Does This Make My Butt Look Big? Dating Photography?

After speaking with my good friend Justin, over at Kickin Knowledge, I decided that this week’s blog would be about dating photography and titled it, “Does This Make My Butt Look Big? Dating Photography?” Now, I know a few of you are wondering what exactly is that? Well, let me explain.

I have been approached by a few people, regarding taking his or her picture, for the sole purpose of posting these pictures on dating web-sites. Ok, at first, I thought it was kind of strange, but after a while I thought, why not. People appreciate good quality pictures and most of the time the pictures he or she is posting is about 10 or 15 years old. Which kind of makes you wonder, what happens when the potential date shows up and the person in front of you; does not even closely resemble the person in the picture? I see that a lot; especially when people who have his or her pictures on their business card.

Sites like Match, eHarmony, Christian Mingle, Zoosk, and let’s not forget Cougar Life, recommend posting a few good quality pictures. So what does one do?

Well, you could post pictures from high school or ones that were taken a few years back that may or may not shock the person you are meeting for the first time.

You could have a family member take your picture, but let’s face it that might be a tad embarrassing; and your mom’s pictures from her vacation last year, were ok, if she could remember to get the camera off video mode.

You could have a friend capture you, but it would be with a cell phone and let’s face it, although cell phone camera’s are getting better, it’s not the same as a real camera.

Of course capturing yourself in the mirror is always a classic look, provided you cleaned up your bathroom.

So, we are back to square one, a photographer. Now most people have his or her picture taken for corporate headshots or portraits for school, but what about dating. You want to look your best, but you don’t want all your pictures taken at a studio. Don’t get me wrong, I love working in a studio, because the lighting is perfect and controlled, by you the photographer. Dating shots allow you to be outside a studio and be yourself, while looking your best. Basically, you want to show your best side and close the deal. I recommend shooting at some of your favorite spots say for instance: the beach, the park, or somewhere else outside. You could even shoot at some new locations like a coffee shop, garden, boat dock, or somewhere urban. Now keep in mind my favorite motto: Be prepared. As, I always tell you, make sure all your equipment is ready to go and tested, before your client’s arrive. This includes batteries, flashes or strobe light, light stands, memory cards, soft boxes, or umbrellas. Did I mention to bring extra batteries; especially if you are using your flash? Make sure you have enough model release forms. I always recommend filling them out and getting them signed, before you start shooting; especially if you intend on using the pictures in any way, shape, or form.

I hope I have not bored you too much. I had fun writing this one. I trust I have given you some valuable tips to think about, before planning your next shoot. It’s not all bad, just be clear and informative, it will save you a lot of headaches. Remember nothing is set in stone and there is not perfect formula, so go out and have some fun.