Who has heard words to that effect? I wonder if it had the same effect on you as it did me? See, I am not a huge fan of portrait photography. Not being the best people person doesn’t help at all. Landscapes, macros, sunrise/sunsets all seem easier than trying to photograph people. Its a bit of a bugger really, because it seems like that is where the dollars are. I have photographed one wedding, and I doubt I will do another. It is very stressful. This is one couples big day, and you don’t want to stuff it up. I know all about that. We took the cheap route with our wedding photographer, and the results weren’t very good at all. You get what you pay for it seems.

What about other portrait work? Well just recently I was asked to take some photos of a friends two daughters. “No problems” I said with out thinking. It took a while, but eventually, it was organised. I will be honest and say it was a sleepless night beforehand. I don’t know why I worried, I wasn’t being paid, and they live a few streets away, so it isn’t like it couldn’t be done again if I completely stuffed it up.

As it turned out, I really enjoyed it. I learnt a hell of a lot and the photos didn’t turn out to badly either.

The Girls.

This shoot has really helped my confidence. The girls mum loved lots of the photos. I was happy to Photoshop them to get all the types of photos she was after, and she got them printed up before christmas for some of the relatives. Apparently they all loved them as well. So maybe there is a future in this portrait type stuff. I imagine it must be easier with people you know, but I am actually looking forward to doing it again to see if I can put into practise what I learnt on that day.

So, have you heard those words before, “Can you photograph my wedding/birthday/children?” and how did you handle it?