When a shot suggestion I didn't like actually turns out well

​I’m excited when my models (or anyone else on the set with us) make suggestions about clothing, hair, makeup, and the like. In addition, when an interesting posing idea is brought up, I’m very happy to try it. However, in the past, if it was something that did not seem to have a chance of working, I’d quickly discard the suggestion. I was convinced that I was the final authority on what poses would or would not work.

I still react that way occasionally. But this belief obviously has limitations. Making a snap judgment means I’ve thought little about what was suggested to me. Instead, if I spend a few moments fully considering the idea, I’ll often find that it indeed does have merit.

However, there are times when I'm absolutely convinced a posing suggestion will not be successful. But out of respect for the model, I'm willing to give their idea a chance. I'm happy to say that more often than not, we end up with some interesting images.​

---

The end of our photo shoot was drawing near. Lexi had been a great model, and I wanted to reward her by shooting a setup she’d been considering. So, after she posed herself, I took a few pictures. I hadn’t been crazy about the setup and was sure none of the photos would have any value for me. Boy, was I wrong! There’s so much I like about this particular image - the strong diagonal created by the tree branch, the angular bends of her arms and left leg, the contrast between her red dress and the green background, and her intense stare. 

​I had asked Cynthia to sit. She did, but not the way I figured she would. I was about to ask her to move onto the seat, but decided not to. This was our first time working together, and I didn’t want her thinking I was the dictatorial type. So I took a few shots, assuming none would be very good. I changed my mind when viewing the pictures back in my office on a full-size monitor. One of the things I really like is the bend of the knees, with one slightly below the other, and how that matches the bottom of her dress, with one side being a little lower than the other. In addition, I love the soft shadow surrounding her legs and chair, produced by the ring light attached to my camera. I realized how charming it was that she'd decided to sit on the chair this way.

FREE T-SHIRT
​​...when you sign up for a One-To-One Workshop​!! This is a Fruit-Of-The-Loom, 98% cotton shirt. It has my absolutely gorgeous logo (see top of page) printed on the front. Available sizes are men's medium, large, and extra-large. These shirts may also be purchased.

​A dance company had hired me to photograph its dancers. After finishing, I had the opportunity to pose them for some of my own stock photography. These two were excited to be photographed-especially the young woman. In the middle of me explaining the sort of setups I wanted, she grabbed the young man and began working out this pose. I didn't think I'd like it but, as before, I decided to try a few shots. I was surprised and very happy with how they turned out... especially this one.

​Here’s another setup I was positive would fizzle. This young couple and I had spent a few hours photographing at a city park. They had been a delight to work with but were itching to try a few setups of their own. After completing the shots I wanted, they led me to this merry-go-round. To the uninitiated, this old-fashioned device spins by having someone hold onto its railing while running. Once the ride gets moving, the runner jumps on. My role, of course, was to document the process. So, I hopped onto the device, and Kevin began spinning it while Ariana ran alongside. Though they were savvy enough to be aware of the camera and knew the importance of good expressions, I could tell they were genuinely excited and having a grand time. They never came completely aboard the spinning disk, but I was still getting some great images. It was also satisfying knowing I didn’t have to set up the shots, since I was now shooting documentary style - following and photographing what was directly in front of me. I was delighted with the results.

​​CONTACT PETER
to schedule a class or
​for more information