Not sure if anyone will be able to help me or not, but I'm sure this is worth a go.

I'm looking for some advice on photography. Its something that I have studied academically a few years ago, but haven't put into practice for a long time. (hope I'm not too rusty!) I want to know if anyone out there has any advice on how I can go out setting up a portfolio, on a very tight budget? I've got some images that I can use from before and when I 'dabble' at the moment. The problem I'm having is I've got a lot of images of landscapes and wildlife, and none of people. I've studied art and life drawing at college so have some understand of posing and scene setting (from what I can remember!). Does anyone have any advice on where to go (other than friends and family, because they are sick of me and my camera!) to be able to find someone who would want to pose for some photos? I'm not bothered about age, size, colour etc. I just need to get some practice and start building up a portfolio. So if there is anyone out there would would be willing to volunteer some time that would also be great! The main problem I'm coming accross is that I haven't got a great deal of moeny to spend on this, as I've recently brought a new digital camera!

So if anyone has and serious suggestions or genuine offers of help please get in touch either by PM or reply to my thread.

Thanks

Are you actually wanting to find people to pose for you? I think people are everywhere, so you can take any shots. I know people can be weary, but that is part of the job of an amateur photographer for portraits. The problem you will have with portraits is your rapport with your subject. How you can get them to smile, or to be natural and continue with what they are doing without it being too fake.

A good spot would be somewhere like the skating ranks near Division Street, near Devonshire Cat. If you can build up a rapport with the skaters there, and let them do what they do, and take shots as and when you want.

Plus, because you have a digi-cam, you can actually show what shots you took of the people too.

The problem you will have is getting shots of people in their element. Btw, you can always try it during family functions too. Do a "reportage" type of family functions. Capturing happy, or funny moments. This is easier to do cos the people know you, and may not mind as much too. Maybe you will get a lot more practise in reading people, and situation, so you can capture that all important moment. i.e. blowing candles etc. Or even if you're out to the pub with mates. Just people chatting, and is at ease with your camera.

Thanks for the advice Bago!

Will have to go down to the skate park and other hang outs to see what I can get out of it!

Have I posted this in the wrong place or something? I thoguht I might have got more replies than this :( I'm a little disappointed, but I have one lead to follow anyway, so thats for the help bago!

I think there are a few photographer out here on the SF, but I think judging from the recent backlash of a comment about a person being suspicious of people taking photos from their walks. I think most of us have been scared in case we're branded with names ! >.< (Actually, that is a little bit unfair, but it did stick in my mind. I don't think the SF has a large group of photographers who continually scan and partake in such discussions. I've only seen odd ones about.)

Anyway, the tips I gave here, I got from a book as well. I normally take people shots at family dos, and also when I go on walks with friends. We do upload them and we also discuss what was a good shot or not etc etc. There's a forum for criticisms of your photos online by other amateurs. I cannot remember the name of it now.

It is actually better to join a photography group or something, so they are more understanding.

A lot of travel photographer has to learn such skills as well. I'm a bit shy when it comes to doing this, but I know it has to be a skill that I pick up at some point, cos it does affect how the picture comes out. I don't think there are any laws in the UK against people taking a public photo, but I do know that there is one in Paris. Cos so many people want to recreate some B&W shots which the likes of Bresson had done so in the past.

So don't give up just yet!

Thanks again for the advice and the encouragement Bago!

if you remember the name of that photography forum drop me a PM or something!

This is what I do.
I place an ad on gumtree for models and the replies come flooding in. When I have enough models I let the ad drop down the pages. When I need more models I simply advertise again.
This method works a treat, give it a try.
I put an ad on this morning and received four replies within five hours.
I have met some really nice genuine people this way as well.
One model recently recommended me to some one for paid work as well, so, making contacts in this way is very useful.


Barry

Barry - are you offering to pay models, as Gumtree seems to be a job/paid services site.
Or a place to post remarkably blunt and extremely optimistic posts asking for sex! That'll get people looking at site.;)

DieselHead - Other places to get models are sites like Net Model, Web model and Model Mayhem and you'll be better off paying for an experienced model who knows what she or he is doing, if you want to learn. Two beginners don't usually make for productive learning process. Also bear in mind, modelling is most definitley not an easy thing to do, it's not about being attractive, it's about how you perform in front of the camera.
I've shot people who claim to be models and even as an experienced photographer, it's like getting blood out of a stone.

America's Next Top Model is actually worth watching to learn some stuff, though the spin offs in other countries aren't.

Jezzyjj,
i would be grateful if you would not judge me by your own standards.
Do you really think you are the only person able to bring the best out in a novice model.
If you persist in this manner I will report you to the administrator.


Barry

:surprised :huh:

Jezzyjj,
i would be grateful if you would not judge me by your own standards.
Do you really think you are the only person able to bring the best out in a novice model.
If you persist in this manner I will report you to the administrator. Eh?:confused:
Didn't pass any judgement on you at all. I asked you a simple question and gave DieselHead some tips.
Please read posts more a bit more carefully before responding.