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Category: Traditional Film Photography

Photography Question 

Justin G.
 

Some portrait questions about these I tried.


 
 
I took some photos of my wife and I last weekend and developed them and when printing didn't really like them. I was wondering if anyone could give me some basic advice on these pics. Exposure-wise these aren't exactly what the darkroom prints look like b/c I didn't like the way my scanner scanned these, so I did some shadow/highlight work in PS. Anyways I'm looking for some advice on posing mainly. I really don't know how to pose my wife and I so I just set the timer and run over there and smile and they don't come out all that great. Any ideas?


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September 04, 2005

 

Justin G.
  I guess I meant like what should I do with our arms, any other poses except just standing there with the thigh and up shot.


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September 04, 2005

 

Tom Walker
  Wile 1 and 3 are a little stiff, I liked #2, it's a litle blurry, but that may be my monitor.

PS Nice to have a ready model anytime that looks like that, congratulations on your taste.


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September 04, 2005

 

Michelle Ross
  What about taking a wood stool and have you sit on it and her standing behind you leaning forward to one side of you with her arms kind of draped around your neck. . . or anything more snuggly. . . maybe some sitting on the ground . . .


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September 04, 2005

 

Justin G.
  Snuggly, I guess that should've been my first intentions as a husband! lol. Thanks for you help. Reshooting at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

justin


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September 04, 2005

 
- Bob Cournoyer

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  #1 looks good, the others look too bright....
For my eye, with something of interest in the background, you're too much straight in the middle of the image. Open the window a little bit more and put yourselves more to one side or the other...:-)

Bob


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September 04, 2005

 

Melissa L. Zavadil
  I might suggest a more of a spontanious shot. Hug her like you mean it and get her to get a genuine laugh or smile. I like more spontanious shots. Lean into her like you are loving on her and are more physically close. The way you are posed comes across like you two are distant from one another or 'just getting to know' one another. I guess what I am trying to say is that put more 'intimacy' in the shot by getting physically closer to her--causing her to have a more genuine smile and response.
Just a suggestion.
Melissa


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September 04, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
 
 
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Liza M. Franco

 
 
Hi Justin,

This is one of those things where personal taste is going to come into play. Some like a formal look while others like a more natural look. Personally I like to see interaction between couples. So I think I have to agree with Melissa.

I have found that some of the best shots are ones where the couple thinks I am just taking a camera reading and I click when they aren't expecting it. One couple loved a shot where one person was just gently brushing the other one's hair off of her face. It was just a sweet moment of interaction as they would normally do.

I also like to take odd angle shots. You could put your camera on a tripod and aim it downward. You can then either lay or sit on the ground/floor and look up. These are always a big seller for me because people like to have a different perspective. Usually the couple will buy these for themselves and more traditionally posed photos for family members.

You asked about hands, if your wife would normally put her arm around your neck while you hold her waist, then do that. Her hand on your chest, touching your cheek, etc.

Here are some examples. For more look under "Couples" on my website.
http://www.orgsites.com/nc/lizafrancophotography/

Again, this is just my taste and I'm sure their are many other suggestions out there.


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September 04, 2005

 
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