage cans eating stale bread from the kitchen.

I know. They’re paid to be there and they are paid well. But they are also paid to be at your beck and call all day. They need a few breaks and some food and water (or other non-alcoholic liquid sustenance!) Give most of them a table in the corner to themselves and access to some hot food while everyone else (including you) is also eating and they will be prepared to kill themselves for the rest of the evening and never miss a beat!

Hey Miss Photographer? Can you take a picture of?

“Yes. No problem." It’s what they’re there for. Just know that they may be changing batteries, a memory card, checking flashes, going to the bathroom (I know - horrors!), setting up another shot, etc. They’ll be right there. A few minutes warning about when you’re going to cut the cake, first dance, etc. is all they generally need to be ready.

Frankly, they like it when you tell them what you would like pictures of -and even what you don’t. Photographers can be amazingly discreet. Whisper in their ear that Heidi would love a few pictures without Swen and he’ll never know it’s happening. Tell them you’d love some pictures of Aunt Millie and Uncle Joe together and you’ll get a beautiful set. Tell them your mom favors her right side and they’ll make sure she’s always on their left. They’re incredibly good at this. Just don’t come afterwards and say, “I wish you’d gotten a picture of ...” They can’t make time go backwards.

When you get drunk you’re going to look drunk.

Make sure all of your keeper event pictures are taken before this happens. There is not a “remove drunkness” action in PhotoShop. (though I’m quite certain Kevin Kubota or some other PhotoShop genius just sprang into action to create one).

If pictures are important to you, make sure you think about that ahead of time.

There are a lot of things you can do to make your pictures better. Think about just a few of these ahead of time and you’re paving a path to success.

Make sure the halls have just a little light. Modern professional cameras need surprisingly little. But contrary to popular belief they can’t actually see in the dark. Making sure there is just a little light saves them from having to use strobes a lot.

Check with the church. Different churches have different rules. You don’t want to be surprised when the pastor won’t let you take pictures during the ceremony. It isn’t your photographers job to know this (though many will) and it isn’t their fault when they can’t. If this is the church’s policy and you want pictures of the ceremony you may need to move it to a different church. You get my point. It’s just better to know.

These dresses are really tight. Perfect. They’re going to look great on everyone? If not, perhaps a slightly less form fitting dress, or a dress that has shoulders or straps would be a good idea. (or a wrap). No amount of photoshop can make the uncomfortable slightly heavier bridesmaid look like the size two next to her.

If you’re chewing gum we’re going to see it. By all means, make sure your breath is fresh. Have a mint. Chew gum for a minute or two. When it’s time to take pictures we’re going to see it tucked down in your between you cheek and your teeth. (Trust me, it’s green, we’ll see it).

Leave your cigarettes in your purse. The square bulge under your left breast in the bodice of your beautiful white gown isn’t flattering. Come to think of it neither is the wad of cash.

As you can see there are a bunch of things you can do to help your photographer make you look great. Most of these may seem like common sense, but I’ll tell you right now that I have seen pictures and heard stories of ALL of these things happening on numerous occasions. You can make the difference between something great and something average. Give your photographer just a little help and the work they’ll do will thrill you. I know. I see it too!

(as with all of these posts, this is free for photographers to use however you see fit. If there is a topic you’d like me to address, just drop me a line at jim@pictage.com and I’ll get right on it).

Picture Perfect Professional Portraits

Picture Perfect Professional Portraits

Contrary to what the latest Nikon or Canon ad might be saying portrait sessions with professional photographers are alive and well, In fact, the business of portrait photography is actually going through a healthy expansion thanks to the emergence of some fun new genres such as expecting moms, family lifestyle and boudoir. Additionally, the emergence of much more portable studio quality equipment means that more often than not, your portrait photographer will either come to you or meet you in a great location where together you can capture some really great images.

Just like with all things related to working with a professional, there are some dos and don’ts when selecting, preparing and even during the process of having your photos taken. Your photographer will likely have a guide of some sort as well, but this should get you started.

Selecting a portrait photographer.

What do you want to do? Make a list. You want pictures. What will you use them for? Is your home a part of the subject/memory? Do you want the location to suggest other thoughts? Is this a one time thing or something you’re going to want to do every year? It is a good idea to have thought this through ahead of time. You’ll save a lot of time finding your photographer and you’ll also have a really clear set of priorities when you see her or him for the shoot.

Portrait photographers generally segment their business by what they’re shooting. Most will do more than one thing. Whether a photographer sticks to a particular genre (such as babies) or not will generally have much impact on the quality of their work. So take some time and look through their images to see if what they offer is what you want.

This said, you want to make sure that the photographer you select has enough experience doing what you want for them to be the experts when it’s time. Excellent boudoir portraiture isn’t about satin sheets and white wines, it is about posing and use of light and lenses that will put you in the best possible situation. If your photographer hasn’t worked with teenage boys, they’re not likely to get a smile from yours.

Let the photographer take the lead!

Babies

Babies are best in the morning and they’re best at home or a short walk from home. Baby photographers know these things. They also know babies. If your child cries they’re not going to be shocked or dismayed. They’ve heard babies cry. They won’t think less of you as a mom. The key trait possessed by most baby photographers - (in addition to amazing photographic skills of course) is patience. They’re also great at understanding how to change the environment enough that the baby sees and feels a change and they’re great at making babies feel comfortable. They’ll ask for help when they need it.

Teens

Having your teenager photographed for senior pictures? I have one big tip for you. Disappear. Don’t dictate wardrobe or poses or anything else and for heaven’s sake, don’t stand over the photographer’s shoulder yelling ‘smile’ at your teen! Let your teen and the photographer decide what they’re going to do and how they want to do it. Remember, these images are as much for them as for you. The best photographers know how to draw the best from this group. They make these sessions fun and interactive and both you and your son or daughter will end up with images you love.

Boudoir

Venturing into the dark for a boudoir session? You’re not alone. This is the fastest growing segment in portrait photography. Gals all over the country and gals of all shapes and ages are booking boudoir sessions with photographers who specialize in this genre. Interestingly, when interviewed about why they’re doing it, most say it’s something they’re mostly doing for themselves. Bravo gals, here’s some suggestions.

Consider your photographer carefully. What is going to make you feel most comfortable? Is your session going to be in a studio, hotel or your home? Boudoir session parties are one fun way a lot of women are jumping in, if that works for you it’s a great way to save a little money on the session fees. Just know that the key in getting great work is going to be a connection you’ll make with the photographer. The best make these sessions fun and easy. They encourage rather than push. And they know their craft. Tell them what your boundaries are in clear terms and then let them pose, mold, light and move you so they can get their best work. A common mistake is drinking too much before a session. Avoid this. It will show in your eyes and face. Any great boudoir photographer will have a solid list of do’s and don’ts for you to work from. Head their direction and you’ll have a great time.

Family

Another fast growing segment is the family/lifestyle genre. In this case, portrait photographers will generally visit your family in your home. They’ll shoot some posed work but they’ll also do a lot of candid work around the home. They may meet you at a local park or other outing. These segments are great because they yield great images that can be used for everything from holiday cards to family yearbooks. Just tell your photographer what outputs you want ahead of time so they’re thinking about these things as they work.

As in all other genres, there are some dos and don’ts for Family portraiture. Think about your spouse. Is the best time to capture them in a great mood at the end of a long workday? Are they going to be excited about this or will they see it as something worse than the annual physical? Don’t spring this on your spouse when the photographer shows up at the door. No matter how animated, your fight will rarely make good photographic art. The same goes for your teens. Dragging them home from a friend’s house will rarely get them terribly excited about smiling for the camera. It seems like an oxymoron, but the more prepared your family is for what is going to happen, the more likely they will be able to relax and be natural when it’s time.

And here again, let the photographer take the lead. Don’t yell at the family to smile or be quiet or stand up straight. If you’ve selected an experienced family photographer they’ll make sure your family has fun. You’ll end up with what you want and your family will be excited when it’s time to do it again next year.

In all of these situations there are some important things to consider...

1. Look your best. Get your hair done. Wear clean cloths you like and are comfortable in. Give the photographer the best chance to get you at your best and the work they’ll do will amaze you.
   
2. Forget everything you’ve heard about Photoshop. It is a tool that can make a great photograph perfect, not a bad photograph good. Great photographers will not use photoshop make you look skinny if you’re not. They can fix some flyaway hair but they can’t edit away a bad hair day. They can fix a blemish in a heartbeat but if your eyes look drunk or stoned that’s how they’re going to look in your images.
   
3. This is a photographer not a plastic surgeon. Great photographers know how to approach any body type and show it in its best light. Let them pose you and work with you. Just know that they’re going to celebrate who you are, not turn you into something you are not.
   
4. Be prepared to spend a little extra time. Shut off the cell phone. You’re paying for the photographer’s time. You don’t take calls in the dentist’s chair, why would you take them during your portrait session? They’re not going to extend an hour just because you’re not ready or are distracted. Some will give you a little extra time, but most are busy enough that they can’t simply drop everything and hang out with you while you sort out your mother in law’s transportation or hairdo woes. If you book a one hour session, block out three hours. One in advance, one during and one after. Give yourself a break. You’re worth it!
   
5. If someone is sick call early! Don’t push a sick child through a session just because the Christmas cards need to come out. See above. Photoshop is not a miracle worker. Great baby and family photographers are used to removing some unwanted - er - nose-stuff. But if your child is sick and fussy they’re not going to be able to make them look healthy. Just call and reschedule - but do it as far in advance as possible so the photographer is free to rebook your time.

There are lots of other things. Most, your photographer will share with you in preparation for your session. Now it’s time for you to act! Take the leap. Book a pro. Stick to these simply guidelines and you’ll be thrilled with what you get.

(as always, if you’re a working pro and you have something you’d like me to write about or add just drop me a line here or at jim@pictage.com and I’ll try to get it done. These posts are all free for you to use in whatever capacity you see fit. Feel free to copy and use them in whole or in part).