Need tips/tricks for first shoot, please

[table1349]

If the OP happens to be more West of East rather than more East of West then they could possibly carry unconcealed without a permit.

 

[Designer]

MonicaBH: CL huh? Are you series? You truly must be desperate. If you don't want to carry a weapon yourself, I suggest taking along a friend, preferably someone who looks like a LEO, about 6-2, 180lbs, with a CCW and a weapon.

Oh, and the photo shoot:

Take along some props, such as a picnic blanket, basket, etc. some kind of stuffed toy and/or clicker to get the attention of the baby, a flash, a reflector, a scrim, a tripod, remote shutter release, and a list of the different poses that you want the family to assume. Assuming that there will actually be a family there.

 

[MonicaBH]

MonicaBH: CL huh? Are you series? You truly must be desperate. If you don't want to carry a weapon yourself, I suggest taking along a friend, preferably someone who looks like a LEO, about 6-2, 180lbs, with a CCW and a weapon.

Oh, and the photo shoot:

Take along some props, such as a picnic blanket, basket, etc. some kind of stuffed toy and/or clicker to get the attention of the baby, a flash, a reflector, a scrim, a tripod, remote shutter release, and a list of the different poses that you want the family to assume. Assuming that there will actually be a family there.

I am absolutely serious, and as stated in the original post, it was a desperate and concerted attempt to gain experience. I live out of state from my family, and apparently the friends I've made in this area aren't interested in having photographs made. Right now, my best models are my dogs, and they're over it also.

Thank you for making me feel worse about the situation, though.

 

[Jwestmorelandphoto]

Monica, in all seriousness, have you considered relocating your venue to a more public location? A park, with a view of a road, for instance, or maybe someone in your family could go with you? or a friend, to 'assist'? and in the future, i'd not shoot strangers for practice. just a suggestion.

 

[tirediron]

Okay... I'll try to add a serious answer to this thread.

First, if you have ANY concerns about your safety, don't go. It's that simple. Regardless of the "cowboy mentality" of some people, carrying a handgun in your bag does NOT make you safe. Not getting into danger makes you safe. Now, on to the practical. Your first "mistake" was to agree to your first meeting at the venue. Your first face-to-face with a client should always be beforehand so that you can discuss the wants, needs, requirements, etc. You may be doing this free of charge (and, FWIW, I see NOTHING wrong with you advertising on Craig's List for this sort of experience), but you should approach every job as if it was a paid gig.

So, call the couple back, and ask to meet them at a local coffee-shop or other PUBLIC location so that you can discuss the shoot. Ask them what they would like and what they expect. Ask them if there are any particular poses they would like, or "must have" shots. Advise them on clothing choices (You don't want Mom showing up in white and Dad in black - this happened to me a couple of months ago, even though I had discussed clothing and colours, oh well, go with it...) and discuss locations. If at ANY time you feel uncomfortable, get a "bad vibe" or anything else, just say politely, "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure that my style will meet your needs, may I suggest you contact another photographer?".

Make sure you have your paperwork. Yes, you need paperwork. You want a contract that specifies what they can and cannot do with the images, and allows you the right to do with you want with the images and clearly states you retain all copyright.

Beforehand, at about the same time of day as the shoot will occur, scout the venue, get an idea of the lighting and locations. Build up a shot list and check for cell-service. If something does go south, you want to be able to call for assistance.

Now, go home and write out a plan and timeline and note what sort of shots you want to do where, what lighting, etc you may need. You probably won't follow it for more than ten minutes, but it helps a LOT to have it available if you "get lost" at any time.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[12sndsgood]

One thing you can do is try Model Mayhem, there you can find people who are wanting to be photo'd so you can work with them to get more practice time. That is what I did last winter when i had moved outside of the "friend" shoots. Some of them can be flakes, but if you pay attention to how they respond etc. you can quickly judge who actually wants to have photos done or not.

 

[DiskoJoe]

You're photographing a family, not the local chapter of MS-13. I'd be more concerned with environmental damage to your gear.

I suggest you peruse the YouTube tutorials of environmental portraits with an emphasis on using open shade.

I recognize that, but there are have been far too many news stories on hired help winding up dead after replying to a CL ad.

It's moot now, as I have recruited a "lighting assistant" to go with me.

Thanks.

Have them meet you in a public space that has many people there and shoot at a location that is not secluded. Then google them if they give you names or email addresses or other personal info. After about 5 minutes you can tell if someone is legit.