FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
A friend of mine wanted to take photos for a contest. She and I are comfortable with each other and she was nervous about posing for a stranger right out of the gate. I read a few books, bought a camera and started to practice. Several months later I had photographer dozens of people, and my friend had changed her mind about doing the contest. I have been shooting ever since and love every minute I'm behind the camera working with a client, and every second in post finishing up their shots.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My portfolio is heavy on portraiture, but I've done all sorts of jobs. If I had to choose the most common, I do a lot of portfolio building. I work well with people that are just starting out because I am understanding, I offer as much direction and encouragement as is needed to make them feel comfortable, and I try to create an open atmosphere where exploration is encouraged. I have a rule that I follow with that sort of client. In the industry time is money. You need to be on and focused in front of the camera, and the camera sees all. Instead of being rude, or overly critical about an expression or pose, I'll just shoot it. And if you get self-critical and start pulling faces, I'll shoot that too. Of course, the next rule is I will never use, or in a lot of cases even keep, a shot that you don't want used. That should be the rule with all photographers, but I don't know how others work. I find that these two rules allow you the model to see what you did from start to finish. You'll see what you should and shouldn't do, and do better next time.