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The first portrait you ever taken...how did you feel?


12 years 10 months ago #101315 by Rigby
The first portrait/event you shot of a stranger/paid client how did you feel? Were you nervous, cool calm? If you were nervous, afraid you would screw it up...how did you get past that fear?

I'm asking, because I ran into a lady at the grocery store and we started chatting. I mention I was a photographer (I explain I'm not a pro), but now she wants me to take portraits of her and her family.

I would love to do this, but it's my first portrait shoot and I'm anything but calm.

How did you stay calm and acted professional?
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12 years 10 months ago #101319 by Rob pix4u2
If you are comfy with your camera and your people skills then you will do OK. I am always a bit nervous before a shoot but once the work starts I focus and concentrate and the butterflies go away
Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography
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12 years 10 months ago #101337 by Rigby
I am comfortable with my camera, but I am still working on my people skills. I'm hoping at best I'll just be nervous at first, but as we get into the shooting, I'll calm down.
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12 years 10 months ago #101385 by Nikonjan
My first shoot was my neighbors High school photos, about 6 years ago, which turned out ok, then her friend asked for some. I had taken them both outdoors, but I really didn't understand my camera like I should have at that time and messed it up. I knew I was mainly shooting at 5.6 aperture for background blur but the first was on a sunny day the 2nd was on a cloudy day. I stayed with the 5.6 and my shutter speed was too low on the 2nd. Trial and error. Then on a family shoot I tried, I didn't get my focus right. I wasn't trained on all these things. Now I know a lot more than I did before and I am always nervous from my past experience that I will screw it up. One thing I do before a shoot, is study posing books to see how I might arrange people and what kind of shots to get, also you lighting, indoor and outdoor. I don't do a lot of portraits which is why I am still uncomfortable. Good luck.
www.betterphoto.com?nikonjan
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12 years 10 months ago #101395 by Graflex 4x5
I had done some resort work for a friend (those key chain viewers) so I was used to dealing with people a bit, but when I did my first portrait for a book's dust cover .... slightly different story.

I had set up the equipment a few times for practicee did a a few test shots and made sure everything was ready to go before the client arrived. When he got there, we sat down and talked a bit. After that we had a much better understanding of what he wanted to portray and what I could furnish. It also relaxed him as much as myself.

As long as you have confidence in yourself, an understanding of your equipment and a relaxed client, you should do well. 1 suggestion, bring along a laptop or TV cable so you can show the client what to expect. I had to use Polaroids with my view camera.
No matter how fast I go, there's always someone slower in front of me.
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12 years 10 months ago #101413 by KCook
I was lucky, got to assist a pro at portraits. Seeing how he handled things really raised my comfort level. I would suggest standing this on its head. If you know anybody with portrait experience, ask them to "assist" you on your first time out.

Kelly Cook
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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