Off the Beaten Path

How do you find that special spot to photograph your client? Do you go to all the local "hangouts" the other photographers go to? Boring. You have to find locations of your own that are private and special, somewhat off the beaten path. As a photographer you shouldn't be afraid to photograph in the rain, or in the river, on the beach, or at night. You need to stretch your wings and just go for it!

First get in your car and drive! If your client is calling you and wants to be photographed somewhere special-better make sure it is special. Get in your car early in the morning so you are looking at a location during the time you may be photographing. Adversely, get in your car in the evening if it is going to be an evening shoot. You never want to find the perfect "location", and make the mistake of booking the appointment when the sun is in your clients eyes in the evening, when the spot was perfect in the morning. I have locations I use specifically in the morning, and others I will go to in the evening.
Be prepared. Sometimes you need artificial light to fill in "raccoon eyes" and sometimes you may only need a reflector. Other times you need to set up a "movie set", while for another all you needed to bring was a chair. You should always think about your location choice vs. time vs. group. For example, if you want to photograph a sexy woman on a carousel horse, you may want to arrange to go after hours to make sure you have privacy! Another example-if you are photographing a large family group with Grandma and Grandpa-you better bring chairs for them, because they can't be expected to stand very long. Also, if you have a group that wants to be photographed outside, make sure the weather is good, don't (A.) Make your group sweat during the hottest time of the day on the hottest day of the year or (B.) Freeze outside in Winter.

Sometimes you can't do anything about a particular situation-it is going to be cold tomorrow, what should you do? You can either reschedule the appointment, find a location that will work indoors, or at least warn your client to dress appropriately. It is your job as a professional to make sure your clients are prepared for a situation, that is why they called you and didn't try to do it themselves.
The bottom line is, sometimes you have to jump the fence to get a great picture. As a passionate artist, that shouldn't bother you. You can't be afraid to "go off the path" if you plan to be a successful photographer. Do something memorable and you will have a customer for life!

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."-Andre Gide

Cameo Rose
Cameo Rose Photography

Making a Dream Real

Well today I went to photograph a lovely family group in Walnut Creek. It was something Oma had been wanting for quite some time and I was honored to be the photographer of their choice. I left Stockton all packed up and ready for anything at 3pm, arrived at my location at 4:40 for a shoot at 5pm!

I start to unpack, I find Oma-but where is this lovely spot we have discussed and they sent me photographs of ? I haul equipment down a ramp, down some stairs, find a narrow walkway and set everything down. Wait, you mean this hill with little signs everywhere surrounded by rails is the destination? Oh oh. What to do? Well, Opa and I start to see if there are other desirable locations that Oma may like. Nope, this is the spot.

Now, if the lighting in this spot was bad, I would have said no, this spot won't work. The light here was perfect. Oma had her heart set on this location because she renewed her vows here with Opa 7 years ago.  Not in "this" spot, she wanted the memory of the beautiful wedding without it looking the same. This location had little waterfalls, but to my camera and from my vantage point, they were difficult to see.

Can't see any can you?

What to do? I don't want to break Oma's heart, and she hasn't liked any of the pretty choices Opa and I searched out, because this spot is the spot she has wanted for months. It's in her head, she already has the vision of the beautiful portrait with all of her loved ones. I can't say no to her. Allright, let's do this.



If you would like to view this larger, check it out on my facebook page Like me on Facebook!!



When you have a client like this, it is important to do what you can- if you can, to make the vision happen. I have some graphic art talent, so this is what I did. Photoshop and patience, viola. Removed some random hands, fixed shoes, fixed background "fixtures" and added Oma's waterfalls (yes, there really were little waterfalls and I took pictures of them to use them later).

Why do you call me instead of your "friend" with a camera? I can make the dream a reality, and your friend, probably couldn't have handled this. You need to know people skills, posing, photography, lighting, and graphic art to make something like this happen. The full package-and that is what I am all about!

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. -Colin Powell

Cameo Rose
Cameo Rose Photography