How You, The Client, Can Have the Best Portrait Session

Written by Khrishna 

As a photographer it never ceases to amaze me at how clients expect the world from their photo session when they didn't prepare for it.  The understanding that you get back what you put into it definitely applies to a client and their photo session.  The photographer with his or her camera can only do so much.

Here are some suggestions for making your photo session a great one....

• Get plenty of rest the day before your photo session.  Being well rested will ward off red eyes, dark circles and bags under the eyes.  It will also put you in the right mood for your photographs.

• Be well groomed.  Hair, nails and most of all your face should be well groomed.  Before your session it is a good time to treat yourself.  In other words, guys get your hair cut, trimmed and shaped. Ladies have your hair and nails done.  And for both the ladies and guys, if you have the money and time get a facial.  Keep in mind that this would not be a good time to try a new hair style or new hair color.  It's best to go with what has worked for your in the past.  If you want to create a new look first test the new look out before being photographed.  

• For the ladies - Prepare and tryout your make-up before your session.  If you are not sure of what to do or what type of make-up to wear visit your local make-up counter at the mall.  In some cases, you can scheduled an appointment and they will do your make-up for a small fee or for buying some of their products.  Note: Not all make-up counters will do this so you will have to check around in advance.  Or make an appointment with a make-up artist at your local salon; this usually will cost you a little bit more money.  If brides do it for their special day then why shouldn't you.  Think of your photo session as your special day.  

• Bring Accessories.  Accessories define your style, distinguishes you from all others and assists in telling your story.  Jewelry, hats, scarfs, your basketball, tennis racket, etc.  However, be careful not to over do it.  For example, if your thing is hats don't wear a hat in all of the shots.  Only bring one or two of your favorite hats with you.  Try taking some pictures with your hat and some without.

• Practice Posing.  Look at your favorite fashion magazines and examine the different poses of the models.  There is a very good reason why models get paid the big buck for posing in front of a camera. It's because posing is not easy.  So, learn from the pros and practice some of those poses in front of a mirror. Try on poses like you would try on clothes.   And pick out the best ones for you.  Then bring those magazines with those poses to your session.  Don't be afraid to try those pose out in front of the camera.  Remember that this is your time to shine so be your own super star in front of the camera.  If you forget what your poses were, don't worry this isn't a test, ask the photographer for a brief time out and look at the magazines that you brought with you.  As your session goes along this should help you loosen up and your own creative juices will start to flow with with your own original poses.

• Have Fun.   The more fun that you have in preparing for your session the more relaxed and at ease you will be.  The more relaxed you are the better the photos will be.

By putting greater thought into the preparation of your photo session you will reap the rewards of a  portrait that is an unmistakable attractive representation of you.

Portraits - What Makes A Good Portrait A Great Portrait?

Written by Khrishna

What makes a good portrait a great portrait?  The answers will vary from photographer to photographer.  Be that as it may most photographers will say that the eyes must be clearly in focus and that composition is a key factor.  Those answers would be correct and as a professional photographer I have put into practice those technical and compositional techniques.

However, I have learned that as an artist it takes much more to create a portrait. I believe that it is my duty as an artist to capture the essence of the individual.  This can be a challenge for 2 reasons.  First of all most portrait sessions are usually limited to a 1 or  2 hours.   Most people, especially children, will not sit still for more than than a couple of hours for a photo shoot. Therefore, the minute the client sits down to be shot the pressure is on to produce.  The second challenge is that most people that a portrait photographer will shoot are not fashion models or beauty queens.  Nevertheless, everyone has a story and a style unique unto themselves that they are paying be photographed.

 It's hard to capture the essence of someone that you know nothing about and so my approach begins with getting to know a little about the client and pinpointing their personal style and allure.  I have created a simple set of questions that I ask before scheduling the portrait session.  These questions help me get to know the person I'm shooting.  One of the most important questions that I ask the client is how would they like to be perceived in their portrait.  This is important to know because everyone has a certain perception of themselves that they wish others to see.  This portrait perception is how they want to captivate their audience.  I have learned that perceptions can range from a sexy hunk to showing off a new body because they have lost weight. Hence I tailor each session to fit the client and thus their portrait looks like no one else's except there own.  When the client's breath has been taken away and their family and friends are wowed by the finished product I know that I have created a great portrait.

             

Steer clear from the pitfall of trying to make photography magic. When trying to create photography magic the portrait is no longer the essence of that individual but a plastic version of that individual. Always remember that you are a photographer and not a magician. Ultimately the task at hand is to enhance and highlight the beauty of the client and not to try and create something that is not already there. Remembering to accentuate the positive along with down playing the negative will meet and exceed the client's expectations.

Krog Street Tunnel

Written by Khrishna

Krog St tunnel is not your average tunnel.  Its walls are lined with multiple colored scribbles dimly lit by wall lights.  Each scribble seems to leap off the wall when a passing car's head lights briefly illuminates them.  One by one the different colors distinguish various tag artists' conceptions.  The blend of intensely hued art and poetry make a bewitching harmony for one's eyes to dance to.  On the surface this fusion of art and poetry seems to suggest a superficial view of urban life.  Yet when examined closer there can be found political view points, announcements of local evens, stories, religious fervor, theoretical ideals and beliefs.

I was overwhelmed by the artistry and overlapping messages.  It was a cornucopia of pigments.  To an inattentive passer by these pigments might seem to be mindless squiggles with aimlessly put together drawings.  However for the person who is whiling to take the time to do more than pass through he or she will find a treasure of art that would never be found a stuffy old museum.  This is living art born from today's association of artists who tagged those walls.  My photography friends and I used our cameras to capture forever what time might one day steal away from us all.

These creative and colorfully expressed messages on this medium of concrete and metal make the Krog Street tunnel an urban gallery of obscure art.