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Prefacing a Real Shoot

Lesson 12 from: Capturing Authentic Photos of Children & Families

Chris Orwig

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Lesson Info

12. Prefacing a Real Shoot

Lesson Info

Prefacing a Real Shoot

What I wanted to share in this segment as we start is to think about this idea that if you wanna get good at photography, there is one secret, which is, if you wanna get good at food photography, you gotta photograph food that you absolutely love. If you wanna get good at photographing families with pets, it's gotta be the kind of pet that you absolute, you know what I mean? You love dogs, you're a dog lover, or you're a horse person, you know, like you do that thing. And so part of the challenge in photography is we tend to not do that. We sort of practice with other things that aren't meaningful to us and you have to make it meaningful. So for family photography, part of that means is making it more meaningful in this way photographing your own family. Kids are a little bit easier, I think, than adults but one of the challenges at the end of the workbook you'll see is to photograph someone in your family older than you and to approach them and set something up. To set something up wi...

th a shoot with someone you know, you always need an excuse. What I mean by that is, "Hey I'm taking this online class. "The teacher requires that I photograph "an aunt, uncle, mom, or dad, "and I need to do it in their place of work." Making it up. And then you go and do that thing. And they'll be much more willing than if you say, "Hey, can I photograph you?" 'Cause their next question is, "Why?" and you wanna beat them to that question. And when you're photographing them, it's a great practice in trying to have some logic behind the shoot, or connection. In other words, my mom, among other things, paints, so I had her bring in a painting. I also had her bring in a painting that her dad made. And if ever you can get someone to talk about something they love, or someone else that they care for, it puts them at ease as well. 'Cause otherwise you say, like what do I do? Just stand there? No, stand there and hold your tennis racquet. And even though that's a bad shot, the person will get comfortable, will start swinging the tennis racquet, and then you say, "Hey throw that tennis racquet." and then they throw it and then they're relaxed and you get a really good portrait of dad, or whoever it is. So that's essentially what I'm trying to show how I would do here. I have no idea if it will work, and that's part of the fun. And that will be part of the fun for you as well. If you know it's gonna work, it probably isn't that big of a risk. And the real growth happens when you start getting out of those comfort zones.

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Ratings and Reviews

Meredith Zinner Photography
 

Chris is a FANTASTIC teacher (and photographer). He is so very very authentic, warm, REAL, talented, knowledgeable, honest, open and true to his wonderful self. This class, in addition to endless nuggets of knowledge and insights, highlights how being true to your own self makes you a better photographer- emphasizing connection, authenticity, fun and easy relaxed simple joy. A refreshing take on children's photography for sure! Thank you Chris and CreativeLive!

lisa james
 

Wow, I have been in search of my style. I've been reading and researching and listening to inspiring speakers and from each one I've gathered pieces of information that help guide me. This class, however, has been the most successful for me. Chris's approach to teaching and his material that he provides is Spot On for me. Thank you, Chris. I am so inspired and eager to move forward now that I can see my vision more clearly. I highly recommend this class.

Neeraj Arora
 

Oh my god!!!! What a class. I couldn't stop watching. Chris you are an inspiration, loved every word you said, loved how you said it. I am in the process of getting a plan together for doing photography professionally on the side, on top of my research career, and you just hit a home run in getting me motivated and excited in taking the plunge. My photography of people gives me a lot of satisfaction and meaning and you just validated what I have been thinking of doing lately. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

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