HS Senior Shoot

[jimmyd]

Originally Posted by srose911

Again very interesting input. My only excuse here for not using the rule of thirds is that most of the seniors in my area are looking for a good shot for their yearbook or wallets to send with invitations. I actually did shoot several of this girl using the rule and actually had to hold myself back & remember this is a high school senior, not a model.

Not as if I would turn out better work if it were a model.... Just saying sometimes I tend to get off track.

This thread has been slightly hijacked and I'm responsible for some of that happening. Please don't think I'm holding you up as a prime example of some of the stuff I've been saying. I'm not.The fact that you're here, posting in a critiques forum amongst so many photographers, i.e., your peers, says a lot about your quest to excel as a shooter.

[srose911]

Jimmyd It never entered my mind that you would be holding me as an example of the things you've stated.

Even if you were that would becompletely understandable as the purpose of a critiques forum would be for those more experienced to voice their opinions for the poster to learn from.

As for being hijacked.... it did take a turn in a different direction, however most of which I can relate to the pics I posted. No big deal!

I visit several photography forums, however this is the only one I post at. If I want people to give me advice on how to better my skills I want it to be from the best......

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

The problem is the bar: It's been lowered. It's not been slightly lowered, it's practically hit the ground. These days, much of the public--mostly, I think, because of what they see on the internet--have been so inundated with mediocre, pedestrian, and often times, downright awful images... and told (usually by the images' creators) how great the work is, they've been brainwashed into believing there's quality and skill brought to bear on the completely forgettable work they're looking at. Blame the internet, blame the digital camera (r)evolution, blame today's "instant pudding" generation, blame whomever you want, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how much the bar's been lowered.

So true! It reminds me of the discussion on art (and its deterioration) that was had between Ben Caxton and Jubal Harshaw in Robert Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land". Art surely isn't what it used to be. But I do believe that when people are confronted with the run of the mill photo that has they've been told is great and a really good photo that has been finely crafted by an artist, that they do recognize the difference. But even then --- they may not care (sadly).

Cheers,
rfs

[BenE]

Originally Posted by srose911

Again very interesting input. My only excuse here for not using the rule of thirds is that most of the seniors in my area are looking for a good shot for their yearbook or wallets to send with invitations. I actually did shoot several of this girl using the rule and actually had to hold myself back & remember this is a high school senior, not a model.

Not as if I would turn out better work if it were a model.... Just saying sometimes I tend to get off track.

srose,
I believe you have made a valid point about what seniors, and parents, want. That is something you can determine for yourself, and what the buying public wants differs greatly from one part of the state to another.

The original post you made asked for comments about a high school senior, and my replies have been, hopefully, along those lines of thinking.

I believe any session should be a "mix" of styles when possible. What you posted was a couple of head shots, and a couple of 3/4 poses. As I said before, i think you need to work of posing and lighting first. After that comes the other artsy and creative images, in my opinion.

If you are a full time photographer, or working toward that goal, and want to specialize in seniors, or at least shoot a good number, good posing with a flair, will separate you from the rest of the photographers in your area. Lighting is important because even "laymen", parents, and seniors, will recognize a hot spot when they see it, such as the one on your image #4.

Now back to the mix, I was talking about. In my opinion, a good senior session consists of headshots, 3/4, and full length. Some "artsy", some moody, some off the wall. Seniors are looking for a variety, and that is what sells. They do want to look like models, so it is up to you to make that happen. Mos tseniors have neve had a studio portrait made before, and do not know how to pose or what to do with their hands or feet or how to stand. That is where the posing comes in. At the same time, Most parents do not want their daughters to look overtly sexy. The main thing I can see is to watch the backgrounds, hot spots, and hair. At the same time work on posing.

For many years I have studied with photographers from across the country who specialize in seniors, and have seen some fantastic work.. a lot that I will never be able to do... but when they show me the large prints with the kid so small that you have to get a magnifying glass to see who it is, I just laugh it off. I do some of that, but about 99.9% of the time, the customers say something like.. " I like this one, but can you crop out all that other stuff, and make it close?

In your part of Texas, I imagine the people are about like my part. Very conservative and down to earth, (not that it is a bad thing). A high fashion shoot for a senior will be an attention getter, but when they buy they will buy more basic images. So shoot the fashion, and even go over the top, but continue to shoot basic as well.

I will be thru your part of Texas maybe in April.. lets have coffee. you can buy.

[srose911]

BenE please let me know when you're coming through. If I'm off from my full time job I'd be glad to meet up with you.

You can buy the coffee, I'll take care of the breakfast, or lunch. (that way I'd have more time to pick your brain)

[BenE]

srose,

Check your private messages here. I sent some information. I will send my regular email adress also.

[BenE]

?? Where did you go srose??

I sent two messages, but you seem to have disappeared? I have no other way to contact you except a message here or a post like this one.