Prefacing a Real Shoot
Lesson 12 from: Capturing Authentic Photos of Children & FamiliesChris Orwig
Prefacing a Real Shoot
Lesson 12 from: Capturing Authentic Photos of Children & FamiliesChris Orwig
Lessons
Class Introduction
04:57 2The Foundation of Family and Kid Photography
04:23 3Develop your Vision, Voice & Style
36:29 4Essential Gear
07:18 5Working with Light
10:03 6How to Prepare for a Family Shoot
07:55 7Location Scouting
08:05 8Instant Rapport & Lasting Trust
05:09How to Direct and Connect with Families
38:30 10Photographing the Family
19:57 11Wrapping up the Shoot
13:51 12Prefacing a Real Shoot
02:23 13Photographing your own Family: Mother
14:43 14Photographing your own Family: Mother & Sister
12:31 15Photographing your own Family: Mother, Sister, and Niece
11:23 16Working with your Own Kids
27:26 17Turning Passion into Profit
36:14 18Photoshop and Lightroom Processing & Workflow
42:58 19Wrap Up
04:01Lesson Info
Prefacing a Real Shoot
What I wanted to share in this segment as we start is to think about this idea that if you wanna get good at photography, there is one secret, which is, if you wanna get good at food photography, you gotta photograph food that you absolutely love. If you wanna get good at photographing families with pets, it's gotta be the kind of pet that you absolute, you know what I mean? You love dogs, you're a dog lover, or you're a horse person, you know, like you do that thing. And so part of the challenge in photography is we tend to not do that. We sort of practice with other things that aren't meaningful to us and you have to make it meaningful. So for family photography, part of that means is making it more meaningful in this way photographing your own family. Kids are a little bit easier, I think, than adults but one of the challenges at the end of the workbook you'll see is to photograph someone in your family older than you and to approach them and set something up. To set something up wi...
th a shoot with someone you know, you always need an excuse. What I mean by that is, "Hey I'm taking this online class. "The teacher requires that I photograph "an aunt, uncle, mom, or dad, "and I need to do it in their place of work." Making it up. And then you go and do that thing. And they'll be much more willing than if you say, "Hey, can I photograph you?" 'Cause their next question is, "Why?" and you wanna beat them to that question. And when you're photographing them, it's a great practice in trying to have some logic behind the shoot, or connection. In other words, my mom, among other things, paints, so I had her bring in a painting. I also had her bring in a painting that her dad made. And if ever you can get someone to talk about something they love, or someone else that they care for, it puts them at ease as well. 'Cause otherwise you say, like what do I do? Just stand there? No, stand there and hold your tennis racquet. And even though that's a bad shot, the person will get comfortable, will start swinging the tennis racquet, and then you say, "Hey throw that tennis racquet." and then they throw it and then they're relaxed and you get a really good portrait of dad, or whoever it is. So that's essentially what I'm trying to show how I would do here. I have no idea if it will work, and that's part of the fun. And that will be part of the fun for you as well. If you know it's gonna work, it probably isn't that big of a risk. And the real growth happens when you start getting out of those comfort zones.
Class Materials
Bonus Materials with Purchase
Ratings and Reviews
Meredith Zinner Photography
Chris is a FANTASTIC teacher (and photographer). He is so very very authentic, warm, REAL, talented, knowledgeable, honest, open and true to his wonderful self. This class, in addition to endless nuggets of knowledge and insights, highlights how being true to your own self makes you a better photographer- emphasizing connection, authenticity, fun and easy relaxed simple joy. A refreshing take on children's photography for sure! Thank you Chris and CreativeLive!
Neeraj Arora
Oh my god!!!! What a class. I couldn't stop watching. Chris you are an inspiration, loved every word you said, loved how you said it. I am in the process of getting a plan together for doing photography professionally on the side, on top of my research career, and you just hit a home run in getting me motivated and excited in taking the plunge. My photography of people gives me a lot of satisfaction and meaning and you just validated what I have been thinking of doing lately. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
lisa james
Wow, I have been in search of my style. I've been reading and researching and listening to inspiring speakers and from each one I've gathered pieces of information that help guide me. This class, however, has been the most successful for me. Chris's approach to teaching and his material that he provides is Spot On for me. Thank you, Chris. I am so inspired and eager to move forward now that I can see my vision more clearly. I highly recommend this class.