What do you do in this situation...

[topazsol]

This happened to me awhile back. My husband's co-worker hired me to take maternity photos of her at 7 months pregnant. I told her a little gist of what I thought would look pretty on her, I basically told her the "feeling or atmosphere" I was going for which was serenity, tranquility, peaceful. I told her to wear a flowy maxi dress, I knew she has one because I have seen her wear it before. She showed up looking pretty tore up, hair not brushed, hadn't taken a shower in awhile, wearing a horrid turquoise striped top, yikes. So of course I took some photos of her. The light was great, I was really happy with them besides the fact she looked pretty awful. lol I am sure her appearance didn't have everything to do with it because she was mad and complaining about divorcing her husband who has a porn addiction the whole time we were doing the shoot. It was awkward... Like "That jerk, I hate him!" Ok smile. haha I kept trying to show her how to pose, I would do the pose for her and she would just stand very stiff and not even try to do the pose, I think she was having a bad day but she still wanted to do the shoot, mostly for someone to talk to I think.

So anyway, my questions are how do you make someone who is looking pretty haggard look decent? I kind of wanted to brush her hair for her, it was a frazzled and looked like a rat's nest. Do I just try to clean it up post processing because I tried that there was only so much I could acheive. The next day, she looked great. I went to my husband's work and she was wearing this gorgeous top and had her make-up and hair done, so frustrating!

Also, how can you take beautiful photos when someone is in a bad mood and it shows?

And do you direct your clients with certain poses? Obviously they are not models but I think they should have the oppurtunity to look their best by positioning themselves a certain way, etc. I don't want to be rude but sometimes I want to actually touch their arms or hands and show them!

I guess these are photography etiquette questions. She was actually really happy with the photos so I guess it was a success but I am just asking for future reference.

 

[Designer]

Next time that happens, ask the subject if some other time would work better. And don't take "no" for an answer.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

This happened to me awhile back. My husband's co-worker hired me to take maternity photos of her at 7 months pregnant. I told her a little gist of what I thought would look pretty on her, I basically told her the "feeling or atmosphere" I was going for which was serenity, tranquility, peaceful. I told her to wear a flowy maxi dress, I knew she has one because I have seen her wear it before. She showed up looking pretty tore up, hair not brushed, hadn't taken a shower in awhile, wearing a horrid turquoise striped top, yikes. So of course I took some photos of her. The light was great, I was really happy with them besides the fact she looked pretty awful. lol I am sure her appearance didn't have everything to do with it because she was mad and complaining about divorcing her husband who has a porn addiction the whole time we were doing the shoot. It was awkward... Like "That jerk, I hate him!" Ok smile. haha I kept trying to show her how to pose, I would do the pose for her and she would just stand very stiff and not even try to do the pose, I think she was having a bad day but she still wanted to do the shoot, mostly for someone to talk to I think.

So anyway, my questions are how do you make someone who is looking pretty haggard look decent? I kind of wanted to brush her hair for her, it was a frazzled and looked like a rat's nest. Do I just try to clean it up post processing because I tried that there was only so much I could acheive. The next day, she looked great. I went to my husband's work and she was wearing this gorgeous top and had her make-up and hair done, so frustrating!

Also, how can you take beautiful photos when someone is in a bad mood and it shows?

And do you direct your clients with certain poses? Obviously they are not models but I think they should have the oppurtunity to look their best by positioning themselves a certain way, etc. I don't want to be rude but sometimes I want to actually touch their arms or hands and show them!

I guess these are photography etiquette questions. She was actually really happy with the photos so I guess it was a success but I am just asking for future reference.

Employ great hair and makeup artists. You should see how horrific some of these models look on a Saturday morning shoot after they had a tough night of partying.....then its like WOW thats her!?

 

[MLeeK]

Next time that happens, ask the subject if some other time would work better. And don't take "no" for an answer.

I have to agree. Gently say something like "you seem really stressed and upset. I wouldn't want that to show in your portraits..." Or even "would you like to relax a minute and gather your thoughts? Perhaps take a second to freshen up and relax?"

 

[rokvi]

"Oh no thats terrible, sit down I'll make you a coffee and we can talk".................."oh look at the time, did you want to reschedule"?

 

[DiskoJoe]

"Oh no thats terrible, sit down I'll make you a coffee and we can talk".................."oh look at the time, did you want to reschedule"?

Smooth.

 

[gsgary]

whats wrong with porn ?

 

[orljustin]

"It looks like today isn't the day to get you at your best. How about we reschedule for when you've had time to prepare as I've requested."

 

[topazsol]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think next time I will politely reschedule.

 

[Robin Usagani]

They would have a great marriage if she accepts the fact he likes porn.

 

[Netskimmer]

They would have a great marriage if she accepts the fact he likes porn.

I have heard that such addictions can become a serious problem. Paying thousands for DVDs and/or internet subscription, ignoring family and job ect. Usually though, when someone sights one simple reason for a relationship going south, it is just a scapegoat for deeper issues. As for the OP, I agree with the others, find a polite way of saying "you look like !@#$ and we need to reschedule"