Help Shooting Senior Pictures

I've been asked by my neighbor to shoot their son's senior picture. He is a special needs child and the family has little money to spend on pictures.

I explained to the family that I'm not a pro and have never done anything like this before. I did however agree.

I'm going to make due with the equipment I have with the exception of a 30" or 48" refelector I plan on picking up.

I will be taking the pictures in the morning (about 0730), and the location the family selected will place the sun at the young man's back.

I plan on using the refelector to redirect some light and hopefully improve the lighting. I also plan on using my flash.

Is this a good idea? I guess I'm looking for any advice.

Oh, I'm planning on using the 70-200 2.8L.

Thanks for any help!

Cheers

Sounds like a plan to me. We've been doing seniors just this way for some time - long lens, shallow dof, and reflector fill - it will look great!!! An off camera flash can add some interest, but is not really needed. I'm sure the family will love your images. keep in focus. Ed K.

Thanks, Ed. I don't have the off camera flash setup but I'll make due with what I have.

cheers

Some special-needs persons have faces that don't look quite normal. (I don't know a better way to say it.) If your subject fits into that category, you might consider turning him/her 90 degrees to the sun so one side of the face is brightly lighted, and the other in partial shadow (use a reflector to adjust the amount of light). That will help de-emphasize any non-symmetrical aspects of the face.

Good luck!

399Retouch

Well, it's done! and the family is **very** happy. It was a challange shooting the young man. As I mentioned, he is special needs (ADHD and Turrets). I could not get him to sit/stand for more than a few seconds. The problem was compounded because dad was "helping" and son was pissed at dad.

I just wanted to thank those of you who offered advice! Here's a couple from the shoot:

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Considering the issues at hand you did an awesome job! I had the opportunity so shoot at a special needs school and know how difficult it could be.
On the second one I would crop off the top of the photo.

I agree, it looks better.

Thanks

Your pictures came out wonderfully, esp. given the conditions. It doesn't surprise me they would be happy with them. Well done!

Man, I would pay to have a set up like the one in the first photo!! Awesome that it frames him so well. I meant to write this the first time.

Thanks. It is a lovely place to take photos. It's just a local park in the middle of a business park just off of I-25!

Looks like you did an excellent job. It would be difficult to decide which is better. It surely must feel good to be able to help out someone and have it turn out this well. Nice work. The family has got to be very pleased.

Outdoors is the key. Beautiful shots. I really love the lighting on both. I would take a little off the top of the second one, but maybe not that much. Also, keep in mind the size (proportions 5x7, 4x6, wallets) because that dictates how much you take off all sides. I had that problem when making a picture page.

Agree, nicely done! That first photo should definitely be an enlargement.

I guess that Karma is in full effect.
Congrats on the additional business.

--Colin

very well done...and very rewarding I can imagine...

Cheers,