Great question…wish I had a great answer, but I do a few things that help.

1) Create environment for client to be comfortable. That starts with good space, nice music, clean, comfortable;

2) Know the subject. In many cases I have a preexisting relationship, and if I don’t I’ll want to meet before the shoot;

3) I try to be very prepared ahead of the shoot. I know the setups I want, I’ve planned out the progression of the shoot, I’ve done research on posses I like or come up with my own, developed concepts for the shots, and I make sure to convey to the client all of this;

4) I get myself in a good place. Lots of rest before the shoot, some mediation, good meal and some coffee doesn’t hurt. This all allows me to be very present relative to the subject. My focus is right there.

5) A Good Team: I try to structure things so I or my assistant is “interviewing” the subject. I had Marek there and he is a natural people person. He warmed them up. I also had Katie doing makeup and hair, and her presence is steady and warm. In that process I will get very natural expressions from the subject as well as gain a better understanding of their energy and personality. This will tell me how far and where I can push the subject.

I think that’s it. Hope this helps. Nothing magical.

Thanks again for the great question.

Cheers,
Alec

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I didn’t get much on the north shore, but who cares? Its the north shore…so nice to get away and I really wish you could have joined me. Next time…

Loved the photo shoot! Great images and I learned so much!

Ill call and we can get together. The holidays are syuch a busy time.

By the way, how would you like to shoot the lights at Rice park? Might be a great shot.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Marek

KG

Thanks for stopping by. Amy, you are right…it was a job well done by all, especially the clients!

Travis, the first two were shot with the fixed 85mm, the second two with my 16-35mm! The background was a colored background, so no need to do any color work in PS on the background.

Cheers,
Alec

Love the simplicity of the setup! Are you using the 85mm? And are you using the neutral gray background then hitting it with color in Photoshop? Excellent job.

Travis