p.2 #2 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
Judging from your example shot, she's got the problem, not you or your images.
If it were me, I'd be kind and gentle, but there's no way I'm doing a re-shoot. You did a fine job with what she gave you. No sense trying to fix psychological issues in front of your computer...
p.2 #3 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
Skin looks fine to me in that shot, I can't see any acne
Perhaps the hair/makeup session would have helped (though I can't see anything wrong with her skin), but that's not your problem, it was her decision to go ahead with the session
Ask her to be more specific - which photos show the problem, get her to point it out
- then perhaps you can do some more skin smoothing for any specific favourite shots she wants printed, but there's no point in editing all the shots, too much time/effort
If it's a body perception problem, perhaps look into flattering poses for bigger girls; the hanging fabric around her stomach isn't doing her any favours
p.2 #5 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
My wife is a nurse practitioner and she says that 80% of the time, the real reason a patient makes an appointment is not what she states when calling to make it.
I'll be blunt. She's not concerned about her complexion, she's concerned about her weight. In the photograph you have shared with us, your posing choice did not help her. Her body position to the camera is not flattering. Also, notice how the way her head is turned compresses her neck and the left side of her face, making it look more full than it actually is.
I suggest you bone up on slimming poses and offer to reshoot the engagement photos. It may be beyond what you can recommend, but she could make some other wardrobe choices that would help her out.
p.2 #6 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
dmacmillan is 100% correct.
In my opinion as a paid photographer it is your job to know how to shoot the client. Enhance the good areas and reduce the problem areas with lighting, camera angles and what is around them. The image posted is what not to do. Start with very good hair and make-up and even a stylist to get her in the correct frame of mind. Then follow up with poses to hide issues, not enhance them.
p.2 #7 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
Personally I don't think your crazy. I think her skin looks fine.
I actually think it just comes down to that people(her) think a professional photographer can make them look 'different'(thinner) than they actually look and perform magic...which we should. Although we can only do so much.
I also think 'more robust' brides should be shot from above as much as possible to help with that.
p.2 #9 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
UPDATE: I asked for more feedback and offered her an out for her wedding contract. She responded back and said it had nothing to do with the quality of the photos or me personally, she just had higher expectations for how she was going to look. She provided feedback on the images that she felt highlighted the issues and I'm working on those today. I'd like to make her happy if possible, especially because she is being extremely nice and apologetic about it. I feel bad about the whole situation.
I will be the first one to say that I'm not good with posing curvier girls, especially if I have to pose them with someone else. I feel like my boudoir skills are stronger, but it's a lot easier to pose a woman by herself (imo). It's something I really need to work on.
p.2 #11 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
brownchl wrote:
UPDATE: I asked for more feedback and offered her an out for her wedding contract. She responded back and said it had nothing to do with the quality of the photos or me personally, she just had higher expectations for how she was going to look. She provided feedback on the images that she felt highlighted the issues and I'm working on those today. I'd like to make her happy if possible, especially because she is being extremely nice and apologetic about it. I feel bad about the whole situation.
I will be the first one to say that I'm not good with posing curvier girls, especially if I have to pose them with someone else. I feel like my boudoir skills are stronger, but it's a lot easier to pose a woman by herself (imo). It's something I really need to work on.
Based on what she is saying, I would classify her as "reasonable person".. I would try not to let it get to you, I know that's hard, but it isn't going to help the situation. Focus on what you can do now to resolve the issues and move forward with that. Maybe offer her a boudoir shoot where you guys can work one on one together and build the relationship. I looked at your website and your work is very nice. This is just a little bump in the road to test you, just embrace it and move forward.
p.2 #14 · Attack of the girls with low self-esteem...
I don't see any problem with skin. However the posing and lighting are poor and that's why she looks unattractive.
Any acne or skin issues are easily fixed but the sideways pose and flat lighting.... I hope you have other images, I would never show that one to a client
