Hi Everyone,
I was just looking for some help. I have done a few senior shoots before but they were all with girls. My co-worker has asked me to shoot senior photos for his son. The girls all loved to be in front of the camera so it was reasonably easy. Anyone who has done both, any tips on working with the guys vs. the girls? Any ideas are appreciated.
Darryl
I shot some with my friends, and I agree, guys are harder to shoot. I feel like they need to be more serious, and you need to make them look strong. Shoot chest and higher, and position them so their arms and shoulders look bigger.
Guys are more difficult at the surface, but some of them secretly enjoy it. But if your subject really doesn't want to be there and is only doing it for mom, that is pretty rough.
Bottom line is that you have to make a connection with him, make him comfortable and establish some trust that you aren't going to make him look like a chick in his shots. Keep up the humor so you can get a few laughs out of him. Be ready to shoot right after you just shot, so you can catch a little spontaneity. And as suggested above, see if you can incorporate something he is in to - his guitar, car, football, etc. I've shot quite a few guys and not one of them has ever been displeased with his photos. Once you get rolling and show him a few where he looks pretty cool on your camera's viewer, he will loosen up.
Great advice already. I've only shot a handful of guys. One of which was incorporated into a family session and he was absolutely miserable in the shots of just himself. Another boy wasn't too happy about having to do it, but I joked with him and spent a lot of time just talking about his future plans, his mom stood behind me making faces. I finished him up in half an hour and he ended up having a great time and was really happy with the shots. Stone walls and urban settings are usually my go-to spots for guys.
Interesting comments. To me guys are MUCH easier to work with. They are less picky about how they look, generally have better self esteem, and are easier to pose and make them look natural. Guys just want to look like guys, not so much like GQ cover models. The girls usually are extremely picky about how they look, even down to the placement of a an earring. They want to look cute and attractive, and at least 10lbs thinner than they are.
Thanks for the replies everyone. Did part of the shoot today. It went really well. This lad actually did a great job in front of the camera. Thanks,
Darryl
