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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 13:44:40 GMT
We are starting to think about my sons senior photo shoot, and I am struggling!
1 - He doesn't really like to be photographed very often, but he is willing to have the photo shoot, so that is good.
2 - He isn't involved in any sports any longer, he doesn't really have a serious hobby, no letterman jacket, nor is he a "formal" type of guy. I am struggling to find poses and spots (we will be outside) for him to have his photos taken. I want him to enjoy the photo shoot, but I am worried it will be a flop.
I've googled, and Pinterested until I found the end of the internet it seems. HA! The problem is there are only so many ways to pose a young man (that I think he will go along with) GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR . . . . I'm frustrated. I'm probably over reacting and he will go with the flow once the photographer starts, I just want it to go well for him! He's had a rough start to his senior year and i want this to go well for him.
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sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,574
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Aug 27, 2015 13:56:20 GMT
If you PM me your email, I can send you what both of my sons did. I was really happy with them, and mine were, like yours, not sporty or formal.
ETA: If you like a photographer, odds are that professional will give you fabulous results as far as poses, etc.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
Jun 25, 2014 20:06:48 GMT
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Post by freebird on Aug 27, 2015 14:06:00 GMT
Are you the photographer? or are you hiring someone? If you hired someone, you don't need to give them poses (if they are a professional anyway). Let them do their jobs, trust them. It's annoying to have a mom come in with her phone and start showing me pinterest boards. In fact, I've shut that habit down. If it's you, there's lots of groups on facebook for senior photographers.
I usually do standing facing me, crossed arms. Turn to the side, crossed arms. lean against something, crossed arms.
Do those again, hands in pockets (must see thumbs or only thumbs in, not whole hands).
Sitting, back against something, shot from side then front.
sitting, arms on knees, shoot from front.
Get down low (to make guys look taller/bigger).
those are just some of my fall backs.
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Post by 3SugarBugs on Aug 27, 2015 14:06:09 GMT
My favorite shots of DD's guy friends this year, have been the casual ones leaning back against a wooden fence...or sitting against a post on a wooden bridge. Not sure what locations you have, but I also like the ones of guys against a brick building...masculine, but still casual. Good luck! The whole thing stressed me out too!!
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Post by mikewozowski on Aug 27, 2015 14:24:43 GMT
the photographer will suggest poses. you don't need to worry about it.
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,538
Jul 24, 2014 19:51:57 GMT
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Post by MerryMom on Aug 27, 2015 14:35:29 GMT
The ones taken outside and the background trees or whatever are slightly blurred always look nice to me.
Just don't do the ones where the guy has his hand under his chin gazing thoughtfully into the distance...as if he is contemplating his future...arrggghhhh....
I hate those!!!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 12, 2024 11:08:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2015 14:57:03 GMT
My favorite from last year for my 19 year old was a train depot (shh don't tell the peas) and at a local park. A park with a playground brings out the playfulness in most everyone.
This year we are going to the pumpkin farm.
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 15:02:57 GMT
Are you the photographer? or are you hiring someone? If you hired someone, you don't need to give them poses (if they are a professional anyway). Let them do their jobs, trust them. It's annoying to have a mom come in with her phone and start showing me pinterest boards. In fact, I've shut that habit down. If it's you, there's lots of groups on facebook for senior photographers. I usually do standing facing me, crossed arms. Turn to the side, crossed arms. lean against something, crossed arms. Do those again, hands in pockets (must see thumbs or only thumbs in, not whole hands). Sitting, back against something, shot from side then front. sitting, arms on knees, shoot from front. Get down low (to make guys look taller/bigger). those are just some of my fall backs. I am not the photographer, and I did hire a professional, but when we were speaking about my son (we don't personally know her) she was asking me about his hobbies, interests, sports etc because of trying to get an idea of where she would take him and props, etc. I have seen a lot of her work, but unfortunately - She has photographed A LOT of females, babies and families, but not a lot of males. I have faith in her, but she suggested that I find some things that were interesting types of poses, as I told her I thought my son would be a little nervous, and also the fact that he doesn't enjoy photography one bit! We are going to make the best of it! Stressful stuff for me though.
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 15:04:59 GMT
My favorite from last year for my 19 year old was a train depot (shh don't tell the peas) and at a local park. A park with a playground brings out the playfulness in most everyone. This year we are going to the pumpkin farm. We have an old run down train stop that isn't far from our house, and we discussed this as an option for a shot on the tracks! I think the building is too run down, but hey - she may see something I don't! We are also going to a farm that is close. It has a great big white barn that is pretty cool. I hope the scenery is nice around it. maybe I'll stalk it this weekend and see . . .
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Post by lynnek on Aug 27, 2015 15:06:35 GMT
My son is getting his done tomorrow. I feel for you with the struggle. My son is like yours that he really doesn't love pictures, but I assured the photographer that he will cooperate but it is definitely not something he is looking forward to.
As far as poses, I forwarded the photographer about 5-7 poses I saw on Pintrest that I (and my son did too)liked so that she could see what our style is so to speak and then I figured form there, she is the professional so I will let her handle it.
Good luck to him (and you!)
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Post by Darcy Collins on Aug 27, 2015 15:06:42 GMT
I agree with finding a good photographer and leaving it to her/him. We recently did a family shoot, and the photographer was phenomenal with my son - who really hates to have his picture taken. We have some really nice natural shots and real smiles - which I frankly can't manage.
ETA I was typing when you added info about the photographer shooting mostly younger kids and asking for suggestions. I'd find another photographer frankly. I think being able to choose good settings/poses is pretty fundamental to calling yourself a professional.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
Jun 25, 2014 20:06:48 GMT
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Post by freebird on Aug 27, 2015 15:08:02 GMT
Are you the photographer? or are you hiring someone? If you hired someone, you don't need to give them poses (if they are a professional anyway). Let them do their jobs, trust them. It's annoying to have a mom come in with her phone and start showing me pinterest boards. In fact, I've shut that habit down. If it's you, there's lots of groups on facebook for senior photographers. I usually do standing facing me, crossed arms. Turn to the side, crossed arms. lean against something, crossed arms. Do those again, hands in pockets (must see thumbs or only thumbs in, not whole hands). Sitting, back against something, shot from side then front. sitting, arms on knees, shoot from front. Get down low (to make guys look taller/bigger). those are just some of my fall backs. I am not the photographer, and I did hire a professional, but when we were speaking about my son (we don't personally know her) she was asking me about his hobbies, interests, sports etc because of trying to get an idea of where she would take him and props, etc. I have seen a lot of her work, but unfortunately - She has photographed A LOT of females, babies and families, but not a lot of males. I have faith in her, but she suggested that I find some things that were interesting types of poses, as I told her I thought my son would be a little nervous, and also the fact that he doesn't enjoy photography one bit! We are going to make the best of it! Stressful stuff for me though. well, frankly, SHE should be doing the research on poses. I'd never admit I didn't know what I was doing to a client. lol. It's good that she wants to know about his hobbies and interests tho. Remember, the photos are about him, not about what you like mom. (I had a mom that wanted her punk rocker kid posed with a stream and a fence. He looked so out of place.)
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 15:15:42 GMT
I am not the photographer, and I did hire a professional, but when we were speaking about my son (we don't personally know her) she was asking me about his hobbies, interests, sports etc because of trying to get an idea of where she would take him and props, etc. I have seen a lot of her work, but unfortunately - She has photographed A LOT of females, babies and families, but not a lot of males. I have faith in her, but she suggested that I find some things that were interesting types of poses, as I told her I thought my son would be a little nervous, and also the fact that he doesn't enjoy photography one bit! We are going to make the best of it! Stressful stuff for me though. well, frankly, SHE should be doing the research on poses. I'd never admit I didn't know what I was doing to a client. lol. It's good that she wants to know about his hobbies and interests tho. Remember, the photos are about him, not about what you like mom. (I had a mom that wanted her punk rocker kid posed with a stream and a fence. He looked so out of place.) I got the feeling she was trying to be helpful, and from her work that I have seen, she is good - Just hasn't photographed many males that, well - Aren't athletes or wedding/formal settings. Girls will be more open to try new/different types of poses, my son won't be as outgoing unfortunately. It is 100% about him - But I want it to be a good experience for him and in turn, I will have great photos for years to come. It's a win-win <3
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,439
Location: Idaho
Jun 26, 2014 18:51:17 GMT
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Post by perumbula on Aug 27, 2015 15:18:23 GMT
I like the leaning on something poses for guys as well. Does he have a favorite place in town? How about at home?
My son has a new to him car and we'll be incorporating that into his pictures. (It's a 1970 Volvo.)
ETA: it's true that boys generally aren't as adventurous in front of a camera as the girls are. Boys do well when given something to do with their hands or something to lean against. They need poses that encourage them to relax. With my nephew, I had him lean on old walls, sit on the ground, and even jump in the air for me. The jump one ended up being a favorite. He was posed on a very quite block of a main street in town, so there he was jumping in the air with his town behind him. It worked really well and jumping in the air and being silly loosened him up for 10-15 minutes.
You might also consider asking if your son can have a friend along, if you think that will help him relax. Some boys feel silly with a friend watching, but often the boys talk and joke and it helps the subject relax for the camera.
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 15:18:52 GMT
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
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Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
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Post by peppermintpatty on Aug 27, 2015 15:22:28 GMT
My photographer (see my post about my dd's senior pictures) actually told my dd to look on Pintrest. She does have a hobby (as is evident in the pictures) but the photographer wanted dd to find ideas that she wanted to do. I would still have your son look at Pintrest and get some ideas. I had a photographer do my wedding shots and he never asked what we wanted. We had no close ups!
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 15:22:54 GMT
I like the leaning on something poses for guys as well. Does he have a favorite place in town? How about at home? My son has a new to him car and we'll be incorporating that into his pictures. (It's a 1970 Volvo.) Nope specific favorite place in town, but we are going to go downtown where there is some great artsy stuff. Some cool stairwells and architecture also. He hates his current vehicle. 2004 Ford Explorer extended cab! Doesn't know what he would want, but just hates this one! Ha!
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 15:26:49 GMT
My photographer (see my post about my dd's senior pictures) actually told my dd to look on Pintrest. She does have a hobby (as is evident in the pictures) but the photographer wanted dd to find ideas that she wanted to do. I would still have your son look at Pintrest and get some ideas. I had a photographer do my wedding shots and he never asked what we wanted. We had no close ups! Very nice pictures! She is very pretty!!!! No way he will dress up formal - The dressiest we will get is a long sleeve button front shirt with the sleeves rolled up to 3/4 length, undershirt under it, nice jeans/shorts with sperry's. And, I am ok with it - It is who he is. He rocks that attire pretty well, so I am not complaining.
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 27, 2015 15:35:55 GMT
When my son had his senior (high school) pictures done, I told the photographer that we wanted some casual outdoor shots w/out props, plus a few very traditional cap and gown shots for relatives. The photographer picked a great outdoor location and my son wore casual clothes and actually enjoyed himself. The session only lasted about thirty minutes and we had a lot of great outdoor shots to choose from. The indoor cap and gown session only lasted about five minutes and those pictures turned out fine too.
I personally don't care for the shots with props like flaming basketballs and I think they'll eventually look very dated. My son played baseball, but I had plenty of pictures in his uniform, so neither one of us really wanted any senior pictures in his uniform. However, to each his own. I know my son would have felt self conscious posing with props, so it was easy for us to agree on the type of session he had.
Good luck with your son's session. I hope he enjoys it!
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Post by bwife on Aug 27, 2015 15:38:27 GMT
I say dont stress about it. My kid had his senior pics done 2 yrs ago. Like your son, getting pics taken was not on his "priority" list at. all. he is a thrifty kid and did not understand WHY we wanted to spend $ on something like that. His "dressy" outfit was a nice button down shirt that HE picked out and a pair of jeans. ALL of his photos turned out great and my favorites of him are when he is not smiling. We did get one smiling photo that I love. But he just take a better pic when he is more serious looking. We had an indoor and outdoor shoot. he had a few sitting on some steps that turned out nice, others he was leaning against a brick or full wood wall. We did have one taken of him and his dog, she sat next to him so proudly... that one he was standing and they were in front of an old garage door. But my favorite pic of all of them, he was standing in an ally, everything behind him is blurry and he is in focus. he is smiling and he has his hands in his pockets.
I would be happy to email you a few pics as well, Just send PM me with your email addy.
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Deleted
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May 12, 2024 11:08:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2015 15:44:52 GMT
Our photographer is very good at figuring kids out and making it tolerable for even guys who hate getting pictures taken. Any photographer can do the football star pictures, it is the unique guys that are a challenge. Working with her we came up with a couple fun ideas.
I am not at all a fan of the "heading out on the RR tracks with my fake vintage suitcase" look. UGH!! But, my son has been a huge, HUGE fan of trains since he was tiny so she took photos of him outside a train museum and they turned out so nice because he was actually having fun just being there. He is also the math-wiz type so she took photos of him with calculus "stuff" covering a chalkboard as a background. Besides math and trains, his greatest love is gaming....haha so she took some pictures of him with a controller in his hand that are fun.
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Deleted
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May 12, 2024 11:08:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2015 15:50:48 GMT
We were very pleased with our son's senior photos last year. I knew the photographer's work with boys and had seen his work years before and knew immediately that he was who we were going to use when the time came. I have photos from both in his studio and outside. Here's one of our favorites -
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Post by lisacharlotte on Aug 27, 2015 15:58:43 GMT
I'm thankful that I didn't have to pose with props for my senior pictures. In the studio with a basic backdrop, head and shoulders only with maybe 3 different shots from different angles. I just don't get the theme thing. I would just want nice photos of my son, no fancy poses required
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Post by knit.pea on Aug 27, 2015 16:01:06 GMT
DS's only real interest in getting pictures done was picking out a few new shirts and a pair of shoes Just not important to him. So I let the photographer take charge. She asked about sports and hobbies (same, nothing he wanted pics of). So we did backdrops in the city (bricks, walls, coffee shop, etc.). He had a good time, he looked very grown up and handsome, and it's done. My stress level was merely my own "holy crap, he's a Senior!" I will suggest having him wear a white undershirt, so he can quick change anywhere. Very easy.
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Post by cmpeter on Aug 27, 2015 16:14:01 GMT
I think you are stressing about it too much. My son was similar. He wasn't interested in changing outfits or posing with props. We did a few shots inside the studio and then went outside and did some with the studio walls as the background and some of the green space behind the studio. Very simple but also very fitting with his personality (no frills).
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Post by psoccer on Aug 27, 2015 16:18:10 GMT
My favorite picture of my son was of him in his jeans, vans, and a t-shirt against a brick wall. That is who he was, at that time. My daughters are coming up this year. She is already buying clothes for certain "looks". She is a whole different ballgame.
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Post by BoilerUp! on Aug 27, 2015 16:39:04 GMT
Another pea sent me a few shots she has taken, and I now know that one "pose" that I KNOW he will love will be with the American flag! He wants to be a police officer, and he is very patriotic! I love this idea, and am so happy that it was shared with me.
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Post by littlemama on Aug 27, 2015 17:17:21 GMT
A good photographer will get your son to relax and try different things. He needs to realize that just because they try a pose, that doesn't mean it's one of the ones you are going to purchase. When I looked for a senior photographer, I looked for one who had photographed a bunch of boys in poses that I liked. The fact that he isn't into sports or hobbies might only impact the number of different poses, but the basic poses will be the same.
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,234
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
Jun 26, 2014 18:42:33 GMT
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Post by Sue on Aug 27, 2015 17:46:51 GMT
@iowa57girl, love your son's picture. It's very simple, yet very dramatic. Wonderful lighting too.
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Post by Karen-in-Indiana on Aug 27, 2015 17:47:58 GMT
Check out the campus where you work! I did a photo shoot over there for prom for my dd and the backgrounds were awesome! Many masculine places. If you want to see some, pm me your email address and I'll forward you some.
Karen
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