365 Project - Days 299, 300

“Every artist was first an amateur.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I remember the exchange as though it just happened. That's how much this has impacted me, nay "haunted me" for nearly a year. The question went something like her son needed headshots for college and did I do that sort of thing? Almost as soon as she asked the question, I knew I should be doing them, but at the same time, I had no real headshot experience, except taking them of my children for their acting comps. Then, shortly after letting her know that it was not the sort of thing I did, but that I would be happy to try (which she declined), I was asked to shoot headshots of 100 youth for a local nonprofit. This time, I agreed and proceeded to shoot headshots of more than 300 children and teenagers in a 7 month period, easily nearing 10,000 photographs.

I love teen headshots. This is one of my all time favorite activities. I have spent so much time nagging my own children to allow me take their photos and running massive volume headshot sessions, that I have endured all kinds of nonsense, but still I'd rather do this than most other things. In 3 minute volume sessions with children aged 5 - 18, I can create 100 different looks, exhibiting 100 different personalities. And, that is truly by the grace of God. These sessions have allowed me to rapidly develop talent and skills in a contracted time that are easily transferable to traditional professional headshot and portrait sessions where the photographer and client are relaxed and have time for creativity and analysis. I can read the environment and the client very quickly and adapt. This is what I do in under 3 minutes in every volume session. That leaves me with more time in a 1 - 3 hour session with my clients to focus on creating unique beauty in their photographs.

I am constantly working on skills and trying new techniques. In these photos, I wanted to test handholding my 70-200mm. I prefer to hold my camera during headshot sessions to keep in constant contact with my client. This lens is really heavy and working with Kyra is not the easiest way to manage this shoot (she collapsed a few times), but I'm building strength and skill! I don't need this lens for studio work, but for outdoor shots, as you can see, the bokeh here could make all the difference. These photographs were taken very late in the day. And, well, I like.

Blessings.

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” Mahatma Gandhi

365 Project - Day 128

"Now that's a handsome dude! Mom! Did you Photoshop this?" That was my son's reaction to his own photograph. Why the question about Photoshop? "I just wanted reassurance that was my naturally handsome self?" To which I thought to myself, in the words of Winnie the Pooh, "Oh bother."

This is from day 2 of my prep for this week's cast photo sessions. And, this is one incredulously reluctant fella (as you can guess from his shoulders - at least I got a jawline!). I had to threaten to take away his Xbox Destiny video game if he did not sit for me. I think I've said this before, some photographers have the luxury of family for the honing of their craft. My family simply tortures me and forces me to beg or belittle to gain the favor of their presence. This, despite the fact that the session is always shorter and less painful than they anticipate (save their squirming) and they always end up with a photograph they consider "agreeable", if not downright handsome!

The trouble is that it is difficult to learn much with their fidgeting and impatience. At least, though, I have someone to practice with and I can alternate between my reluctant family members and my inanimate doll ;-) ... This means I have to work a little harder to fine tune my skills. The truth is I learn every single time, despite the challenging situation. Frankly, the more challenging the situation, the more I work to develop. And, that is always a good thing.

As it says in Proverbs 13:4, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper." (NLT)

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Charmed

"A sluggard's appetite is never filled but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
50mm
f8
1/180

365 Project - Day 48

It is difficult to explain the experience of photographing 70 children in a single afternoon. I can begin by stating that being organized was essential, as was being flexible. I arrived 45 minutes earlier than I had said I would. Yet, as soon as I arrived, little children wanted their photos taken since I was to start at the end of their meeting. I was early to set-up and because I knew I needed more than the planned 30 minutes to photograph 15 small children.

With a prepared cast/shot list in hand, I relied on my own children to take turns ensuring their friends and fellow cast members were lined up and ready to enter the makeshift studio in rapid succession. We needed to move quickly, plus I wanted the kids to have a moment to get comfortable and I wanted to be thorough, ensuring everyone had a good cast photo.

Overall, things went fairly smoothly. My kids were mostly helpful. Every so often they forgot their responsibilities and fell behind or left me to fend for myself. Not surprising, but aggravating. By the last session, I was running behind, but managing to stay sane.

I did not take a break, working straight through from 12:45 until 5:15. We took time to change the lighting when we shifted from the small children in Cinderella to the older kids. We changed from a single speed light to the speed light + the Einstein E640. I also took 30 seconds to stretch. Other than that, nonstop! Only living and breathing the session.

The only technical issues were adjusting the Einstein since I had not prepared correctly in the final prep and because the room was small and dim. (Did you notice the problem in yesterday's blog?) The other issue was that my SB700 recycle time slowed down midway through the session. I have not sorted out that issue.

Though harried and crazy, I enjoyed it. Who knows, maybe this could be my thing. I am sharing one of my son's headshots from the session. By the way, they were the absolute worst subjects of the day. Go figure!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: "All the world's my stage!"

A confession - I probably should include the "before" photo. I spent quite a bit of time trying to determine why the photos imported from View NX2 to Lightroom darkened dramatically. When I posted the question in the LR community the response was simply did I have Active D-Lighting on? Yep, I did. And, yes, I went over every camera setting multiple times. Just did not worry about this one since it hadn't previously been a problem. Now, though, I'm happy about the error. I'm enjoying the editing process and the discovery of the details in every photo. I have always embraced a challenge - can I get it right? I believe so.


"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV



EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
50mm
f/5.6
1/180 (headshot lighting kit)