Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/06/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Rick: <Gotta stay awake to new ideas....> You obviously have spent time and learned the hard way how to handle children, and parents - in turn I thank you for sharing your ideas. The company I work with on weekends requires that we use a MF camera for family portraiture, but I still use a rangefinder, the Fuji GW670III - the rangefinder is great for seeing whether that little girl blinked, or if the flash was reflected off grandma's glasses - another thing you learn by being there. One of the most expensive touchups is trying to take out glare on glasses, sometimes eyes have to be rebuilt - wow! We do not use digital because of the cost factor, film is still much cheaper, as long as I don't lose those eyes! I spend a great deal of time setting up the group so it has a pleasing shape - one thing I am currently experimenting with is a loose group (works well with teenage children and adults) as an alternative to cuddly grouping - it allows each person to stand in a relaxed way - sometimes I just ask people to move around, then shout "stop" and look at the pattern - some families have a relaxed air about them and each individual will take an interesting pose. The effect can be very natural and pleasing. Does anyone else have some ideas to share, I am always looking for alternative poses, as informal as possible, for family portraits - thanks - Hugh Thompson