"If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the axe". Abraham Lincoln
When clients book me for a job, regardless of the nature of that job, the first thing I need to do is find out all the relevant background information that will help me produce the final product i.e. the photograph.
Not asking people questions about the type of photography they require, what they like and dislike, their previous experiences of buying photography etc, is like setting off on a car journey with no destination in mind and no map - you might arrive at an interesting place, but on the other hand, you might just drive off the end of a cliff or up a blind alley.
Good portrait photography for businesses or individuals doesn't exist in a vacuum and it doesn't happen by accident; it can't just be tacked onto the end of everything else - it's part of a process that begins with the photographer and the client getting to know each other.
So for a business client, first of all I need to find out what their business is about and who their clients are; next, I'll need to know what the photographs are intended for, whether it be their brochure, a website or an in-house magazine; after that we'll discuss the style of photography they want. And if the brief is a complex one, then wherever possible I'll arrange to meet them at their offices. Meeting people face-to-face is a great opportunity to build up some rapport and also to have a look at the premises and work out where the best shots can be taken. I can also offer advice on what to wear for their portrait session and how long it will take.
Similarly, if I've been booked to take a family portrait, I'll ask lots of questions about what people want, where they plan to display the photographs, what their children are like etc. And again, I'll go and visit them beforehand. Having an informal chat with people minus all the paraphernalia of cameras and lights is very important, as is seeing them in their home environment. It makes them feel more at ease with me, and gives me food for thought; I can then go away and plan where to take the best shots and how to get the best out of everyone.
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