My PhotoWeek 2013: Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2013

1) Classical Posing and Portrait Lighting - Frank Dispensa
2) Free Photo Guides - Photoshelter.com
3) Breaking Down The Silvertide Concert - Jared Polin / FroKnowsPhoto

Family Portrait Session: The C's

Last February, I did a photo session with the family I shall call the C's for privacy reasons.

This March, I had another opportunity with them. This time around we did headshots and solo portraits with two costume changes.. I am practicing as a mobile photographer so, naturally, we did the shoot in the comfort of their home.

My PhotoWeek 2013: Feb 25-Mar 2, 2013

Here are my top five learning experiences of the week.

1) Working For Free - Seth Godin
2) Is Watermarking Good or Bad? google hangout - HerView Photography
3) Madamme Spooky Retouch, Parts 1 and 2 - Glyn Dewis
4) DIY Green Screen - The Slanted Lens
5) Location Portraiture - Salem Krieger / B&H Event Space

Lunch Break Photo Shoot: Jacquita

The company I work for recently underwent a corporate name change, from NAHB Research Center to Home Innovation Research Labs. Employees were given nice logo t-shirts and on casual Friday, some of us wore them to work.

I passed by the new-logo-shirt-wearing-Jacquita at the front desk and I immediately told her that it was a great opportunity for a lunch photo session with the theme... company pride.

Lunch Break Photo Shoot: Brian

One day our IT Director, Brian, asked if I could help him with his LinkedIn photo. How could I say no? One, he's responsible for me having a DSLR sooner than I expected, two, he's a good friend, and three, it's another photo opportunity!

I thought the 2nd-floor walkway was ideal. I've always wanted to take a portrait shot there. It has tons of natural light coming in through the building's skylights.

Breaking In My Softbox

I recently got a 24"x24" softbox on eBay and I got a chance to test it on Karen during our lunch break photo session.

The hallway of our old lab facility, its white painted cinder block walls and low traffic made it an ideal setting.

Instant V-Flat

On another 10-minute lunch break photo session, I was able to enlist another co-worker, Robert, who was gracious enough to help me practice my portraiture by patiently sitting or standing in front of the camera.

A few minutes before the session I looked around his cubicle area to find a suitable background and found a plain, gray wall. As I scanned the area, I got a light bulb moment when I thought the end corner of that wall could double as an impromptu V-flat.

Posing Subjects

As much as I hate asking someone to pose for the camera, these basic tips from the book,  Mastering Digital Photography, Second Edition  might come in handy, especially on a paid gig.

• For starters, "clip" photos of your favorite poses from magazines,  other printed materials or the internet, to use as a reference until you're more comfortable using poses of your own.

• Eyes are the most important component of any portrait as they will always be the center of attention. They must be sharp and lively even if you're going for a softer look in the rest of the portrait.

• The edges of hands are more attractive than the backs and palms of hands.

• The bottoms of feet are downright ugly but side views of feet may be acceptable if they're young enough and there are other things to look at in the photo.

• If subject is bald and sensitive about it, elevate the chin and lower the camera slightly.