So here's the thing, and please don't shoot me. I'm not charging. I'm building a portfolio and also upgrading my skillz (like nunchuck skillz) and I'm also trying to figure out what I like best about different kinds of photography; children vs. adults, weddings or not, so on.

So I'm at a shoot today of a family with a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. I want them to play, I don't want to pose them. But there were moments I felt I needed to. Then because I didn't want them to be posed I thought against it. Finally I did pose them.

So what my question is, now that I might actually get to the point, is do you pose or not? Do you tell them stand here do that hold her hand give him a kiss, run around, and so forth? Or do you let them go?

This is hindering me in helping develop a style. I know what I want, but I think I'm getting in the way. You know?

Also, I'm going to kick my own arse if I keep forgetting to change the ISO settings!!! IS0 1600 the entire shoot. I thought I had changed it!!! Ugh... see this is why I don't charge.

Oh, one more - what about weddings. Obviously while the ceremony is happening and the reception is in full swing there isn't much posing happening, but what about during the photo-moments and the inbetween time?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!

this is something that will eventually, just 'come' to you. you will grow into it, like your own style of shooting. you will learn how to work wtih people and get them to relax, etc.

i used to really freak out about this, but i dont anymore - your own relaxed mood will help enhance the shoot - getting to know th efamily a little bit beforehand helps, a lot.

here is a link to my slideshow of my last family - we just went out and had fun adn the little boy was wicked - he would not look at me! smith family shoot

as far as weddings go - people will (hopefully) hire you becuase of your style, they will see in your portfolio if you do a lot of PJ work, or if you are more traditional and do lots of posed shots.

i hate posed, ffamily formals. but i do them upon request only. my younger clients hire me because i dont do them and dont want to do them. cause they are just yucky in my book.

i hope this helps -

Thanks Tami. It does help! Because you're in bizniz and I'm not *yet*

I will post a slide show when I am ready. I'm so tired, I don't want to process them! But I know I have to........

So when you say Family Formals, you are talking about those pictures with the bride and groom his family her family, and so on. So, what about the non-posed posing? You know, just different stuff... uh.

......I held my breath, wondered why I was about to do it, and clicked the link-
What?! No Rick?!
BTW-I like your slideshow Tami and that little boy is too cute!