Park & Shoot.
By Shannon Dagher
3 June 2008
Now, I know: There's a bit of a photography snob lurking within us all. It's that part of you that wants to stab your hand with your fork when a "Shutterdud" (a non-photographic person) asks what you need such an expensive camera for. *cue eye roll*
But, there's hope for us yet. We are still based in reality...well, most of us (Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 - The World's Largest Telephoto Lens...really?!) Deep down we know we have bills, occasionally experience guilt (and the inevitable buyer's remorse) and secretly LOVE a good bargain. It is in this spirit, that I remind you: PHOTOGRAPHY CAN BE FREE!
I know, I know, the GEAR costs money...but (provided you've got a Digi.) the IMAGE can be free! That is, until you start plopping down some serious duckets for "exclusive locations" and "professional models". *cue MY eye roll* I don't know about you, but I'm not above a freebie...so follow me here....
Your Neighborhood Park. A friend, co-worker, acquaintance, grocery bagger, etc.! It's that simple, and that much fun. Offer your aspiring model to TFP or TFCD, and you're golden. Trust me, they'll be so flattered and excited about having the coolest Myspace page around, that they may even walk a little prouder that day...which works great for photographs. If you're a portrait shooter, great! Right up your alley. If not, this is your chance to practice/fill your portfolio with some real fashion photography...and did I mention? IT'S FREE!
Just do yourself some favors:
1) Have the model bring multiple outfits/handheld props; this makes for a more versatile photo shoot and you get more shots/looks out of it. Make sure they're colors that will stand out at your local park. There's always a bathroom to change.
2) If your model's a female, have her do her makeup at your place...they will BE a park bathroom, but its condition is unknown. Carry blotting powder & lipstick for touch-ups on a warm day (makeup melts, guys).
3) Bring water & a snack...for both of you, says Emily Post.
4) Keep all equipment to a minimum. You don't want to leave your stuff unattended while you cavort through the daisies. Or have to run back to the car every 5 minutes.
5) Scout locations and lighting BEFOREHAND...it's your neighborhood park, I think you can squeeze it in. This will save you plenty of prime shooting time and keep your model from loosing focus (especially if they're a first-timer).
6) General rules still apply: Noon-time sun will be the harshest causing blow-out & model squinting. Use fill-flash when shooting with the sun behind the model. And keep color cast in mind, all that green...
7) Don't limit yourself to just "The Grass". Get creative! Bathrooms, drinking fountains,
Parking lot, swings, toys...etc. All are fair game for shooting spots.
8) Shoot at "off-peak" park times for a more secluded, private look. Mid-day, mid-week is always a safe bet. Weekends, mornings and afternoons are Mom & baby time. If you don't mind some bokeh babies in the background, just wing it. :)
9) Don't be shy! If you are, the model will be. It's a public place, people may stare. Who cares, have fun! Talk to your model, and offer positive feedback. And bring your Moo cards (business cards!)...some bystanders may just desire your services!
10) Muy Importante!: be courteous of other park guests. Do not assume just because you have a camera & model in tow, you have the right of way. There are kids there, man. Wait your turn.
And at the end of the day, your inner "Snooty von Photogenius" AND "Frugal McBucksaver" will both be satiated. How often do you get to please ALL your photographic personalities?
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