How do you do it?

[Downy]

Ok, I've been lurking here for some time. Picked up some tips here and there, but in all, I feel a bit confused about everything.

Well, today, I did my first kinda-real shoot! I'm taking photos for a church directory. I was so nervous, I'm afraid my "bed-side manner" (if you will) was not very good. I smiled at everyone, told them please be seated so they'd look a bit more relaxed, and just shot. Tried the "get in focus," (saw that on a post here somewhere) and it fell flat! "You need to do that, your the photographer." DUH! It probably wasn't as bad as it felt. Kind of like an accidentl, all went by very fast. Shot 25 folks. Only one couple looked very grim, but I think that's how they are. Maybe it will get better as I do it more, but I now realize it's just not as easy as it looks! Technical issues to get right, putting folks at ease, and not getting so nervous that you...well, do anything to really embarass yourself.

I've never liked being the center of attention. And when I turned around and all these people were behind me waiting...Oh my. Three more Sundays, and next one is Mother's Day. There will be a lot of folks waiting for this next one. It's low compensation, which is fine since it's really my first attempt at any kind of portrature. Pastor wants it by the fireplace. Don't know if everyone should be the same size, or anything. Shot them RAW. Could have turned out worse I suppose. Just got home from a full day, and suddenly more nervous than I was during the shoot.

Any ideas, suggestions, support or criticism...I'm open to all. And I also now have a much greater respect for "seasoned professionals!" However, I think I like shooting nature better at this point! (The shots are all on my laptop, hence, nothing to show here. No model releases anyway.)

Well then. Who cares? No one, obviously. I'll just climb back on the wall.