Words to SMILE by
FakeA...@aol.com
their kids portraits done.
So far, to say it's challenging is an understatement. I've never really
worked with kids before, and those two-year olds can NOT be reasoned with if
they "don't wanna" get their picture taken.
The studio, of course, is not limited to just kids.
The Question:
What words or phrases do you get your subjects to say in order to get a
"natural smile" from them ?
I heard one photographer tell a group of kids to say "unlimited credit".
Next shot, he got them to say "charge it". It worked just fine.
Just wondering what other 'techniques" some of you photographers use to get
a smile.
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zeitgeist
>
> I recently joined a studio whose customer base is mostly parents looking to
> their kids portraits done.
> So far, to say it's challenging is an understatement. I've never really
> worked with kids before, and those two-year olds can NOT be reasoned with if
> they "don't wanna" get their picture taken.
> The studio, of course, is not limited to just kids.
> The Question:
> What words or phrases do you get your subjects to say in order to get a
> "natural smile" from them ?
> I heard one photographer tell a group of kids to say "unlimited credit".
> Next shot, he got them to say "charge it". It worked just fine.
> Just wondering what other 'techniques" some of you photographers use to get
> a smile.
>
sounds like a high volume operation. For some reason that attentive
expectant look with a plastered on smile is required look, sorta like a
couple toy poodles staring at the treat in your hand. Come to think of
it, that might work, hey, who wants this candy bar? (SNAP) well, it
would work at least twice.
I would propose that there is a world of difference between portraiture
and picture taking. Not that I'm suggesting that there is anything
wrong with picturing faces like that, (yeah right) and I did my share
for ten years. The idea of using words is mostly to co-ordinate the
subjects into preparing for the snap of the shutter in unison and isn't
as innane as counting one two three a dozen times. I don't think the
word itself places the mouth in a particularly happy expression,
sometimes the concept of the word is humorous.
Unlimited Credit does sound like it would appeal to older kids from
middlin to HS seniors. and probably more approved by any nearby moms
than SEX.
The thing is, big bright smiles are hard to live with, especially if
they are blown up for a wall print (and perhaps one of the reasons wall
prints don't sell as much for home decore.) They command your
attention, which is why they stand out in proof sizes, they are
insistent. You will rarely see a painted portrait done with a big
cheesy smile, not that they can't be painted.
but to answer your question, non sequitor statements and questions seem
to elict genuine expressions from middlin kids, 4 to 9, calling girls by
boys names, addressing them by titles like Mr President, Mr Astronaut,
asking them if they are married. Silly, but silly works really well, I
mean they're kids. for the slightly younger the feather duster works,
though instead of using it on the kid first, assault mom, that really
makes kids laugh, often the 'uncertain ones' will relax.
The two year olds, a state of mind not an age (as obvious from reading
the trolls around here) though that age is from 1 1/2 to over three (and
you know that famous square root principle that effects exposures? it's
valid for two year olds, got twins you got four times the trouble, got
tripletts, jeez nine times the problems)
You got three kinds of two year olds, the ones that run up and climb
your leg, the ones that take one look and shriek in terror, and the
'uncertain ones.' two year olds are the ones that will make or break
you. And I'll tell you I was terrible, I don't know how I actually did
it for ten years. Some folks just have a natural way of relaxing kids,
people in general. My old friend bruce could wink at a cryer and the
kid would relax, I could look at him and he'd freak. He could tell you
about the zen of it, the emptying of your mind of your concerns, but I
always found it hard to meditate around screaming babies. But this
worked for me, a salesman that knew the both of us told me that Bruce
always seemed to talk like he was stoned, (well this was the early
seventies but no he didn't while working.) but the suggestion that I
have a mental toke actually worked.
This works too, but maybe not in a situation of a line of people waiting
their turn. I would ignore the kid, and this is a hard thing to do,
especially when mom is saying 'smile for the man' (after a few
repetitions of that it would take an almost threatening tone, Smile For
The Man.) but no, stop, get mom to leave the kid alone and play catch
with a ball, lay on the floor, toss a ball against the wall or with mom,
it may take a few minutes, it may take 20, but eventually the kid will
stick his hand out to try to play too and then he's yours.
but for truely natural expressions there has to be some genuine
interaction and not faked. it doesn't have to be petri dish stimulus
and responce, the bark of a word, you don't have to completely control
the situation, set the stage and let the players improvise. IE: cute
small girl with a doll and tea set, start playing by serving tea to the
doll, and let the child take over, in seconds the kid will be involved
and you can shoot candids. two kids, have the younger hand small toys
to the older, more and more till the older kid can't hold anymore and
they start dropping, instant laughter and genuine expressions. Infant,
place her in a large pot and dump a pot full of spaghetti (use pieces of
off white yarn) and you can have a fun 'food fight' and believe me those
smiles will be genuine.
One advantage of outdoor portraits is that you can use a long lens and
get so far away the kid don't know you are around, go to the beach and
let them build a sand castle, put the infant in the middle, let the
olders use buckets and shovels and have at it, have mom and dad off in
the background out of focus. little red wagon, the older kid can pull
the youngers. fishing, kids have a ball with a pole and a plain lead
weight for bait, at least for 20 minutes.
And the absolute best in learning about pychology of people, kids and
adults, the symbolism of gestures, David Peters. You will never look at
an old lady again without seeing the girl inside. He tells these little
stories that absolutely enthralls a notoriously freaky two year old, the
video camera zooms up to her as she is posed near a tree, of course she
is dancing around doing what kids do when they know you want them to do
something, and David tells her about the princess that lives in the
tower (a clock tower visible on the school campus) and you can see her
look with great concentration, her face glowing like the angel her
parents wish her to be, and with the video zoomed all the way in, the
expression lasts for several seconds, then, as David says, you can see
her attention span end as her brow 'knits' and in a flash she is off to
the races again. I know he give workshops and seminars around the US
and seasonally in his San Rafael studios and it is well worth the seven
fifty or what ever to attend, perhaps he has videos.
This whole speil was echoed to the z-pro...@egroups.com mailing list.
Pat Jerina
"There nothing more depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge."
Hunter S. Thompson
pat jerina photography
214.893.0458 phone
http://www.patjerina.com
dallas, tx
Eric Scott
the entire thing. But what I did read about words was wrong. Z there are
words that do change the shape of the mouth as you say them. Ken Marcus has
his models say O and hold it as they blow the sound out. Why it gives them a
sexy round beautiful mouth. You know the kind of mouth I am talking about
the kind that makes you melt.
Another word for kids that makes them smile as they say it is puppies. And
it works even better if you have them really stretch out the sound of the
last part of the word.
Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
Eric Scott
214-381-6103
The Director
Eric Scott wrote:
> Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
>
> Eric Scott
> 214-381-6103
Find a hole to crawl back in, you freak.
Cliff Hawker
backdrop with wrap lighting and let them "be them" in the middle of the
backdrop. Of course they don't stay in the middle of the backdrop which is
why I use the wrap lighting. Then I just kinda follow them. No pressure,
no rush and the parents love the relaxed atmosphere. We just let them do
their natural thing and kids love to naturally smile. If they begin with
crying, the tears soon fade and they enjoy themselves with whatever props
they are provided. They often look toward the camera with a "gee look at
this" look. You can get all sorts of expressions by letting them be
themselves.
--
Cliff Hawker
Medina, Oh
<FakeA...@aol.com> wrote in message news:39599...@127.0.0.1...
> I recently joined a studio whose customer base is mostly parents looking
to
> their kids portraits done.
> So far, to say it's challenging is an understatement. I've never really
> worked with kids before, and those two-year olds can NOT be reasoned with
if
> they "don't wanna" get their picture taken.
> The studio, of course, is not limited to just kids.
> The Question:
> What words or phrases do you get your subjects to say in order to get a
> "natural smile" from them ?
> I heard one photographer tell a group of kids to say "unlimited credit".
> Next shot, he got them to say "charge it". It worked just fine.
> Just wondering what other 'techniques" some of you photographers use to
get
> a smile.
>
>
Eric Scott
state of mind. Take a few days off. Take your lover to a hotel and have some
fun.
Your King
Eric Scott
> From: The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com>
> Organization: Director Enterprises
> Reply-To: wearethe...@hotmail.com
> Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 11:31:15 -0500
> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
>
>
>
> Eric Scott wrote:
>
>> Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
>>
>> Eric Scott
>> 214-381-6103
>
The Director
Find a hole to crawl back in, you freak.
Find a hole to crawl back in, you freak.
Find a hole to crawl back in, you freak.
Find a hole to crawl back in, you freak.
We've got you a new box of tissue!
:-)
(forever!)
Eric Scott wrote:
> Is this the best you can do? People laughed at you and now you are in this
> state of mind. Take a few days off. Take your lover to a hotel and have some
> fun.
>
> Your King
> Eric Scott
>
> > From: The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com>
> > Organization: Director Enterprises
> > Reply-To: wearethe...@hotmail.com
> > Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> > Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 11:31:15 -0500
> > Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
> >
> >
> >
> > Eric Scott wrote:
> >
> >> Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
> >>
> >> Eric Scott
> >> 214-381-6103
> >
MaybelleThorpe
Photography Workshop two weeks ago in Dallas, and was amazed to
see the wonderful smiles he was able to generate from the
children by simply telling them say "scam and gag-a-fag you
PSP". His assistant Brian suggested getting them to say "cotse"
over and over again, but it didn't work quite as well. I would
definately listen to anything Eric says on this subject since he
is recognized as an innovative leader in the field of children's
photography.
Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
Up to 100 minutes free!
http://www.keen.com
zeitgeist
> definately listen to anything Eric says on this subject since he
> is recognized as an innovative leader in the field of children's
> photography.
>
Say, I wonder how much these unsolicited endorsements pay? I can be
bought rather cheap. come on, drop an envelope on my desk, he's da man.
Bob Hickey
one of these tin crickets in his pocket. For some reason that stupid
"Klick-Klack" always kept their attention. I
was always a fuzzy toy and weird noises guy, but I'm one of those who
has always gotten along better with kids and small animals.
And any one who claims to get along with parents, is not to be trusted,
ever. Bob
Hickey
Pat Jerina
Sheisskopf!
John G. Silver
> and seasonally in his San Rafael studios and it is well worth the seven
> fifty or what ever to attend, perhaps he has videos.
>
> This whole speil was echoed to the z-pro...@egroups.com mailing list.
And another great post!
It's about time you wrote a book on all of this Mr Z.
JS
John G. Silver
positive post, write it. If you can't say something positive, be quiet.
Nasty little creep!
JS
The Director
Pat Jerina wrote:
Yeah, and slide your stick outta Eric's slimy butt,
you idiot... When are you going to realize that the
true professional photography world DOES NOT
respect that fat monster pornographer that you so
often grab onto the shirt tails of? Hmmm?
Scam and gag-a-fag? HUH??? It's a good thing
we are here FOREVER to keep the leash around
the bastards neck (now if we could only find a tree...).
LOL
The Director
Eric Scott, his henchmen Cliff and Patty will announce that
you too are "The Director." Fatty Eric is just a little-known
pornographer, kiddies, so ignore him.
"John G. Silver" wrote:
> > Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
> >
> > Eric Scott
> > 214-381-6103
> >
> >
MaybelleThorpe
Grain. Next time you see Eric maybe you can teach him how to
use those filter things, assistant boy.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Director
while the King socks it to em, eh Patty?
Eric Scott
write it? I have always said that Z was long winded. He is. He will make a
post and say the exact same thing 40 different ways. And yes he is always
negative. I am jealous of nothing.
So let me get this straight you are cutting me down and bitching and whining
about my post and being negative about my post and then you say unless I can
write something positive be quiet.
Well I am positive about this, you are wrong. But guess what as far as I am
concerned you can write what you want. Unlike some in here I do not care
what anybody writes.
So again I stand behind my comment Z is long winded and negative. Do you
have a problem with that? Twit for brains.
Eric Scott
> From: "John G. Silver" <jon...@tpgi.com.au>
> Organization: Customer of Telstra Big Pond Direct
> Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 08:00:58 -0700
> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
>
>> Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
>>
>> Eric Scott
>> 214-381-6103
>>
>>
The Director
of being King of Photography... but he is just a fat hack
who can bash the fine work of others.
Scam? You bet he is!
Eric Scott wrote:
> Why? Are you saying that if I do not write what you want to here do not
> write it? I have always said that Z was long winded. He is. He will make a
> post and say the exact same thing 40 different ways. And yes he is always
> negative. I am jealous of nothing.
>
> So let me get this straight you are cutting me down and bitching and whining
> about my post and being negative about my post and then you say unless I can
> write something positive be quiet.
>
> Well I am positive about this, you are wrong. But guess what as far as I am
> concerned you can write what you want. Unlike some in here I do not care
> what anybody writes.
>
> So again I stand behind my comment Z is long winded and negative. Do you
> have a problem with that? Twit for brains.
>
> Eric Scott
>
> > From: "John G. Silver" <jon...@tpgi.com.au>
> > Organization: Customer of Telstra Big Pond Direct
> > Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> > Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 08:00:58 -0700
> > Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
> >
> >> Why are you always so darn negative sounding and long winded Z?
> >>
> >> Eric Scott
> >> 214-381-6103
> >>
> >>
Eric Scott
out your problem. With all the sex you think I am getting makes you sick
cause you are not getting any other then your left hand. Well that and
Cenobutt's lips. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Man I am funny. Come on Directum make another post about me. Come on now I
am waiting. Come on do not let the world down. Tell us another of your lies
today. Please Please Please tell us all how you are here forever. Tell us
all how you are we. Tell us all how you have made everyone you dislike
leave. Please Please Please tell us all. You idiot faggot.
Your King
> From: The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com>
> Organization: Director Enterprises
> Reply-To: wearethe...@hotmail.com
> Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:34:36 -0500
> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
>
The Director
add any comments here! :-)
Eric Scott wrote:
> What are you dip? You are not even good enough to be an assistant. I figured
> out your problem. With all the sex you think I am getting makes you sick
> cause you are not getting any other then your left hand. Well that and
> Cenobutt's lips. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
>
> Man I am funny. Come on Directum make another post about me. Come on now I
> am waiting. Come on do not let the world down. Tell us another of your lies
> today. Please Please Please tell us all how you are here forever. Tell us
> all how you are we. Tell us all how you have made everyone you dislike
> leave. Please Please Please tell us all. You idiot faggot.
>
> Your King
>
> > From: The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com>
> > Organization: Director Enterprises
> > Reply-To: wearethe...@hotmail.com
> > Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> > Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:34:36 -0500
> > Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
> >
Eric Scott
Your King FOREVER.
> From: The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com>
> Organization: Director Enterprises
> Reply-To: wearethe...@hotmail.com
> Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 11:13:51 -0500
> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by: are the director is the village idiot
>
> Your words speak for themself. No need to even
> add any comments here! :-)
>
>
>
> Eric Scott wrote:
>
>> What are you dip? You are not even good enough to be an assistant. I figured
>> out your problem. With all the sex you think I am getting makes you sick
>> cause you are not getting any other then your left hand. Well that and
>> Cenobutt's lips. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
>>
>> Man I am funny. Come on Directum make another post about me. Come on now I
>> am waiting. Come on do not let the world down. Tell us another of your lies
>> today. Please Please Please tell us all how you are here forever. Tell us
>> all how you are we. Tell us all how you have made everyone you dislike
>> leave. Please Please Please tell us all. You idiot faggot.
>>
>> Your King
>>
>>> From: The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com>
>>> Organization: Director Enterprises
>>> Reply-To: wearethe...@hotmail.com
>>> Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
>>> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:34:36 -0500
>>> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
>>>
The Director
You do realize that it's "not over until the fat lady
sings," right? When will you be a singing, eh fatty?
(you're like a lifetime supply of laughter... and since
we are here for YOU and your partner Cliff
FOREVER AND EVER... you ARE a lifetime of
laughs!)
Eric Scott wrote:
> >>> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
> >>>
The Director
> > have a problem with that? Twit for brains.
> >
> > Eric Scott
Twit for brains??? LOL
Eric "The King" Snot is comedy at it's finest. :-)
His Creation, born of his sins:
The Director
zeitgeist
I'd loose those clickers faster than I would loose a nice pen. They
work for a couple images and then they catch on. for a kiddie pix op,
that's about all you need.
John G. Silver
> Well I am positive about this, you are wrong. But guess what as far as I
am
> concerned you can write what you want. Unlike some in here I do not care
> what anybody writes.
>
> have a problem with that? Twit for brains.
>
>
> Eric Scott
As my grandmother used to say. "Keep cool when they are having a shot at
you, when the pressure is on, breeding will out".
JS
Eric Scott
must assume you are also. Talk to you later.
Eric Scott
> From: "John G. Silver" <jon...@tpgi.com.au>
> Organization: Customer of Telstra Big Pond Direct
> Newsgroups: rec.photo.technique.people
> Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 09:28:49 -0700
> Subject: Re: Words to SMILE by
>
>>
The Director
>
> Pardon. Now see isn't it ok that we can talk and disagree. I am cool and
> must assume you are also. Talk to you later.
>
> Eric Scott
You are a monster who is a pornographer who lures models in for sex.
Old news. You have been in jail for it before, you will be again. We
exist forever to warn. Some may listen, some may not. They can run a
search at deja.com on your many names and easily recognize what a
monster you are on their own. That's all we ask.
We're here forever, Eric... because you created us. Stop abusing the
Internet.
I make shadows
Scott on SWB with the DSL you claim he has? I am here because you director
created me. As long as you are here so will I be. Glad to be back from my
recent business trip in NY. I had withdrawl symtoms not being able to post to
your bull.
Brian
The Director
Cliff Hawker
posts on aol Eric and on webtv me as you have claimed in the past. LOL.
Play on lady. Everybody sees you for what you are.
--
Cliff Hawker
Medina, Oh
The Director <wearethe...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:395CF6...@hotmail.com...
The Director
>
> Looks like he got you there, lady. Make up your mind. Is everyone that
> posts on aol Eric and on webtv me as you have claimed in the past. LOL.
> Play on lady.
Cliff, state what you want to here. Inside your head you know what is
and is not real. You know who "I make shadows" is and so does everybody
else. Eric has played these games on the Usenet for years. People were
leaving and filtering before The Director existed, and Eric Scott is
well known in the photographic community that is online for the faker
that he is.
That simple Clifford.
ByMoran
smile! I could use that help...help in getting kids expressions saleable.
MaybelleThorpe
directly what makes them smile.
The Director
>
> Since all involved seem to be children, why not ask them
> directly what makes them smile.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
Watching that fraud Eric I make shadows and his boy wonder, Clifford,
squirm. That makes US smile.
THAT SIMPLE!
Cliff Hawker
--
Cliff Hawker
Medina, Oh
ByMoran <bym...@cs.com> wrote in message
news:20000701123224...@ng-da1.news.cs.com...
The Director
>
> Try what I suggested. It really works.
That simple!