The Pixels in Pete's World

By

Peter Phun

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Getting in front of the camera

As a photographer, it's a good idea to take the place of your models at times to get their perspective. If it feels silly, it probably is. If your muse is good and the results are great, you have to work on how you sell the model/client into that pose.

If you photograph people, it’s a good idea to get in front of the camera every so often.

I didn’t always realize this until I started teaching.

I don’t consider myself vain or the sort who spends hours preening in front of the mirror.

In fact I’ve been known to spot a flat-top when I don’t want to bother about running a comb through my hair.

Thanks to my buddy Rodrigo Peña for sharing this picture when he helped me teach "Small Flash Lighting" recently. Lindsey who helped by being the model was instrumental in making it fun had a lot of important input. She suggested that photographers should actually show their models their results during the shoots for collaborative purposes.

My point is, it’s good to be in front of the camera and relinquish control occasionally.

With this role-reversal, you might think a bit more about how and what you say to your subject/model when they need a boost of self-confidence especially in the case of a newbie or a very shy person.

A successful photo shoot with people is always a collaboration, it’s not a still life.

Too often a photographer gets too caught up with gear, lighting ratios and doesn’t establish a connection with the people.

Being in front of the camera is not the most natural thing with the everyone.

Watch this a video from Digital Rev which is fascinating and humorous, thanks to Kai, the presenter.

Peter Phun Photography

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Responses to “Getting in front of the camera”

  1. Peter Phun

    Marta,
    You’re too funny. I had a feeling you might like that because you favor pink/reds anyway. Frida Kahlo watch out! Here comes Marta.
    😛

  2. mARTa

    Great lesson. My favorite is Peter on a bed of rose petals 🙂