I read this interesting blog by Jason Christopher about over shooting. He is rather opinionated, but I do agree with some of his assertions. If you like to read what he wrote you can find it here.
As a portrait photographer, this is something I struggle(d) with at every shoot. Especially early in my career. I was easily known to shoot 500, 600 or more frames. The end result was necessarily better pictures, but a too long session and whole lot of post processing work. Now why did I do it? Basically, inexperience coupled with the idea that more is better. Also, I figured I’d get a few enough good pictures if I shot a load. I believe the term for this is ‘spray and pray’, lol.
I know this is technical Thursday and you may be expecting me to talk gear, lighting, etc. I understand, those things are very important, vital as a matter of fact. It’s just that I’ve found my biggest challenges shooting a session is cerebral. What do you do if the light’s not falling on your client’s face correctly or your client asked for something unplanned for or unexpected. Are you able to think on your feet? Have you hone your craft enough to handle the situation? It wouldn’t matter if you had $15,000-$20,000 worth of equipment at your disposal, (Nikon d3x, a $8,000 camera with a Nikon 70-200mm lens ($2,500) with pocket wizards, Profoto lighting, Larson sofboxes, etc.), if you don’t understand how to get the correct exposure for your scene. Your picture will not come out as you envisioned or like. In this circumstance, an inexperience phototgrapher MAY just start shooting, alot, hoping one or two of the photographs come out right.
Side note, I actually got a chance to shoot a famous old school R&B group this past Saturday. When I booked the session, all I knew was a band wanted some headshots, group shots, and portraits done in downtown Atlanta, GA. No problem I’m thinking. When I get there, I find out it’s one of the groups I listened too growing up as a teenager. Man, what a surprise. Really nice guys. Them and their team.
Guess what, these are professional. They were on a tight deadline. I ended up shooting three setups, two outfit changes, four individuals and as a well as group shots. Both indoors and outdoors in two hours at a location I never been to before, with people looking over my shoulder. No pressure at all, lol. (Not even going to mentioned the technical issues. Let’s just say, if you don’t have a second body and your a professional, get one. Don’t mater what it is. Get the best that you can afford.) In all, I didn’t shoot any one look more than 10 frames. As little as 2 or 4 usually. That means I had to get my setup right the first time and nail the shot. Very interesting experience.
My challenge to myself and to you is learn to shoot no more than 36 frames per look as Jason talks about. Learn the discipline of less is more, Quality not Quanity. Now, I’m not talking when your experimenting, practicing, or just having fun. (though you will need to practice shooting 36 frames to get use to it). But when the game is on and your client is in front of you. Nail that look in 36 frames or less.
As always, please leave comments. Let’s all learn from your experiences.
Peace and Love to all,
Mark
