Headshots.... With a camera not a gun!!

Hello again,

I had a thought last night... (yes I do have them occasionally)! I shall try and keep this simple because I don't know many long words, and to be honest I am pretty damn tired due to a certain someone keeping me on the phone until gone 3am (yes you!!!)... Anyway, I just wanted to ask you all to try something, and as I know a lot of you (Why do I always think thousands of people read this?) will not be comfortable with it, I went out myself today and did it, just to prove it can be done....

Its often the case that we sit around and observe people, we have a fascination with strangers (I certainly do anyway) and we love to watch them (big brother? I rest my case) but rarely does the average photographer stop a person in the street and take their picture... Why? Because we feel as though we are intruding? Being rude? Terrified of what exactly?.... The thing is that people make fascinating subjects and we let them pass us by every single day, content with the thousands of pictures of our cat on our hard drive instead. So here's the challenge..

I want you (hopes someone is actually gonna do this) to hit the street with your camera, and when you see someone who looks interesting, take their picture.

Now before you rush off can I please try to impart a few bits of friendly advice:

1: Get up close and personal:
 I used a 50mm prime lens which means I had to stand right in front of them, which also means asking them if you can take their picture.  The temptation is to go out with your kit zoom lens and try and take covert shots... DON'T. Firstly you are likely to get arrested and secondly you will not get a great shot.
I simply went up to 'Interesting looking person' and said "excuse me, I'm taking pictures of interesting looking people living in or visiting (insert name of location), would you mind if I take your photograph?".
Now here's the shocking bit... every single person I asked said "um.... OK". Now the reason they all said Ok is because you have already said they are "interesting looking" and they are a little bit flattered.

2. Keep it casual:
Point your DSLR at the average 'Joe' in the street and they are under your spell... You have to direct them, tell them what to do, remind them to breath in and out etc... Now my personal style is kinda natural, so I don't like posed shots. What I did was simply have a chat, "where you from?" "what brings you to this neck of the woods?" anything to get them chatting, use open questions (one that are impossible to answer YES/NO to) to keep them talking, and once they are, they will relax in front of the camera.
"so your daughters at university?" click click "you must be very proud, just look this way a bit" click click "and whats your dog called" click click..... It's not easy, and to be honest you have to ooze confidence even if confident is the last thing you feel, but swallow your nerves and have a go.

3. Be prepared and keep it short:
Try to have your kit set up and ready to go before you approach someone.  People generally are prepared to spare a few moments with you, however it won't last long. Particularly if you're buggering about Umming ans Ahhing and trying to remember where the 'On' button is (Trust me I have done this! It makes you feel like a right pillock). Have a look at the lighting available, the background, the conditions and set up accordingly. Then approach someone and wow them with your professionalism.

4. Get details:
When someone agrees to be snapped make a note of their name and if possible email address so that you can sent them a copy of the picture. They will thank you for it and personally I think it's just polite. Also, if you publish the pics anywhere (eg Blog) you should name credit them.

Do Not!!!!!
Go anywhere isolated if you are alone, that kit round your neck could be sold in the pub within a few hours whilst you wait to be seen in casualty (I am speaking from personal experience). Just stay safe, work in pairs if you can, and if you can't.... stay in public areas.

So anyway... that's my challenge.

Here's a few of my photos: (as usual please open the photos up fully to see them properly)

 Sue Pemsel (walking dog (called Meg) with husband Mike Pemsel, Just returned from a holiday in Turkey)

 Mike Pemsel (See Sue Pemsel)

Stan McCarthy (aged 86, in town for some fresh air, a war veteran and hoping to be "immoralised" in my photograph, a very lovely man)

Ben McCart (Skater dude in town to ride the new skatepark, doesn't have internet or email at the moment but will be getting it soon)

So there you are, half an hour and I have 4 street portraits and I didn't have to try too hard.

Give it a go, you might surprise yourself.

Matt