First Commission i.e Panic !!!!!

[pumba75]

Hi all,

I have been asked to photograph a portrait of a teenager playing his guitar, as a gift for his father for Christmas. His father is teaching him how to play so will appreciate the gesture.

I haven't visited their house before so don't know how photogenic the roms will be.

I was thinking of a monochrome shot, maybe with half of the subject in darkness and the half closest to the lens lit.

Any ideas for camera/lens/flash settings will be gratefully received. I don't own any lighting eqpt so any 'insider tips' would also be great.

Thanks in advance,

Shane.

[PhotoScout]

You might check over in the Performing Arts photo sharing forum. Many time there are shots of guitar playing (posing) artists posted. If their home doesn't provide a decent place to shoot, go outside or to another indoor location. I think between the two of you, you both will be able to find a good location and composition.

[StoopidGirl]

I know all about the first gig freak out...mine was horible so hopefully yours will go well. Luckily you only have one subject and he'll be playing a guitar so all he has to do is act natural. I don't know all that much about lighting but the subject of the photo should be pretty easy to find decent locations like a stairwell, bathroom (these can be fun like sitting in the tub or even on the floor), outside in the frint yard even like a low angle shot with their hous blurred in the background or something. Anyway I'm sure you'll do fine. I like the idea of the strong lighting, my only issue with it is it has sometimes been overdone with these types of photos and also be careful not to shoot every photo like that in case none of them come out you'll want some fall back shots...I've made this mistake because lighting is a weak spot for me.
Anyway I hope this helps. Good luck :)

[cinci-photo]

I'm not sure what the weather is like there this time of year, but you might be able to get some outside shots. I shot some senior pics a while back and he wanted some shots of him with his guitar. Here are some few examples:

http://static.flickr.com/88/233098324_e67221857f_o.jpg


http://static.flickr.com/56/233098315_7d4a2b996e_o.jpg