Set the Scene

Synopsis

No one likes to admit it, but photographers often reach a plateau where they feel they have reached their creative limit. "Sometimes," writes author Tracy Dorr, "it can begin to feel like you are just going through the motions, not particularly engaged in what you are doing. While the quality of your work is still very good, you are not particularly inspired by your product." For readers who find themselves in the monotonous position of shooting multiple similar sessions/clients every day, a new perspective might just be in order. According to the author, "We need to refresh our minds and substitute stale poses and overused locations with fresh, new accessories and ideas in our photo shoots. In short, it's time to embrace shooting with props." In this book, readers will find a wide variety of examples of shooting with props, drawing on work from a broad array of portrait genres and styles. Exploring photos created by top professionals, Dorr provides plenty of work to help readers move forward in their creative and professional journeys. At each turn, she encourages readers to refresh their minds and use the addition of props as a way to rejuvenate their energy and re-inspire their passion for photography. At first glance, this might seem like an antiquated or cheesy approach. In the past, props have often been silly, over-sized gimmicks that didn't make any sense and w ere definitely not cutting edge. Often, they were simply de facto additions to the scene-something that only professional photographers had and that clients accepted. How ever, the over-sized letters or rocking chairs of days past fall far short of the emotional resonance offered by current-day props. Modern prop shooting involves more to the set design of a Hollywood film. Photographers who use props well are very selective and set a high standard when designing their sets. The results can be starkly compelling, beautifully lush, or delightfully offbeat. In any case, the addition of props can force the photographer to branch out into a new genre they hadn't previously considered. Adding props demands the consideration of new themes, locations, wardrobe selections, poses, and lighting strategies-so simply by integrating props, photographers can actually force themselves to re-envision their entire approach to portraiture. Additionally, adding props allows the photographer to offer images that are truly unique and fully customized to the individual client. This can translate into additional income, since clients almost always respond favorably to the prestige of a one-of-a-kind product. Best of all, props can be added to your images at almost no additional cost. As Dorr explains, second-hand, borrowed, do-it-yourself, and found props can be just as effective as high-end specialty options.

Copyright:

2003

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9781608956982

Related ISBNs:

9781608956975

Publisher:

Amherst Media

Date of Addition:

05/17/14

Copyrighted By:

Amherst

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Art and Architecture

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.