Can I Take A Picture?

Find somebody who likes taking pictures.  Ask that person nicely to allow you to tag along with them to capture some images.  If they are paying for studio time contribute towards the costs.  If they are going to different locations contribute towards the costs.  Do not interfere with the main photographer.

After capturing the images, work on them. Show them the images to get their opinion and work on them again.  Here are a few images that I captured whilst a blogger was preparing images for her website xplodingstereotypes.  I have made changes to the images using software and changed the backgrounds.

It is good when you have somebody who knows how to relax.  You can assist by reassuring them that you know what you are doing.  Trust me, it makes a big difference.

 If you can get different facial expressions each image will be unique.

Do not leave all your images as colour.  Changing to monochrome will show a deeper meaning in the person’s face.

Use a telephoto lens so that you can step much further back from the subject to put them at ease.  Not too far back or it will be someone at a distance shouting orders.

Please remember.  You have to communicate with the person.

The smile travelling down the camera lens says a lot to you as well as the person who has to look at the images.

If you have image manipulation software use it.  The camera does a good job but final exposure can be set via software.

You can build up a good collection of images which you can work on or present as is.

You can still take pictures from an angle whilst the other photographer gets on with what they are doing.

What do you do if the photographer or person tells you to go away?  Go away.  There will be other times.

Gather as much images as you can of different variety.  This will make the task enjoyable.

Capture what you can.

Compose where possible.

Plan ahead.

Your next assignment will be you alone with somebody.  Tell them to bring a friend if you feel that it is necessary.