When it comes to portraits, anybody can eventually master camera and lighting techniques. But, for me, it's the freaking people-skills that continue to be just out of my reach too much of the time.
Take this morning for instance. My son's teacher was very proud of her holiday outfit, so I offered to take her photo. She was very happy, as she has seen my work over a few years. We went out to the breezeway, early morning, beautiful transition light under the overhang...
Now, let me say, she is quite overweight, and though outgoing, clearly sensitive about her appearance. She was in a great mood, so I asked her to remove her mask while I stepped about eight feet back (still wearing mine!), and gave her a few posing suggestions. You know, please turn your right shoulder to the camera a little, don't hold your hands in front, just let your arms relax by your sides...
I got a quick set of 3/4 body shots, excellent expression, great light. And then I went and spoiled it.
"Ok, that's the best I can do," I said. She looked crushed.
WTF was I thinking? Ok, I was in a rush, and I did NOT mean the best I could do with her, or for her, but in the time I had. I don't know. This stuff just blurts out. AAAAAAAArggggggggghhhhhhhhh
Hopefully the quality of the photo will ease the sting.
95% of the time, I'm suave enough, humorous, disarming...But this kind of ^%&* keeps happening.
So, who else would like to share the dumbest and/or most regrettable things you have ever said to a subject? Please, be honest! Reveal your darkest moments!
Take this morning for instance. My son's teacher was very proud of her holiday outfit, so I offered to take her photo. She was very happy, as she has seen my work over a few years. We went out to the breezeway, early morning, beautiful transition light under the overhang...
Now, let me say, she is quite overweight, and though outgoing, clearly sensitive about her appearance. She was in a great mood, so I asked her to remove her mask while I stepped about eight feet back (still wearing mine!), and gave her a few posing suggestions. You know, please turn your right shoulder to the camera a little, don't hold your hands in front, just let your arms relax by your sides...
I got a quick set of 3/4 body shots, excellent expression, great light. And then I went and spoiled it.
"Ok, that's the best I can do," I said. She looked crushed.
WTF was I thinking? Ok, I was in a rush, and I did NOT mean the best I could do with her, or for her, but in the time I had. I don't know. This stuff just blurts out. AAAAAAAArggggggggghhhhhhhhh
Hopefully the quality of the photo will ease the sting.
95% of the time, I'm suave enough, humorous, disarming...But this kind of ^%&* keeps happening.
So, who else would like to share the dumbest and/or most regrettable things you have ever said to a subject? Please, be honest! Reveal your darkest moments!
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