Asked to do a job, no obligations yet...

[table1349]

If you choose to do this then here are a few suggestions. Between now and then.
Sit down and figure out the shots you want to take. Much of that will be dependent on the subject, her interests besides theater, etc. Check out other photographers for ideas of the kinds of poses etc that she may like.
Scout for locations that fit your needs and her interests.
Plan your gear for the shots and locations. What do you need to get the shots you want at each location.
Plan the time of day. Try to shoot everything outside during the golden hours. Inside it doesn't matter as much unless you are relying on natural light.
Set your schedule for locations based on the above. Know where you want to start and where you want to end.
Do not count on her theatrical training on makeup. Theatrical makeup and photographic makeup are two different beasts.
Discuss the clothing and changes she will be making. This needs to go into your planning as well. Where and when will she be changing outfits and where can she accomplish this.
Make up a cheat sheet of the poses etc and have it with you. You won't remember everything.
Check out some posing guides from the local library and study them. Not just the big stuff but the little stuff such as hand placement, head tilt, where the eyes should be looking etc . The magic is in the details. Learn about masculine and feminine posing techniques. Check out any works by Joe Zeltsman or Monte Zucker you may come across. Also do a Google search on masculine and feminine posing techniques. There is a lot of information available.

Also, set a backup date. If you don't you will have the worst weather seen in your area on July 9th that has been seen in the last 50 years at least. It's the nature of the beast.

Remember, unlike a wedding, this is something that can be re shot if necessary. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Quentin_Moyer]

Thanks for the great responses guys, I've taken everything into consideration and feel much better about it now, I'm going to visit the local library tomorrow and will definitely be doing a bit of planning, thanks again.

 

[johnh2005]

If you choose to do this then here are a few suggestions. Between now and then.
Sit down and figure out the shots you want to take. Much of that will be dependent on the subject, her interests besides theater, etc. Check out other photographers for ideas of the kinds of poses etc that she may like.
Scout for locations that fit your needs and her interests.
Plan your gear for the shots and locations. What do you need to get the shots you want at each location.
Plan the time of day. Try to shoot everything outside during the golden hours. Inside it doesn't matter as much unless you are relying on natural light.
Set your schedule for locations based on the above. Know where you want to start and where you want to end.
Do not count on her theatrical training on makeup. Theatrical makeup and photographic makeup are two different beasts.
Discuss the clothing and changes she will be making. This needs to go into your planning as well. Where and when will she be changing outfits and where can she accomplish this.
Make up a cheat sheet of the poses etc and have it with you. You won't remember everything.
Check out some posing guides from the local library and study them. Not just the big stuff but the little stuff such as hand placement, head tilt, where the eyes should be looking etc . The magic is in the details. Learn about masculine and feminine posing techniques. Check out any works by Joe Zeltsman or Monte Zucker you may come across. Also do a Google search on masculine and feminine posing techniques. There is a lot of information available.

Also, set a backup date. If you don't you will have the worst weather seen in your area on July 9th that has been seen in the last 50 years at least. It's the nature of the beast.

Remember, unlike a wedding, this is something that can be re shot if necessary. Good luck and enjoy.

OMG you stole my post! lol :hug:: Looks like I am starting to learn something!

 

[Quentin_Moyer]

Sorry to dig up an old thread guys, I just have one final question before I actually begin shooting.
I've read up about posing extensively and have scouted the areas where we'll be taking the portraits, but I'm still a little green when it comes to using flash.
My SB-50DX finally came in the mail today and I've spent all day acquainting myself with it. What I want to know is; If I'm using a reflector (home-made) or diffuser (also home-made..) should I let the dTTL system control the flash output or should I control that manually? This might sound stupid, but my concern is that dTTL can't tell the flash that it's being diffused or that it's being discharged into a reflector so the result may be underexposed due to the ensuing loss of light. I've looked on the internet and have seen things from "just leave it at its max output" to "forget the diffusers and just point the flash at the subject", so I was hoping someone could help clarify this for me?