Ideas for a Sister/Sister Shoot

[PhotoJunkieJen]

Please don't think me a lazy photographer. I promise I'm doing lots of homework on my own on this *laughs*

But I am quite a newbie photographer... I'm only doing my second shoot. It's a sister/sister shoot for a pair of girls who want some pictures for mom's birthday. I'm in need of ideas for shots... and locations.

Also for a shoot like this, should it have a particular theme? Meaning, only pick a location or two and stick to that... or?

I know the best way to learn is by doing... but one of these sisters is driving quite a long ways to be here so I'd like to give her something worth having.

Also, I'm only working with one portrait lens now, as my Sigma is in need of some repair.

One idea I had was a local Starbucks, if they'd allow it.. .just because the one I'm thinking of in particular has some cool furniture and a really artsy aura to it.

[SandeeWig]

Some questions...

What's their age range, roughly? - The answer may guide you in one direction or another in terms of pose as well as location. You referred to them as "girls", so I'm assuming younger...

Do they have any hobbies you can use as props (guitars, tennis rackets, etc.)?

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor? You might have more options w/ outdoor (if right time of day), and less set up time.

I think I would try to find simple, pleasing backgrounds and focus more on their personalities. Poses might include:

• head-to-head profiles
• back-to-back
• face reflections in a pool

I'm not too good at coming up with poses ahead of time...I usually think of the best ones after it's all said and done!

**All this coming from someone who is NOT a professional photographer, but likes to voice her opinion anyway. **

Good luck w/ your shoot and be sure to show us the results!!

[PhotoJunkieJen]

Hey, thanks for the input! I'm not a professional either *laughs*

I hope, though, after getting more shoots under my belt like this, I can be.

Hmm hobbies, good question, I'll ask. Some fun props would be nice!

They're both grown. One's around 24 and the other not much older. I think the older one will be bringing some dogs as well. The pets won't be in all the shots, but definitely some of them.

I'm not sure what time of day would be best for doing outside stuff... Gosh, I have so much to learn. There is a pretty cool outdoor park/mall place around here that might make for pretty background scenery. They even have a bottchi ball court... I'm not sure how to play bottchi ball, but it might make for some fun shots.

Thanks for your ideas! I know if I do my homework, it will go fine, but I always find myself sweating bullets in the days before a shoot.

[private]

Startbucks will allow it. I just had a mini session there, but it was outside. One of the things you might try doing is to have them whisper in each others ears, that may bring back fond memories for mom.

[Trader]

Originally Posted by PhotoJunkieJen

I'm not sure what time of day would be best for doing outside stuff... Gosh, I have so much to learn.

Try to avoid setting up a photo shoot when the bright harsh sun is overhead casting dark strong shadows on their face. That would be like between 11:AM to around 5:PM (depending on where you are located). Here in Florida the best time to shoot right now is around 6:PM to 8: or 8:30.

[kleidascope]

Here's a link to calculate sun. The Golden Hour | Visual sunrise and sunset calculator for photographers if you can't avoid mid day sun, then find shade - trees/buildings, etc.

It might be a good idea to have a wardrobe conversation. They should be dressed similar. If they want to wear jeans, they should both either be light or dark. Shirts should be either similar style or same color scheme. (Try to avoid white if possible - white is just more difficult to capture, especially in bright sunlight it tends to get blown out).

Give it some time for everyone to get comfortable, caputre pure moments.

[prettynink23]

I would ask them if they want outside or inside, or both. I would also ask what they plan on wearing, if they are wanting to have a wardrobe change, and what their interests are. If they are a big water family who loves swimming, not sure where you live, but photos by the ocean, or a lake might be appropriate. If they have fond memories of walks in the park maybe that would be the direction. Also is one the comic of the family and one the sensible one? If so maybe you could play up a comical theme based on that. Hopes this helps!

[no.absolutes]

Here is a sister-sister shot I did a few months ago. This was at a natural park in PA, Twin Lakes Park. Their ages were 18 and 22.

Click for the full set

[PhotoJunkieJen]

Thanks, guys, for all your help and wonderful advice. DPS is the best!

I was so nervous, haha, but today went well, I think. Once we started shooting, I felt really comfortable.

I'm just now pulling up my pictures from the day, but so far, I'm pleased. I hope they will be too.

Thanks for your input and for helping make the shoot go smoother! And for making me a better shutterbug in the process.