Senior Style: Fashion-Forward Photography Techniques for Studio and Location Portraits

by Tim Schooler (Photographer)

Overview

Teens want portraits that speak to who they are-, images in which they look their best from head to toe. So, how does a photographer go about creating trendy, “now” photos with style and substance, capturing the essence of the student, while pleasing their parents too?

Teen photography guru Tim Schooler paves the way to success as a teen photographer, showing you how to attract clients, build rapport, and plan for a session that pleases teens and parents. From there, he’ll present tips for location selection, incorporating props, and choosing flattering wardrobe options. You’ll also learn strategies for better lighting using natural light, studio lighting, and mixed lighting sources. Finally, you’ll learn how to enhance your portraits in postproduction, present your images, and close the sale. With myriad professional insights and 180 gorgeous images, readers will take away a new appreciation for the art and business of teen portrait photography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781682030202
Publisher:	Amherst Media, Incorporated
Publication date:	06/14/2016
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Tim Schooler is an award winning internationally published photographer specializing in senior, family and children and maternity portraits.

Table of Contents

Section 1 Background and Basics

1 Specialization or Diversification? 10

The Beginning; Learning; Specializing in Seniors; Times Are Changing: Diversification

2 Space and Staffing 12

A Commercial Space; Staff

3 Attracting Clients 14

Word of Mouth; Social Media; Recent Trends

4 Booking the Session 16

Our First Contact; Packages and Pricing; A Session Fee

5 The Consultation 18

Advantages; What to Cover; When a Meeting Isn't Possible

6 Clothing Selection, Part 1 20

Advice, Not Rules; General Guidelines

7 Clothing Selection, Part 2 22

Girls' Clothes; Guys' Clothes; Hairstyles

8 Getting the Session Started 24

Session Times and Days; Arrival and Styling Choices; Keep It Fun

9 My Gear 26

Make Smart Choices; Organization

10 A Great Experience, Part 1 28

Better Photos, Better Sales; Set the Stage; Choose the Right Words

11 A Great Experience, Part 2 30

Make It Feel Like a Collaboration

12 A Great Experience, Part 3 32

Make It Feel Important; Learn to Read People; Find Their Beauty

13 Posing, Part 1 34

Why Posing Matters; Master the Fundamentals

14 Posing, Part 2 36

What Do They Want?; A Personalized Approach

15 Posing, Part 3 38

Objectives: Men vs. Women; Giving Direction

Section 2 Location Photography

16 Backgrounds: Basic Considerations 42

A Customized Look; Consider the Clothing; Added Meaning; Personal Taste

17 Backgrounds: Additional Factors 44

Seasonal Locations; Be Considerate!; The Weather; Posing Aids

18 Backgrounds: Men vs. Women 46

Masculine; Feminine

19 Find the Light 48

The Top Concern; Directional Light Is Key; Portraits on a Porch

20 Block the Overhead Light 50

Lowering the Angle; Portico Portrait; Watch the Catchlights

21 Add a Reflector 52

Positioning the Reflector; Which Reflector to Use; Soft and Beautiful; Portrait Lighting Terms

Subject Position 54

Edge of the Sunlight; Into the Shade; Get Mom Involved; Watch the Eyes

23 Which Direction? 56

Short Lighting; Studio Porch; Your Web Site: Fresh But Consistent, Townhouse Porch; Plantation Home

24 A White Dress 58

Location; Lighting; Posing and Expression; An Exposure Challenge; Be on the Lookout for Great Light

25 Reflections 60

A Clean Background; Lens Selection; Lighting

26 Vibrant Colors 62

Not Just Green; Winter Flowers; Spring Flowers; Cool Blue

27 Simple Changes, Big Variety 64

A Classic; Natural Light (with a Reflector)

28 The Face and Eyes 66

The Point of the Portrait; A Bright Background; A Natural Vignette

29 Enhancing Variety 68

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings; Garden Look; Gritty, Fashion Flair; Light and Angle Transform the Scene

30 Adding Strobe in Outdoor Scenes 70

Pros and Cons; A Bright Scene; Very Overcast

31 A Little Grunge 72

Lines and Textures; Posing and Clothing; Lighting

32 Camera Height 74

Background Control; Lighting; Variations

33 Don't Forget the Props 76

Not Just for the Studio; Clothing Can Add Personality

34 Use the Scene 78

The Lines; The Tones

Section 3 Studio Photography

35 Why Do Studio Photography? 82

The Role of Studio Portraiture; Backdrops and Props; A Profitable Balance; Work Efficiently

36 Lighting: Another Studio Advantage 84

A Blank Canvas; A More Tailored Approach

37 Backdrops and Props 86

Choosing the Right Backdrop; Get Input and Refine the Look; Trends and Traditions; Adapting (Not Copying) Ideas

38 Small Variations 88

Backdrop; Lighting; Finishing the Look; Another Look

39 Same Backdrop, Different Look 90

Transformation; Versatility; Lighting; Another took

40 Highlighting Long Hair 92

A Popular Idea; Pose; Lighting; Backdrop

41 Lighting with a Fashion Flair 94

Backdrops; Lighting; Black & White

42 Edge Lighting and Separation 96

Depth and Definition; The Goal; About the Images; Another Benefit

43 Ring Light Portraits 98

What the Ring Light Does; How I Use It

44 Hot Light Portraits 100

Make It Work; Lighting and Shooting; Enhancing the Eye Color

45 High Key Portraits 102

Pageant Portraits-and More; Lighting

46 High Key Clothing and Props 104

Clothing; Props

47 Bubble Gum 106

Juxtaposition; Posing the Hands; The Main Light Placement

48 Lighting the Eyes 108

Catchlights; Lighting

49 An Edgy Feel 110

What Seniors Want; Seeking Balance; Talking with Seniors

50 Posing, Cropping, and Expression 112

Variations; Expressions

51 Fiery Drama 114

Subject and Style; The Basic Lighting Setup; Adjusting the Lights

Section 4 After the Session

52 Retouching 118

Exposure Tweaks; Softening, Blemish Removal, and More; Keep It to a Minimum

53 The Sales Session 120

Projection Session; Proof Book; If They Don't Order?

54 Time Management 122

Don't Try to Do It All; Lower Volume, More Service; Not Overshooting

Final Thoughts

The Times Are (Still) Changing 124

Index 126

Editorial Reviews

Tim is one of the country’s most sought-after senior portrait photographers. His unique style and techniques for on-location portraiture have garnered him much acclaim in the industry.” —Kevin Jairaj, author of Stylish Weddings “Tim has a command of lighting, posing, and expressions—and what he does with eyes is wonderful.“ —Jim Frieze, Master Photographer “Every month I interview the best of the best, and Tim is at the top. I would kill to be able to produce the work on his site.” —Larry Singer, Formerly of Rangefinder magazine

From the Publisher