Maybe it is not PC

[Durnik20]

So how many people build their portfolio's with only the most physically fit of their clients?

I went to a wedding recently and, Im just going to say it and it isnt being mean cause I sure as hell am not a good looking guy, but the bride was just a bit on the plain side, and by a bit I mean quite a lot. So while her dress is great and alabaster white, and theres good light on her face and the composition of the shots is nice... I am not sure if I would show that shot off. That exact same shot with a prettier person then absolutely but...

So thats the question, when people look through your wedding portfolio do you think they care how pretty the other brides are?

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by Durnik20

So how many people build their portfolio's with only the most physically fit of their clients?

I went to a wedding recently and, Im just going to say it and it isnt being mean cause I sure as hell am not a good looking guy, but the bride was just a bit on the plain side, and by a bit I mean quite a lot. So while her dress is great and alabaster white, and theres good light on her face and the composition of the shots is nice... I am not sure if I would show that shot off. That exact same shot with a prettier person then absolutely but...

So thats the question, when people look through your wedding portfolio do you think they care how pretty the other brides are?

I post the pictures I like and are my best work. It does not matter what how they are physically as long as the picture looks nice and i feel ist one of my 20 best pictures.

[jonesbob]

Show herthe shot and let her and spouse decide if they want it. All brides are beautiful in the eyes of spouse and family who will be perusing the wedding pictures 1,5,20.and50 years from now.

[Durnik20]

Originally Posted by jonesbob

Show herthe shot and let her and spouse decide if they want it. All brides are beautiful in the eyes of spouse and family who will be perusing the wedding pictures 1,5,20.and50 years from now.

Oh I know this part, I showed her the shots and she really does look great, her family loved all of them, the question is would you include that picture in say your wedding portfolio that you show OTHER people who do not know them, this don't have that mentality.

[BigFuzzy]

I've struggled with this a bit because on one the hand, I only want hawt subjects as people (sadly) are more drawn to attractive people.

On the other hand I think I did a really good job making some of my least attractive clients (being nice, she was huge) actually look quite nice and in some ways I think that has to be a good selling point to other weight-challenged potential clients as they'll see someone more like them looking quite good.

I think I will add some of my least attractive couples, yet good images, to my portfolio. I hope it shows talent with making the less lucky look (and feel) good!

[Durnik20]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

I've struggled with this a bit because on one the hand, I only want hawt subjects as people (sadly) are more drawn to attractive people.

On the other hand I think I did a really good job making some of my least attractive clients (being nice, she was huge) actually look quite nice and in some ways I think that has to be a good selling point to other weight-challenged potential clients as they'll see someone more like them looking quite good.

I think I will add some of my least attractive couples, yet good images, to my portfolio. I hope it shows talent with making the less lucky look (and feel) good!

Thats a really good Idea, what I may do is keep them on hand so I can swap them in and out as needed based on the person.

I know I try to keep about 50 images handy for my portfolio though only use 15-20 at a time so that I can cater what I am showing someone to their specific interests. That might be a great idea, to keep it handy cause they are good shots, for other people who are of the same size to show them how great I can make them look.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Durnik20

Thats a really good Idea,

Must be that time of the month for me.
Yeah, I decided a while ago to add them to my port, but just haven't gotten around to it.

[Niresangwa]

Maybe it's not PC but it's a hugely important question.

I guess my advice is to just not work with people you're not prepared to include in your work, as far as practicable.

Initially when you're building, you pretty much take whatever comes your way, but as you go along you can be more selective.

Maybe it's unfair, but to flip the situation, it's like someone not wanting to hire you because they don't like your style and how your work looks... no one would argue with that. However, people get a scowl on their uptight faces when you imply you don't want to work with people who don't fit that style.

Thankfully a quick Google stalk can allow you to head these things off at the pass much of the time.

Beautiful people make beautiful pictures.

My wife hates that I think like this.

[RLucas]

I may have just found a niche market! Too bad there's not much call for sp's!

[autofocus]

Us included in the "only cute, and good looking ones"...sad, but true. Let's face it, your website is one of the better ways to advertise your product and services. Would a car dealer use a green car with a red vinyl top, and brown interior as their signature item on their web site?..not likely. So, why should we photographers be any different.