Mods: this might belong in the business section, not sure, feel free to move it if that is the case...
I know some people just go in with a few shots in mind, and some just wing it. I follow a formula that is designed to provide a wide variety of shots, hoping to make it so that they want everything, because I cover the gamut! Years ago I worked training new photographers in a family portrait photo chain studio. I borrowed the business model from them, and working there for 7 years, I saw that the formula really works when it comes to driving sales.
When I first started working for that company, I was horrified at what I thought was a cookie cutter approach to photography. Afterall, I had taken photos for years without resorting to any "formula" and I was an ARTIST, damn it. When I started training photographers, I quickly saw the benefits of it, aside from the financial side. I had some photographers who had ZERO creativity and it provided them with a guide to follow. They were tragically in the wrong field, and some people can't be helped, but they were paralysed without the framework. MOST photographers I trained were very creative and easily adapted to it. There was a cookie cutter approach in the sense that they all used the same props and backdrops, but WE in our own photo businesses now are not limited in that way. You might think it "stifles creativity", but if you really think about it, it absolutely does NOT. You can work within its boundaries and be totally creative. And make money. and make money. money, money.
The basics of it is this: full length, close up, signature, prop, and something that shows the subject's personality. I use this on both kids AND families.
full length: Head to toe, shows the full outfit that parents AGONIZED over, shows how size of the child, infant whatever. If it is a family shot, they can be either sitting, standing or in a floor pose, but head to toe. With infants, this is naked shot, I always push for naked shots with newborns, to show off the velvet skin, but it is head to toe, always.
close up: It's all about the eyes on these shots, and I make it count. doesn't matter if it is one subject or five.
Signature: this is my favorite as I like to do my signature style, which is more contemporary, modern. I like to use bright colors with the babies and kids, rather than the more traditional pastels of pink and blue. Funky, whimsical props, a more European look perhaps. Bright backdrops, for babies that means fabric that I've gotten from Ikea, or bright blankets. I don't have large bright backdrops for older kids or families, so I use white seamless and bring the color in with their clothing.
Prop: I'm not a huge prop person, but many clients love props, so I always do a prop shot. With some ages, (14-22 months) I may have to incorporate a prop into more than one shot, because kids are nuts at that age, and I do whats I gots ta do. Again, I get a feel for what the client likes and they can pick from what I have here, or bring their own. I tell them this in advance, and tell them "You don't have to know what to do with it, that is my job, just bring something." I've used everything from a fireman's jacket, boots and hats to a full size western saddle for a cowboy's first grandson.
Personality: My entire goal in this shot is to capture the essence of the subject, and that does NOT always include a huge smile. Sometimes it is just the toddler peeking out from behind dad's leg. Other times, it is the toothless grin of the impish 6 year old, who has spiderman bandaids all over him and dirty fingernails. personality. Sometimes I end up following the kid around with a long lens as they climb trees or wrestle with the family dog. If it is an engagement session, I will ask the guy (privately in advance) to whisper something naughty in his fiancee's ear and am ready to catch her reaction. Personality.
when working within that framework, you give them such a variety and you absolutely don't get your creativity stifled. It works for me. What do YOU do? Do you have a pre conceived formula or do you just wing it?
