Why is it that some people don't like to get photographed?
Because most people don't like how they look when the picture comes out. When I was little, I always scoffed at my mom for hating to have her picture taken. I always thought she looked fine. I still do. But nowadays, i find myself hating to have my own picture taken. There's always something I don't like about my appearance. Either my hair is messy or doesn't look as clean as I want it, my smile is crooked or my lips look chapped, I'm squinting or I look like I'm staring blankly into space... For most people, it's a simple matter of being to see so many flaws with how they look, which nobody else can find. They just hate how they look on a photograph, so they don't want to have their picture taken in the first place. That, and it's also just sometimes, certain people just aren't very photogenic.
How to photograph a group photos of 100 people?
First you need at least one mono light, better two with umbrellas (as large as possible on either side of you). The wide angle is a good choice, but not so wide that it distorts the edges. With a wide f11 is sufficient. I normally use ISO 400, but that depends upon your lights. Back row stands on 25 chairs, next row stands on the floor and you can get more than 25 in if they turn a shoulder towards the camera and move close, next row sits on 25 chairs and the row closest to the camera sits or kneels on the floor. Focus point should be on the seated row. Take several shots (I usually do 3 or 4 for high school reunions).
Tips for an amateur photographer having her first photo-shoot?
Think this way, they are probably nervous about having their picture taken, it's like an exam, it actually helps them if you are confident and at least appear to know what your doing and take charge, most people will follow your direction like sheep. You do need to arrange your subjects so the light is at a good angle, you can do this by moving the desks around so where they sit the light is good. Another tip is to take a picture, then as they relax, half a second or so later, take another, I can almost guarantee the second one will be more natural. If you can operate your camera remotely you can place it on a tripod looking over your shoulder, chat about anything and, looking for the moment when all their eyes are open and they are laughing, smiling etc., take the picture(s). As your not behind the camera they assume they are not being photographed, this works well with people who do not like their picture taken, if your camera can do it. Chris
How do I photograph fat people to make them look good?
Definitly try to take a picture standing a _little_ higher than them so that you are not facing directly at them or below them... if you're lower than them you are going to emphasize all the roundest areas and the double chin will frame their face. also have them sit and turn just a bit, both their body and their head and photograph them from the side that they turned to, it does slim them down and it helps to minimize double chins. You can also ask them to push their lower jaw a little farther forward than their top jaw which also helps to slim the face and minimize the chin issue. And most important, make them feel comfortable. If the fact that they are _fat_ is such an issue to you, you are unlikely to be the best photographer for them!
How do you take pictures of random people in public?
Just go up to them and ask them. Be honest in your intent. Then as you or they are walking away, take another picture so it's not as "posed." Or take a picture before you ask. It's all on your people skills. How would you meet random people at parties? At least with a camera in hand, you'll have an ice-breaker.
Tips/advice on taking candid photos of women at the beach?
Hi, I am going to Hawaii in a few months, and I plan on taking a LOT of candid photographs of attractive bikini-clad young women at the various popular beaches over there. I have never done anything like this before. Have any of you taken candid beach photos of women in bikinis before, and if so, do you have any useful tips or advice? Some things in general I would like to know: 1. Is it legal for me to take candid photos of women on the beach, or do I need to get their permission. Keep in mind, these will not be naked or topless, since beaches in Hawaii do not allow nudity of any sort. 2. Will they usually be confrontational about it, meaning I would be better off taking the photos as descreetly as possible, using a zoom-lens, or is it usually not a big deal, and I can just snap photos from a little closer without using a zoom lens. 3. Have you ever been beat up by the boyfriend of a woman who caught you taking photos of her? 4. On a sunny day during the middle of day, what would you say the best camera settings would be for me to use to get the best possible photos, as far as the shutter speed, aperture setting, and iso setting, given that I will be taking the photos by hand, and not with a tripod. 5. Any other tips or advice would be much appreciated, thanks!