Best of teen and senior portrait photography: techniques and images for digital photographers

161 Pages·2012·38.322 MB·English

by  Hurter, Bill

THE BEST OF
SENIOr
POrTrAIT

PhOTOgrAPhy
techniques and images for
digital photographers
Second Edition
bill hurter
Amherst mediA, inc. BuffAlo, nY
A Note from the Author
As I began to research this book, I became acquainted with many wonderful photographers who concen-
trate primarily on senior portraiture. They are a specialized group and, like the people they photograph,
they tend to be animated and full of life. They are also (thankfully!) willing to share the many secrets of fine
senior photography. I wish to thank the many fine teen and senior photographers—and new friends—who
have participated in this book. Without their help, it would not have been possible.
Copyright © 2012 by Bill Hurter.
All rights reserved.
Front cover photograph by: Frank Frost.
Back cover photograph by: Mark Bryant.
Published by:
Amherst Media, Inc.
P.O. Box 586
Buffalo, N.Y. 14226
Fax: [phone]
www.AmherstMedia.com
Publisher: Craig Alesse
Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins
Assistant Editor: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt
Editorial Assistance from: Carey A. Miller, Sally Jarzab, John S. Loder
Business Manager: Adam Richards
Marketing, Sales, and Promotion Manager: Kate Neaverth
Warehouse and Fulfillment Manager: Roger Singo
ISBN-13: 978-1-60895-479-7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2011942800
Printed in The United States of America.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electron-
ic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher.
Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the author’s experience and opin-
ions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.
Check out Amherst Media’s blogs at: http://portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/
http://weddingphotographer-amherstmedia.blogspot.com/
Table of Contents
Introduction ............... 6 2. Posing..................... 30
Beyond Yearbook Photos................ 6 The Head and Shoulders ............... 31
Essential Skills ........................ 7 Start with the Shoulders ............. 31
Make It Fun ....................... 7 Turn the Face..................... 32
Respect Their Ideas.................. 7 Tilt the Head ..................... 32
Show What’s Unique About Them...... 8 Facial Analysis..................... 33
Understand Their World.............. 8 Face Positions..................... 34
Provide Variety..................... 9 The Eyes......................... 36
Make Them Feel Good............... 9 The Mouth....................... 38
Don’t Ignore the Internet............ 10 The Hands and Fingers ................ 40
Teamwork at TriCoast Photography ...... 10 Three-Quarter- and Full-Length Poses..... 42
Why Good Photographers Turn to Seniors.. 12 Technical Considerations Related to Posing. 44
Camera Height.................... 44
1. The Changing Working Distance and Focal Length .... 44
Face of Senior Giving Directions..................... 46
Portraiture................ 14 Tim Kelly Gives Assistance as Needed ..... 46
Yearbook Photography................. 14 Subject Comfort ..................... 48
Contract Photographers ............. 14 Guidelines, Not Rules ................. 48
Dress Code....................... 15
Composition and Print Size .......... 16
Photograph by Sam Sciarrino.
Deadlines ........................ 16
Split Sessions and
Yearbook-Only Session............ 16
When Contracts Work............... 17
Today’s Senior Studios................. 18
Craig Kienast’s Portraits Rock ........... 19
McClanahans’ Boutique Studio .......... 20
Robert Lino’s Quinceañera Portraits ...... 22
Kersti Malvre on Location .............. 23
John Poppleton’s Black-Light
and Fantasy Portraits ............. 26
Beth Forester’s Digital Tattoos........... 27
table of contents 3
3. Communication Fashion Lighting..................... 75
Is Key.......................... 49 Feathering the Lights.................. 76
Pre-Session Consultation............... 49 Reflectors .......................... 77
Clothing Selection.................... 54 Brian King Likes Soft Light ............. 78
Guys............................ 54
Girls............................ 54 5. Outdoor Lighting .... 81
Color and Style.................... 56 Window Light....................... 81
Shoes ........................... 56 Exposure and Fill .................. 81
Accessories ....................... 57 Time of Day...................... 82
Jeff Smith Offers Reassurance ........... 58 Diffusing Window Light............. 82
Hair and Makeup..................... 58 Shade ............................. 84
Eyeglasses .......................... 59 Modifying the Light .................. 84
Tony Hewitt Says Less Is More .......... 60 Reflectors ........................ 84
No Parent at the Session?............... 60 Gobos........................... 85
Two Tips from David Humphrey......... 61 Scrims........................... 86
Emphasize Individuality................ 62 Flash as the Fill Light.................. 87
Different Sessions for Different Clients .... 62 Flash Output ..................... 88
Give and Receive Feedback ............. 63 TTL Flash-Fill Exposure............. 88
Breaking Down Defenses............... 65 Manual Flash-Fill Exposure........... 88
David Humphrey Prioritizes the Kids...... 65 Flash as the Main Light ................ 89
Ben Shirk Appeals to Athletes ........... 67 Leslie McIntosh Uses Flash at Twilight .... 91
Jeff Smith Works at Midday............. 92
4. Studio Lighting ........ 69 Using Long Lenses
The Illusion of Depth ................. 69 to Cut Image Contrast............ 93
On-Location with Christian LaLonde ..... 69 Don’t Pigeonhole Fuzzy Duenkel ........ 94
Main and Fill Lights................... 70 Larry Peters Hits the Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Hair and Background Lights ............ 71 Brianna Graham Seeks Organic Harmony .. 98
Broad and Short Lighting .............. 72
Diffusing the Light ................... 72 6. Marketing
Lighting Ratios ...................... 75 Techniques ................ 101
Budget ........................... 102
Photograph by TriCoast Photography. Consistent Branding ................. 102
Direct Mail ........................ 103
Design ......................... 103
Frequency....................... 104
List Brokers ..................... 104
On-Line Marketing .................. 104
Your Web Site.................... 104
E-mail Blasts..................... 105
Social Networking Sites............. 105
Online Videos.................... 105
Blogging........................ 106
Beth Forester’s Senior Slideshow Podcast.. 107
Yearbook Advertising................. 107
Market in Threes.................... 107
Dollar-a-Day Sessions ................ 108
Frank Frost Hits the Silver Screen ....... 108
Student Representatives............... 108
Scott and Adina Hayne Create a
“Senior Experience”............. 109
Cherie and Frank Frost Discover
Albuquerque’s “Selfless Seniors”.... 110
Dan Rowe on “The Game” ............ 112
Melanie Anderson Knows Her Stuff...... 114
Travis Gadsby: Customer Service Is King.. 115
Senior Portraits in Emerging Markets..... 119
Tero Sade....................... 119
Photograph by Fuzzy Duenkel.
John Ratchford................... 121
8. Senior Portraiture
7. Products in Practice................. 133
and Proofing............. 125 Hernan Rodriguez Stays Flexible........ 133
Previews Make a Difference............ 125 Bambi Cantrell: A Fine-Art Approach .... 136
Pricing............................ 125 Jeff Smith Offers Plenty of Options ...... 138
Session Fees ..................... 125 Sam Sciarrino: Size Really Does Matter ... 140
À la Carte vs. Package Pricing ........ 126 Ralph Romaguera:
Premium Offers .................. 126 The Savvy Senior Market ......... 142
Deposits and Pre-Payment............. 127 Deborah Lynn Ferro: The Artist’s Touch.. 144
Proofing .......................... 127 Tim Schooler: How a Veteran Does It .... 146
Beth Forester Opts for Paper Proofs...... 128 Mark Bryant’s Fantastic StreetScapes ..... 148
Senior Products..................... 129
“Exchange” Prints ................ 129 Contributors ............ 150
Graduation Announcements ......... 129
Paul Ernest’s Edibooks ............... 129 Index ............................ 156
Craig Kienast’s Speculative
Fine-Art Prints................. 131
Copyright and Usage................. 132
table of contents 5
introduction
Senior-age kids are at (or near) the pinnacle
of their physical attractiveness. At the same
time, seniors are at an age of transition. They of-
ten have boyfriends or girlfriends, they are consid-
ering colleges or careers, and they’re often think-
ing about leaving home—all of which can make
for a very confusing time of life. A portrait made
at this stage of their lives is a valuable heirloom
because they will never look or act quite like this
again.
Today’s teens often like to be photographed in an
urban atmosphere. This portrait by Nick Adams was
The art of senior portraiture has evolved to new stan-
taken in an alley, but it still exhibits the hallmarks of
dards of excellence. Tim Kelly created this elegant,
good posing.
contemporary look by combining formal and casual
elements.
Beyond Yearbook Photos
Reaching far beyond traditional yearbook shots,
today’s senior studios offer high-end, hip, upscale
senior sittings that allow kids to be photographed
with their favorite things and in their favorite lo-
cations. For instance, the senior’s car, usually a
treasured possession, is a prime prop for these
sessions. Often senior sessions will also involve
the subject’s friends and favorite haunts. Senior
girls often choose to be photographed in a high-
fashion style—sometimes wearing something
pretty provocative. This is all part of the process
of expressing their individuality and becoming an
adult. Instead of resisting it, smart photographers
now cater to it. (Of course, yearbook shoots are
still a component of senior portraiture; see chap-
ter 1 for how these are being handled in today’s
market.)
Essential Skills Respect Their Ideas. Accept that you may
For those photographers who want to build their have to be less in control in a senior setting than
businesses around senior photography, there are with other children. Teens want to feel that they
a number of essential skills to master. These skills have control, particularly over their own image.
will be covered in detail through this book, but
let’s consider just a few factors here.
Make It Fun. Teens will respond most favor-
ably if the session is fun—but not in some phony
way that feels contrived. Be yourself, but be excit-
ed and get them engaged. Ask them about their
lives, their hobbies, their likes and dislikes. Try to
get them to open up, but be prepared for teens
who are introspective and moody. It can take all
of your social skills and patience to bring these
kids out of their shells.
below—Great senior portraiture, especially of girls,
often has an aspect of glamour. Larry Peters used a
carefully feathered main light to produce this beauti-
ful portrait. right—Your enthusiasm will be reflect-
ed in the way your senior is animated in front of the
camera. Melanie Anderson captured the sheer fun of
the photo session in this beautiful high-key portrait.
introduction 7
left—Teens love to be photographed with their favorite things. Nick Adams photographed this girl with her
little pet bird. From the red bird to the orange door to the bright blue jacket, this image is ablaze with color.
right—Tim Kelly carefully chooses props that are simple and not distracting. The result is that the prop is
almost invisible, forcing the eye to engulf the subject.
You should suggest possibilities and, above all, Understand Their World. Teens want to be
provide reassurance and reinforcement that they accepted by their peers. While they may be non-
look great. This age group knows what they want, conformists in the adult world, they are part of
and it’s up to you to provide it. what’s happening in their own world. As an expert
Show What’s Unique About Them. As with at photographing this age group, you need to be
any good portrait sitting, the aim is to show the aware of the latest trends in clothing, hairstyles,
different sides of the subject’s personality. You’ll music, movies, and television. It helps if you have
need strategies for showing their fun side as well kids in this age group (at least you’ll know some
as their serious side. In many cases, this will re- of their favorite bands), but if you don’t, it would
quire you to work with teens in different styles of be beneficial to develop a working knowledge of
clothing (including everything from prom gowns, (and genuine interest in) popular teenage culture.
to tee-shirts, to sports uniforms), at locations that Larry Peters, a very successful senior photogra-
reflect the senior’s personality, and with meaning- pher, says the kids that come into his studios are
ful props (from footballs, to musical instruments, always blown away by the selection of CDs he has
to cars). on hand—including rap and hip-hop. Then he
8 the best of senior portrait photography
puts on one of “their” CDs and the kids relax and
start enjoying the experience, which is more than
half the battle.
Provide Variety. When a senior looks through
their proofs, they expect to see a variety of poses
and looks. Smart professionals offer a selection
of in-studio images and outdoor portraits—and
often a few shots with the teen’s session compan-
ions. If the senior took the trouble to bring along
some of his or her “favorite things,” be sure to
include images that feature them.
Make Them Feel Good. Part of your job is to
make your subjects feel good about themselves.
right—Uniqueness is something teens value in their
images. This portrait by Drake Busath resembles an
Italian painting. Notice the beautiful posing of the
hands and the hint of how beautiful the girl must be.
below—Mark Bryant is an expert at defining the
student athlete’s personality in an authentic way. He
uses HDR backgrounds, posing and lighting the se-
nior as if he or she were actually on the playing field.
introduction 9