Advice needed for photographing 'larger' people

9 years 4 months ago #409250 by Sandy Smith Photos
I'm being rather politically correct with my language here.  I don't feel right saying "overweight" people.  However that is what this group is, and what I'll be photographing next week.  There is a "overweight and proud" group here that has hired me to photograph the groups party.  The group is actively involved in getting over weight people to drop their weight in a healthy way.   This meeting and the photographs will be used for marketing and getting more over weight people to feel conformable about who they are.  

Any way, I don't have much experience in this area and was looking for some advice when photographing larger people.  Can you help me please?   Thank you in advance.  


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9 years 4 months ago #409252 by garyrhook
So, these people are comfortable with who they are, but you are not?

A) Relax. They clearly don't expect to be fooling anyone, least of all themselves, about their appearance.

2) Methinks you want to capture images of them having a good time and being completely comfortable. That's your real challenge.


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9 years 4 months ago #409358 by Sandy Smith Photos

garyrhook wrote: So, these people are comfortable with who they are, but you are not?

A) Relax. They clearly don't expect to be fooling anyone, least of all themselves, about their appearance.

2) Methinks you want to capture images of them having a good time and being completely comfortable. That's your real challenge.



I said what I said as fine print not to offend anyone by posting such a thread.  I'm completely comfortable photographing this group, I just don't have experience with larger people and was looking for some tips.  Photographing any social event, the key is capturing people having a good time.  I don't want to mess gig up so was farming for ideas that might be good to know.  


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9 years 4 months ago #409359 by garyrhook

Sandy Smith Photos wrote: I said what I said as fine print not to offend anyone by posting such a thread.  I'm completely comfortable photographing this group, I just don't have experience with larger people and was looking for some tips.  Photographing any social event, the key is capturing people having a good time.  I don't want to mess gig up so was farming for ideas that might be good to know.  


OK, good. I agree with the above that a longer lens will help you (I think a 70-200 is indispensable for event photography). You likely won't have much input on their clothing, I'm guessing.  If there is a stage or stairway at the venue you can also try shooting from slightly above.

I think that if you focus on facial expressions and interactions (duos and small groups) you'll be tight enough to where it generally won't matter. Otherwise, I'm also interested to hear from anyone else.


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9 years 4 months ago #409360 by Chris Briggs
Just for full disclosure, I personally don't have experience to say in this area.  I actually asked a friend of mine who is a larger guy and a photographer.  "Have them get friendly with the shadows.  In some cases when you add shadows it hides some of their weight and makes for better photos". 


I hope that helps


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