Click Away 2020

One of the biggest tools in the photographer's toolbox is improvisation; how to work with unpredictable personalities, varying light, unexpected moments, and unknown scenery. This walk will focus on a styled family in a park setting with a variety of backdrops/locations.This family will be casually dressed with at least three children to allow more shooting opportunities. This shootout will take a lifestyle approach but also capture traditional portraits as attendees explore and see what the walk brings them. From learning how to guide clients on styling and how to engage with children and their varying personalities, to seeing how to improvise and find perfect spots even in unexpected places, Samantha will show you what she’s learned from doing thousands of family and commercial shoots over the years — that every session is different and that makes it so much more creative and fun.
Samantha will photograph the subjects but also give attendees the opportunity to shoot by rotating within groups and also breaking up the models for more access. Lighting, backgrounds and the subjects will guide this walk as you go from lifestyle, to detail, to portrait shots that results in a robust and powerful gallery. This styled shoot will include a guide on how to give styling advice to your client, some of Samantha’s favorite prompts, as well as some post processing tips in terms of presets and approach. For this class, please bring a prime or zoom lens with a focal length between 35-85mm.

Learning Objectives:

- Learn how to utilize the light and scenery at hand to create beautiful portraits
- Explore styling guidance and how to utilize blankets, hats and accessories for interest
- Learn how to set the tone and flow of a session to be fun and natural while making the use of every moment
- Find out how to read your client’s and especially the children’s moods and respond to bring out their best in the session