Ideas for photographing my father

SoulfulRecover · Jan 20, 2017

I wasn't really sure where to post this but my dads back in the dating game at 60yo. He is on Match.com and he needs some photos. I did a few already (slacks/button up) but he's looking for some more casual type photos in a shirt and jeans. I have no idea what kind of photos go on a dating website or really how to pose an older gentleman.

I would love some advice and examples if you can.

Edit: Looks like my computer posted this thread twice. Please feel free to delete one

tirediron · Jan 20, 2017

Tough one; more so because it's an immediate family member. I would suggest having him troll through Match profiles, Google Image, etc and flag images that he thinks are the right look and then tweak them to suit his personality.

SoulfulRecover · Jan 20, 2017

tirediron said:
Tough one; more so because it's an immediate family member. I would suggest having him troll through Match profiles, Google Image, etc and flag images that he thinks are the right look and then tweak them to suit his personality.

that's a good idea. He said they ask for a series of different photos such as photos with family, you enjoying your hobbies, casual photos. . . .

I did some of him enjoying his hobbies (cars/gardening) and some professional type in nice slacks. Cant do much for family photos since we are so spread out.

Just a bit of a weird situation I guess.

jcdeboever · Jan 20, 2017

Take a pic of him doing something that is important to him

Designer · Jan 20, 2017

SoulfulRecover said:
I have no idea what kind of photos go on a dating website or really how to pose an older gentleman.

Show him with wads of cash peeking out of his pockets.

waday · Jan 20, 2017

Avoid shirtless photos. Avoid chest hair photos. Avoid large, flashy jewelry. Avoid standing in front of a car.

SoulfulRecover · Jan 20, 2017

waday said:
Avoid standing in front of a car.

Oops. This one was on request haha. I didn't think it was very classy but he wanted it. Not sure if it went online though.

waday · Jan 20, 2017

SoulfulRecover said:
waday said:

Avoid standing in front of a car.

Click to expand...

Oops. This one was on request haha. I didn't think it was very classy but he wanted it. Not sure if it went online though.

Was he standing in front of it pointing at the emblem flashing a thumbs-up, peace sign, or other gesture while making a weird face?

SoulfulRecover · Jan 20, 2017

Light Guru · Jan 20, 2017

Mirror selfies are quite popular on dating websites.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Light Guru · Jan 20, 2017

Mirror selfies are quite popular on dating websites.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tirediron · Jan 21, 2017

SoulfulRecover said:

There is NOTHING wrong with posting a 'dude with his car' photo when that's his car!!!!

SoulfulRecover · Jan 21, 2017

tirediron said:
SoulfulRecover said:

Click to expand...

There is NOTHING wrong with posting a 'dude with his car' photo when that's his car!!!!

Only one in existence of its type. Started as 1 of 44 built but the CEO had Aston Martin do some custom work. Its pretty incredible. My old man has been working 4 jobs for 30 years so its well deserved.

He said he would send me some photo ideas but still hasn't. I really hope he doesn't wait till like 20 minutes before I'm suppose to meet him tomorrow. Photobucket was being weird on my work computer so I wasn't able to post the others till now:

cherylynne1 · Jan 21, 2017

I think the pictures are looking pretty good! A bit stiff, though. Maybe folding his arms or putting his hands in his pockets would help? And I would focus on trying to get a really natural smile. Try to get him to laugh, then snap the picture. I find having a tripod helps a lot with this, I don't go behind the camera at all once it's set up, just carry on a conversation and snap the pictures when the expression is just right. I've also found that telling them to say, "Hi," gives a natural, friendly expression that isn't too smiley, if you know what I mean.

On a technical note, the eyes look a little dark. OCF would be ideal, a reflector would help, and the pop-up flash at low power will do in a pinch.

I love the location and the post-processing. I'm sure he'll have plenty of matches before long!

SquarePeg · Jan 21, 2017

The one on the bench is, to me, the most relaxed pose. But the outfit (do men wear outfits?) seems off with the environment. It's more business casual than outdoorsy.

Rick50 · Jan 22, 2017

^^^ What SquarePeg said except the clothing should match how he dresses normally.

tirediron · Jan 22, 2017

SoulfulRecover said:
tirediron said:

SoulfulRecover said:

Click to expand...

There is NOTHING wrong with posting a 'dude with his car' photo when that's his car!!!!

Click to expand...

Only one in existence of its type. Started as 1 of 44 built but the CEO had Aston Martin do some custom work. Its pretty incredible. My old man has been working 4 jobs for 30 years so its well deserved.

He said he would send me some photo ideas but still hasn't. I really hope he doesn't wait till like 20 minutes before I'm suppose to meet him tomorrow. Photobucket was being weird on my work computer so I wasn't able to post the others till now:

Dad does NOT look happy in front of the camera. I'm not sure if that's a forced smile, but it sure looks like one. I think you need to get him doing stuff; maybe shoot a little candid?