Need a bit of advice - People shots!

[Aprisa]

A friend of ours has decided that as she is forty in a couple of weeks she needs to preserve a few images of herself prior to sagging (more), as she is a bit of a tight wad she has suggested that before she resorts to paying someone for this service that I should have a go. She has looked at a few of my shots taken in the summer and erroneously decided that I could do a good job!!

As I usually stick to animals and Cars (don't answer back) I have no idea what to do?, could someone give me some general pointers as to a simple scenario to try and get a few decent pictures in a relaxed manner.

Such as :- do I try indoors or out, simple relaxed poses that work well and what kind of light will flatter (not that she needs it, being diplomatic). Last of all, should she decide that she needs to get her kit off, do I need any further supplies such as a cold water spray or Baby Oil?

Cheers
Nick

[beano500]

I need to practice some portraits too, but as an idea for a starting point:

Try natural light first, maybe indoor next to a window (you'll probably need a reflector). Keep the background simple, and use a simple prop like a cup of tea or something that is to do with her hobbies or likes or lifestyle.

I should leave flesh tones until another time Colours can be difficult enough as it is. Try presetting your white balance (I assume here we're talking digital). This will be a lot easier than trying to colour correct later!

[Tuna]

The best portraits I've got have been by a north facing window, with a very wide apeture on a 75mm equiv. prime lens - which gives nice shallow depth of field.

I think you need diffuse side lighting, stronger on one side than the other, which a north window gives (with a white card/white sheet, or convenient wall to reflect back some light on the other side). If you're pro, I'm sure there are rules and lots and lots of equipment that you can get.

Someone who actually knows what they're talking about will probably be along shortly.

Nick said:

Such as :- do I try indoors or out, simple relaxed poses that work well and what kind of light will flatter (not that she needs it, being diplomatic). Last of all, should she decide that she needs to get her kit off, do I need any further supplies such as a cold water spray or Baby Oil?

Do not drink baby oil during a photoshoot, however nervous you may be.

>> Edited by Tuna on Wednesday 11th January 13:28

[406tm]

Aprisa said:

Should she decide that she needs to get her kit off, do I need any further supplies such as a cold water spray or Baby Oil? Cheers Nick

No, you need to call me to show you how it's done. Money shots need to be done correctly

[Aprisa]

Thanks for the advice guys, I will try the natural light window approach first and if she seems relaxed about it will try others as well, just didn't want to stand there with no suggestions!

Don't worry if I get any "interesting" shots I'll obviously need you lot to Photo-shop them won't I

Thanks
Nick

[superlightr]

I enjoy taking 'people' pictures more then any other (not to say Im any good) but I struggle with indoor pics and flash, its a bit hit or miss. Much better with outdoors, usually have some wind/movement which adds life and often candid pic are the best - more natural poses.

My outdoor pics have a much higher sucess rate of being half decent then my indoor pics.

good luck, post your results!