How to organize a photo shoot project photographing people?

Question

Hello there,

any tips on how to organize a photo shoot with people?
I would like to take certain photographs with people in it.For the moment these people will be friends of mine,so it would be a lot easier not to mention I'm only 16 years old and I think
the least I can do at the moment is work with people I know (I lack of social skills,as well).

I want to shoot various photos,how can I organize well,where to shoot and how to organize all my ideas so
the photographs will turn out good.Let's say it'll be sort of a photo shoot assignment I'm doing for myself.
At the moment,I have my dad's Samsung digimax S500 and a Nikon Coolpix 5700 which I haven't used since it
needs to be fixed shortly.For this photo shoot I will be using the Nikon Coolpix 5700,just cause the lens will give me
more sharper photos.I currently just have the large flash that the camera brings and nothing else.Any other equipments
I should provide myself with during the photo shoot project,perhaps a tripod?

Thank you

Answer 1

First, start by writing down your general concept for each image. Include location, time of day, and the friend you have in mind for each image. Shooting in natural light is cheap and rewarding, if you do some preshoot legwork, IE: where is the sun at different times of the day at your desired location, what kind of weather will best suit the mood of the image you wish to make, ect. Overcast days can add a magically soft quality to a portrait, rain can add a sad mood, and a shot on the beach is probably best suited to full sun. You get the idea. It is totally possible to create wonderful images, without fancy lighting equip., just by getting creative. Use a white sheet, stapled to a large piece of cardboard can make a reflector to bounce some light into a scene to open up shadows. ECT, Ect, ect. Play around with backlighting and use your on camera flash as a fill light on the subjects face. Most important, the eyes. Eyes are the window to the soul, so be sure to focus critically on the eye closest to the camera.



Good Luck, and when you get some shots, let us here on YA Photography know. Many frequent answerers are very generous with their help/suggestions/advice.

Answer 2

flickr and google both have decent collections of free stock images. Good luck

Answer 3

What you're actually asking is for a theme or idea.



Since it's your self-assignment and your portfolio, you have to come up with that.



The organization will depend on the theme.