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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Formal Shots?

Postal Boy
Veteran

Sep 14, 2006, 9:53 AM

Post #1 of 5 (444 views)
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Formal Shots?	Can't Post

Do any of you that do photography do formals, and if so, where do you do them and how did you learn the poses? I haven't seen a lot of "formals" but more engagements and ceremony/reception photos posted on the forum. Most formals that I have seen outside of the formals have been in a studio environment. I ask because I am looking at a camera and my wife is grilling me about "So you think you can do it, huh? What makes you think you can do it? Brides are gonna want this and that and this and that - are you ready for that?" Ugh...

-Postal

Jeko
Enthusiast

Sep 14, 2006, 1:41 PM

Post #2 of 5 (433 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Formal Shots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think the traditional studio mantra is shifting for many. Formals can be at a studio (what comprises a studio -lighting and an empty or arranged area), a venue or a park. I do realize that some may want a traditional backdrop, and I do offer discounts with a local traditional portrait studio for that.

Our business is instead offering shots around our house (I use our circular staircase or formal living room's piano area mainly), their selected ceremony or reception sites (some have awesome gardens that may be used as part of their rental agreement), local parks (generally with wooded or water back drops there), or city-scapes (artwork, murals or tall buildings) for a contrasting look. Clients have the choice --just a time limit to consider.

Some use us for portraits only. Heck, I've had some find us "to late" and hire me to make an album with another photographer's pictures.... rights releases in order, of course.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Postal Boy
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Sep 14, 2006, 3:50 PM

Post #3 of 5 (428 views)
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Re: [Jeko] Formal Shots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do you do the formals in the wedding gown and everything? I haven't seen that a lot in these forums.

-Postal

Scott Brooks
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Sep 14, 2006, 4:32 PM

Post #4 of 5 (425 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Formal Shots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Many of us don't post the formals because (sometimes) they're just not as exciting or show as much emotion.

I do some formals at the altar if requested, but also try to get outside as much as possible.

As far as learning ... I've been to so many photographers sites for inspiration it's just nuts. We're talking mega hours on researching. I'll save photos to a folder on the computer and then look them over before going out the next day in an attempt to see what might or might not work.

I don't have a studio and don't want one. If someone came over I could take them outside the house for a really nice shot, but that's it.

I've only done one engagement shoot and it was by the lake. Any engagement shoots would be in a location of their choice. I would have them interact with each other as much as possible while still getting a few posed shots. Again ... look at other photographer's sites for inspiration. Not just that ... but look at a shot or pose and think, "How could I do that differently."

Jeko
Enthusiast

Sep 14, 2006, 4:43 PM

Post #5 of 5 (420 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Formal Shots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yup, I do take bridal portraits. I seldom post images on any forums to be honest... though I often review the work of others on FM or DPReview. I guess I tend to put my images on my site, or in other locations where my prospects will see them (flyers at wedding locations and at bridal shows locally), and not necessarily where they are critiqued by the entire planet. I am simply not concerned with pleasing everyone...

My clients do go to pictage.com to get their images, as do some of my prospects who want to assess me. If included, clients also get images as prints and/or on disk. All clients are getting albums from me... it is my primary goal for them. I actually have most packages designed to furnish all images on disk once an album is ordered.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.