Whenever I can, I try to give my clients a choice. It’s great to give your clients what they asked for, but it’s even better if you can give them more. Give them variations on the picture they briefed you about but what about doing something dramatically different.
A while ago I shot the engagement session of Bart and Marleen. Marleen likes the lifestyle feel en Bart, as a creative person himself, likes a bit more drama.
We started out with natural light, a Sunbouce Pro reflector and a Sunswatter. I’m not sure which pictures we shot with just natural light and which pics we took with some light modifiers.
Time for something different and more dramatic by shooting against the sun and keeping the background rather dark. At iso 50-100, f/13 and 1/200 I needed a substantial amount of juice form Elinchrom Ranger.
Bart en Marleen asked for different looks, but it’s something I also try to do when the client requests only one look. Even when I get a very detailed brief, I try to go for something different once the requested picture is on the CF-card.
Sometimes these experiments don’t work but you probably learned something out of it. Your client will still be happy because you did what was required of you and he’s probably going to be impressed by the fact that you at least walked the extra mile to try something different. When it works out, you give your client an added value by providing him with a choice. It wouldn’t be the first time that a client of mind changed a layout because they liked the experiment better that the original idea. And even if they stick with to the first plan, they’ll be much more likely to see you as a creative storyteller rather than a monkey with a camera.
A bit thanks to fellow photographer Filip, who stepped in as a last minute assistant to lug around Sunbounces and flashes.
Pingback: Weekend Perusing: Backlit foxtail | Your Photo Tips
The job of a assistant sounds always so incredibly charming and fun.
Who would not love the call from a photog friend?
“hey could you help me with the shoot that started 10 minutes ago.. yeah yeah there is nothing much to do..”
And there waiting will be full case of lights, modifiers, batteries.. aaaaah, the back of assistant says thanks ;D
My name is Tom A Dobbin I am an aspiring photographer. Please feel free to take a look at the photos that I’ve posted. Any professional and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated. I’m currently using a Canon Rebel Xti and a Canon Speedlite 430EX. I could really use advice on lighting settings for various environments and also camera settings for different environments. If you have any photography equipment that you don’t need anymore, I’d really appreciate it Rt 20 1417 HAW Sharon Springs NY 13459
I LOVE YOY”R photography HOW Do YOU Do IT ????? HAVE A GOOD DAY ..
GOOD JOB
Tom Dobbin