FIRST people shoot - Where do I START?!

[wendii]

So I am new to photography, and I have a few people interested in having some engagement pictures taken.

The pictures are going to be done for free, in exchange of being able to use the work done for an upcoming website.

Also these people are friends of friends, so I don’t know them a whole ton. So I am kind of doing a favour for them and vice versa.

Where do I start? I have a Canon Rebel and a standard lens (18 – 55mm) and one other which I believe is 70 mm- 300 mm (not IS).

I have limited any post-processing experience. I have used Picassa, and have downloaded GIMP and attempting to figure that out. I love to do post-processing as I love effects, and creating a soft look.

So, I am actually very nervous… haven’t booked anything. Shooting people is very limited. So I could use any tips, ideas, or anything in general in order to over come this first shoot.



HELP?

[windrider86]

Forgive me for what I am about to say. Practice, practice and practice. Both your photography skills as well as your processing skills prior to even thinking about doing a photo shoot
Otherwise you may have a disaster on your hands. Trust me, I speak from expierience.
If you have to go ahead, Check out web sites and get ideas for poses. Avoid harsh sunlight and shadows accross the face

[Stargazer1223]

I agree with practice as a necessary tool. The best thing to do is schedule "shoots" with as many friends as will agree to it- that way you have the feel of a professional shoot without the pressure!

As for what you've already got on your plate, so long as the couple understand how experienced or inexperienced you are, you'll be fine. Go with what you've got, and since it's your first shoot and you might blank on ideas for posing etc, try talking with the couple about what THEY want to try. Well, do that anyways, but once you start getting the hang of it you'll have more to input yourself. The biggest thing is to get to know your subjects before shooting, and then try to capture their personalities and how they interact together. Make jokes, keep them active, and make sure all of you feel comfortable during the shoot (especially since your comfort level will likely affect theirs).

Good luck and hang in there!

[Trader]

Another hint is to be very very familiar with the location you will be shooting in. Even better idea is to go there without your subjects and take a few shots and see where you get your best images from.

[wendii]

Thanks for all the tips. I will be practising alot this weekend with friends!

Keep em coming

[Jim Poor]

How long to you have before the "real shoot?" I hate to sound curmudgeonly, but a shoot like this is too important for someone to go into not knowing what they are doing.

If you have time (MONTHS at least) then practice, practice, practice, but if you don't, the right thing to do is back out in favor of someone who knows what they are doing. At the very least, find someone with experience to go with you and help you. That way you double your odds of success.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[AnneWynne]

I used to say my camera (similar to what you have, including lenses) made me a photographer, but now I know better. It is the person behind the camera who is the photographer, and the camera and other equipment are tools used by the photographer to capture the image they want. There is soooo much more to point the camera and shooting away.

Yes, you can get some good shots BY ACCIDENT unless you KNOW what you are doing....knowing about white balance, framing, lighting, and more are so important in producing a product you can be proud of. I have gone back to some of my older shots (nicely framed, sharp, etc) and looked at them again and found errors in white balance and color casts that I have only recently been able "see" because I am looking at my results with a more educated eye.

Portrait photography, even photojournalistic portraiture, is relatively complicated and relatively difficult to get a professional result. I think you need to make sure the couple knows you are a beginner (not starting out, but a beginner) and that you appreciate their willingness to help you get better. Tell them that you will not be insulted if they use a different photographer for their engagement photos if they do not like your photos. More importantly, you need to tell them if your photos do not turn out well...don't sell them on a sucky product.

I agree with Jim in that engagement portraits are too important for someone to go into with limited knowledge, skills, and abilities as you indicate is your case. If the couple wants to go forward with your session, that is their decision, providing you have been completely open and honest with them regarding your abilities.

Windrider is dead on with her advice to practice, practice, practice. Use the critique forums for feedback (follow forum rules) and other forums to learn more. If you are into postprocessing, get very familiar with a good program as this will reduce your time with each photo.

Good luck with your endeavors.
Anne

[CanonRebelz]

Practice makes perfect. Well, almost perfect. But it helps.
GIMP is a good starter post-processing program, and I love it.
Get idea's for poses off the web, if there are some shadows across the face try and use your flash built in on the camera. It can really help even in daylight portaits. Try to let them have a bit of say in the poses and etc, but don't let it get out of hand. Make sure you have enough control, while letting them have a little say.
Get to know them a little, that can help you feel a little more relaxed and more comfortable.
Anyway, good luck

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by CanonRebelz

Practice makes perfect. Well, almost perfect.

Practice makes _permanent_, perfect practice makes perfect.

[Lucylove]

Go have a drink with the couple... everyone can loosen up...but ask them details...let them talk about each other... try to capture some photos during that time, too.. You'll catch some natural lovey dovey looks to each other as they "tell their story"... If you are doing it for free, just make sure they know your level of expertise and that since it is free, they can always find an alternative...just be very aware of timeframe and don't drag out the process of showing them proofs incase they decide to do another session with someone else.

Doing a freebie is the only way you can get true experience... if they know how they are helping you, and that there are few strings attached... it can be a good hands-on experience....

Update us on how it goes!

Jessie