Need some tips on shooting a friend

[Rob_]

I have a friend who wants me to take pictures of her one day. She claims to be highly un-photogenic as she claims she is somewhat light skinned and has odd bone structure. I was wondering if you guys have any tips for getting solid pictures out of un-photogenic people.

 

[cgipson1]

yes.. skill, knowledge and good lighting!

Since we have no idea where you are at, skill wise.. or what your friend looks like.. that might be a difficult question to answer. We can probably generalize... but If you aren't familiar with the techniques.. it may not help.

What gear do you have? How long have you been shooting?

 

[Rob_]

I've been shooting for almost a year, shooting seriously for about half that. (Flickr: Flickr: Rob_Brewer's Photostream ) I have a Canon EOS Rebel T3 for the body with a Canon 50mm 1.8 and a Canon 70-200mm F4/L, with the 17-55m kit lens also. Location is uncertain at the moment. I mainly do scenic shots, but using this as a way to break in to people shots.

 

[Mrgiggls]

Just try to do something other than the basic posed shots. What is she interested in? Is there a hobby she enjoys that you could photograph her doing to add some personal meaning to the shots. How about going somewhere where ther are animals like horses or lambs you could shoot her petting or feeding. Maybe have her dress up in a silly costume like from the old west (I know it's been done to death and it's cliche but I'm just brainstorming here).

Use your imagination and try to come up with something fun and unique.

 

[LuckySe7en]

a nice garden shoot with flowers and crap make anyone look pretty. skin-tone can be adjusted in post, just try to get the exposure right. I'm dealing w/skin-tone issues right now

 

[cgipson1]

good lighting use can help to hide issues with bone structure.. as you can control where the shadows lay, and how strong or weak they are. Light skin tone is just a matter of proper exposure and correct lighting....

 

[Robin Usagani]

Lots of photoshop

 

[FSJeffo]

a nice garden shoot with flowers and crap make anyone look pretty. skin-tone can be adjusted in post, just try to get the exposure right. I'm dealing w/skin-tone issues right now

...cuz everyone looks pretty next to crap

JM

 

[KmH]

Doing facial analysis and learning how to pose, light, makeup, use wardrobe to minimize face and body issues is the art you seek.

Broad lighting, short lighting, clamshell lighting, high camera perspective, low camera perspectve, lens focal length, clothing color combinations, clothing print patterns, etc are all used to advantage when shooting people.

Your question is so broad it is hard to give you even general suggestions without more specific details.

 

[DiskoJoe]

Its all about angles and lighting.

Read this first.......
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/articles-interest/268210-guide-classic-portraiture.html

Most of the people he used for examples were kind of ugly but he makes them look natural and good.

When this does not work then you find creative angles.

 

[Jacobwilson]

Post pics when they're ready!!

 

[lorenzostpierre]

Hello Rob ,

I think these tips are helpful to you ..

1) Crop Out Distractions
2) Look Down or Up
3) Blur, Baby
4) Exposure Trickery
5) Make the Most of Available Backdrops
6) Subject-to-Background Distance
7) Mottled or Blurred Light

 

[Beast95]

"Need some tips on shooting a friend" is a little bit of an awkward/harsh title but it got me to look (;

First off, I suggest silencers. Don't want the neighbors knowing.
Secondly, at least try to work it out; shooting isn't always the answer
Finally, if it comes down to it, wait until they aren't expecting it. Just pull the trigger.


....okay, sorry I couldn't help myself. To the tips!

-think about light source; try not to let shadows emphasize the features she doesn't like. For example, if she has a huge nose, don't put a shadow that is 2x as big make her nose look even worse. Make it look better

-try to have her do something familiar; people sometimes can make awkward faces if they are doing something strange to them...

-if she seems to be trying to hide some feature, go with her decision

-if worst comes to worst, you can always use what I said above...however I will not take responsibility for any complications that occur..........