New class...

I'm in the middle of developing and designing a new class on portraiture! I'm so excited about it and I think that it will be great but sometimes when you are in the middle of a large project it's hard to see through to the end result. I want to be sure and cover all the things people want to know about photographing well...people. So I have a few questions for you dear readers!

What do you want to know about photographing people? Do you have posing questions? Lighting questions? Babies? Teens? Adults? Families?  

What has always alluded you when you were trying to take a portrait? Would you want to see a full shoot on film? Or would you rather just see techniques in the videos?

I'd love to hear any questions or thoughts that you have! Post your thoughts and questions by Monday and one of you just might win a spot in the class for helping me out!

Comments

[Amie Fetzer]

I am so excited about this class I loved Oh Shoot and can't wait to see what you have to share with us this time. I would like to learn about photographing really anyone but kids and toddlers in particular. I would love to see tips on posing and lighting as well. Possibly even what lights to use in a home studio if you would recommend using lights. I can't wait for this class to begin!

[Anne]

I would love to see a full photo shoot. Also as many others have said I think the two main areas for me are lighting and posing - especially how to get natural/casual looks.

[Shauna]

A full shoot would be awesome.

[Joscie]

I would like to know how many shots you generally shoot per shoot, how many lenses you carry and if you go natural/available light or what kind of flash/reflectors you use. also, I'd looove to see an entire shoot on film, that'd be so cool!

[Melissa S]

Hi Candice! I too was in your Oh Shoot Class...I need a lot of help with ideas on how to think out of the box..and how to mix up the poses. I get so tired of taking front face pictures. I would hope that you would touch on how to take a picture of a family of five..hint hint:) meaning where to place everyone that will be pleasing to the eye. Also if you could review what you will need to set up an photography studio in your home. Lighting, backdrops etc. You could even send an email to us like you did in the Oh Shoot Class that tells us of different websites that you like to purchase those sorts of things...

Videos..I would love to see techniques and then as a culmination of the class I would love to see a full photo shoot that utilize the techniques you taught us. You can sort of like talk your way through it...tell us the thoughts that go through your head as you do it. That would be super super helpful esp for us visual learners.

And lastly (for me if I get in your class) I would want you to seriously critique my photos, post suggestions..and I mean all that pop in your mind without thinking about hurting my feelings. I truly want to learn how a "photographer" interprets a photo. I would love to know what you love about the photo as well.

Hope this helps you!

[Kathy T]

How about 'all of the above'. I need to learn how to get those 'great' shots of my kids. Outdoor/natural light first, and then indoor/lighting. And then maybe group shot info if there's enough time left in the class. Looking forward to it!

[Jenn]

Yeah! Another class!!!

I would love to know more about posing, especially when it is more than one person as the subject.

I would love to be a "fly on the wall" during one of your shoots so I could see how you do it. From picking out locations, developing the idea for the shots, directing the people,,,, I want to know it all!

I am especially interested in children's portraiture so I would love to know what you see as the important aspects of capturing children.

I've already put registration for the class on my calendar but I sure wouldn't mind if I just got picked to be in it! Pick me!!

[Cheryl]

So excited about the class!! I would love to see a full shoot on video. I would also like to know about positioning the subjects, making posed look natural or taking natural portraitures (is that possible)?

[liveandbegrateful]

I would like to learn about developing the creating of process. I am drawn to portraits and know that is where I want to spend my time, but I struggle with setting up the shots. I lose sight of all of the moving pieces when setting up the shot. I have been working on seeing the light, but I want to find create ways to pose the subject(s)once I find the best light. I would also love to learn tricks for creative maternity, infant and child posing. Thanks for asking Candice, can't wait to see what the details on the new class!

[Tammy]

I would love more instruction on outdoor/natural light photography. I would love to finally master a great lens flair (so it's where I want it, when I want it! :)) Also I could use tips and tricks for when the conditions aren't perfect outside - i.e. it's rather bright, it's a bit too far past dusk and turning dark, etc.
The video shoot would be fabulous!

[Nicky from Canada]

I love different ideas for taking pictures - unique ideas - vs standard ones

[Nicky from Canada]

PS and loved your class that I just finished

[kjifmm@embarqmail.com]

How you get "the shot" set up. I know sometimes you go in with preconceived ideas, but what if you don't have time to do that. I would love to learn your creative process!

[April Z]

What I struggle with the most when taking pictures of people (or other subjects for that matter) is getting the lighting right. I'd love help with that and also with posing. I think it would be really cool to see videos where you show different techniques.

[Sarah]

I'm all about shooting family. How to get small kids to not look at you and say "CHEESE" or put on their most fake smiles. I never seem to get my lighting just right. Even in natural light I don't get enough depth. With family, how do you get a casual shot when people know you're there with a camera. "Act natural" doesn't seem to cut it. (Hee hee.) There are some great questions here!

[Melissa M.]

Oh my gosh, a full movie! That would be too awesome.

[Wendy Tienken]

My biggest challenge is how/what to say to people to get them to look and act natural. So seeing a whole shoot on videowould be AWESOME!

[Katie N.]

I took your Oh Shoot class and loved it! My photos have improved so much and I'm going to be first in line for your portrait class. Sure hope I get in!

I would really love to know about what to have people wear for portraits, how to handle lighting, and backgrounds. I think seeing a full portrait shoot would be very valuable. I also love the pdf files and the printables you gave us in the Oh Shoot class. I keep the flash cards and checklists in my camera bag now.

[Teresa]

I am always stumped by lighting. How much light do you need to get a good head shot?

[Kimberly]

Honestly, my biggest dilemma is figuring out how to get adults to act naturally during a portrait session when they're seeking direction. I try and just tell them to do fun things, chat, act normal and I'll direct them to a particular shot if I see one, otherwise I'll just shoot away -- and it never really works. I love shooting kids and I think I'm good at it, but it's because they don't hold back like adults.

So, any tips on that would be great!

[Candace]

Hi Candice...
I would LOVE to take a class on portraits!

I would say I need help with posing and getting comfortable in knowing what to ASK of your subject...how to look, turn, where to place them, what they should focus on, etc.

Also, help on positioning them in the surroundings...how to get the best light, how to avoid distractions, when to use diffusers, etc.

And how to assemble group shots. I would like to take family shots without the standard..."stand here" look to them. So, how do you creatively pose a larger group of people so it's visually interesting, yet shows off everyone?

Thanks!!! Can't wait for more information...
- Candace

[Candace]

Ooops...I just posted my comment and forgot one of the most important ones!

As an expectant mom...(due this August) I would love to know more about photos of pregnant moms and how to position newborns for great shots!

But maybe that's a class in itself...New Beginnings Portraits...

Thanks!
- Candace

[Susan Dingess]

I loved your Oh Shoot class! You are a great teacher!

So, on to the new class..., I want to learn how to take portraits of people that do not look posed in a fixed, cheesy manner.

Thanks!

[Michelle]

I would love info that goes beyond the basics (the basics being things like keeping them entertained or waiting for the right moment or doing it in their comfort areas...these are things that can be mentioned but not a lot of time spent on). Tech info like lighting is the stuff I am interested in . . . I am confident with my camera, but hints for portraits and outside lighting (beyond the "go in the shade" answer) would be great. Catching natural intimacy is also of interest to me---not "poses" but how to set people up (families) so they interact well and you can get casual intimate shots is what I most want. Also, outside places to go that we normally wouldn't think of good for photography---where to take people that gives good framing, etc. And also, personally I would love it if you would cover some of the basics of setting up your own photography business in terms of first steps, what to charge, how to advertise. I don't know if others want something like this, but I totally am considering it and don't have a clue where to start. Several friends have already asked me for "portrait sessions" and I would do them for free, but I'd like to consider a business, but I haven't a clue how to start. Thanks Candice!

[Paint & Ink Chick]

Hey Candice, I'd like to know a lil' more about working with natural lighting, how to find it & what's right for that subject. Plus using a reflector. Also I'd love some posing tips. I have a good personality but I'm shy about letting it out something wiht clients, when they say what do you want me to do or how do I pose kwim?