As you can see when you first visit my site, I shoot buildings, interiors and landscapes.
This is what I prefer and love doing. The trees and walls and rocks don’t talk back, I don’t need to say much to them (although the odd conversation between photographer and decor does exist).
So what is an architectural and interior photographer doing shooting a matric farewell. (For my US followers, it’s senior prom photos)
So when Miss N asked me to do her matric farewell, my mind was sent spinning. What should I say? What excuse can I think of? I can’t lie? I can’t say no as she already explained her situation. Hesitantly I said yes and watched the dreaded date creeping up on my…slowly with fiery red eyes and big teeth, growling and threatening to consume all my wits. Now if you are a wedding or portrait photographer, you may just be thinking, what is this oke on about? It’s the easiest thing to do.
Yah right!!! I cannot remember poses to save my life, I shoot at a full 10 frames per second with the hope of getting a good shot amongst them…..OK…it’s not quite THAT bad, but hey, understand my position. I am used to my subjects NOT communicating or moving. I don’t feel like I should entertain them. I feel nervous about portrait,couple or family shoots, and I feel nervous that my clients will see I am nervous and then I feel more nervous about feeling nervous and them seeing I am nervous…you get what I mean.
You get one chance to do the shoot, make up is done, dress is done, nails are done and the moment arrives. Look this way, drop your chin a bit, not that much, turn this way…..and inside I am screaming….heeeeeeeelllppp!!! All of sudden we are done and I am heading home and I am thinking that was not so bad. Download the images and do a quick scan. HHhhhmmmmm….I still prefer houses and interiors.
Architectural photography allows you a bit of time to arrange things, move this, shift that. Take a shot and check it out…nope…that pillow looks odd or I need more light there. Retake…perfect. Not with portrait shoots….one chance to get THAT shot…the money shot. You miss it, you lose it.
Either way, it was lesson. A tough one to learn, harder to remember, hopefully making me a bit more confident next time around, if there is a next time.
Below are a few of my favourites from the shoot. Hope you enjoy them as much as they terrified me. If you have a comment or advise please feel free to comment.
Keep shooting!!
Michael.
PS… you can also follow me on Facebook and on Instagram at miraclemomentsphoto_za.
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