I like these shots so please don't take offense by my comments below.
I find this style of post processing/ flare images/ images of children and their parents oof or just the legs of mom and dad with the kids by their side to be a popular trend at least here on FM recently. In your work in particular I notice you have a number of shots of their backs. Do these sell? When you present them to your clients what are their impressions? Artistically I think they are fine but if the goal is to sell 16X20 canvas portraits for a handsome profit, do flare images of peoples backs translate into sales?
I only ask because I am curious where the business is going. I also take portraits of the group from behind and I use them on my site (though not with the frequency that you do). I find people love this shot and always comment to me on it they almost never buy a print of one. Most of my print sales are "traditional" group prints and not the more artistic type shots I try.
That being said I really like number 5 but feel you could tone down the processing a touch. 5 is an image that should be able to be sold as a large canvas. I like it better in this color version then the B&W version on your site.
RianFlynn wrote:
I really like the image with the solar flare! very cute. In the future I would avoid train tracks
Rian
I don't think that most people spend time on photography forums and web sites, so they probably have no idea how often train track shots are produced. Chances are, this was the first one produced by a professional for this family, so they probably won't have the same reaction as you.
The converging lines are a compelling compositional element, regardless of the alleged overuse. Just don't do it for them again next year.
billsol-Thanks for your comments, no offense taken. In my experience I have found that when taking pictures of small children the parents typically want to capture them in their element. I think almost every shoot I have done with small children the parents favorite photos are ones where the kid isn't looking at the camera. I have sold several large prints like this. In the family session above they purchased a 16x20 of just their children on the train tracks holding hands (you only see their backs). I try to give a family a variety of shots to choose from, the typical portraits and something a little more artistic!
paulhodson: Thanks for your comments as well, no offense taken. They may become unfashionable down the road just like anything else, but I do believe that what you can do with PP will only become more popular over time. Bottom line is there are your everday photographers that capture the same shots with not a lot of PP and then there are photographers that add an artisitc touch. If a family likes what I do they will hire me because I am different than others and if not they will choose another photographer. It is an art!
RianFlynn and bigbee- I agree that train trracks are probably overused but we did do a couple shots there since we they were close to where we were shooting. The family liked it so in the end I'm glad we did a few shots there!
Like 'em. I personally see photography trending toward large downpayment for photographic services and purchase of coffee table books. This is the type of shoot that would produce a really nice lifestyle book. Charge more up front, don't depend on print sales as much...
