Digital Photography - Changes Impacting the Landscape of Professional Portraits

^{By Lisa Redfern}

^{With the affordability and ease of small point and shoot point-&-shoot cameras these days, it’s easy to understand how many people might think that that can replace a professional photographer for the keepsake moments of life. But as one of those these pros, I’d like to highlight some of the unseen elements of the professional photographer that have nothing to do with the camera.}

^{First, in order to capture those expressions that grab your heart, the professional photographer must be a people person. He or she has to be an expert at putting a person at ease (quickly) and distracting attention away from the equipment, AND they must also be part stand-up comic because it is essential to hit the funny bone (for every personality type) in order to capture that sparkle in the eyes that creates a warm and genuine portrait of an individual.}

^{Also, for the professional photographer - with significant experience -  it is second nature to observe what is going on in the background (trees, power lines, light or other elements that fall in distracting quadrants onto the image) as well as how the subject’s body is positioned ( flattering vs. unflattering / masculine vs. feminime) and how and where the light falls on the subject that factors so significantly into creating an image that becomes more than a snapshot - but, instead, a work of art.}

^{Additionally, one of the ways that the advent of digital photography has changed the professional photographer’s job is that it puts more elements under their control that were previously the domain of the processing labs, such as color adjustment and retouching. "Since my studio went digital in 2003, I have developed my own color and retouching style that is unique - most of what I do is not something that I can describe to non-artist, non-techie types - but what most people know is that they really like what they see in the finished product I create. One thing I always do for example - is to whiten my subject’s teeth …no need for costly whitening strips here!"}

^{Finally, one thing that has not changed with the 'new' technological environment is how business is run. With a solid business model, professional studios withstand the tests and challenges of time. They will be there when the next sibling graduates or gets married.  Images taken by professional photographers are kept safe and secure for the future whether reprints or enlargements are required in times of grief and sorrow or prosperity and celebration.}

^{When things change as quickly as they do in this business, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve! Continuing education is a constant job requirement.}  

^{"I'm always asking myself this question; ' If my customers can do XYZ, what service(s) can I offer that they'll want / need in the future?'"} 

 

^{High School Senior Portraits - Right of Passage with a Small Window of Opportunity}

 

^{"High School Senior portraits are a rite of passage, it is one of the most beautiful and memorable times in one’s life and is often one of the two times people have professional portraits taken (HS Senior & wedding)," says Lisa Redfern of Redfern Photography. "I always find it touching and telling that when disaster strikes, the things people most often quickly grab are their portraits."}

^{July through October is the time when High School Senior Portraits are taken for the following year's yearbook. ( in order to meet yearbook printing deadlines).}

^{For many years, Redfern Photography has worked with both Nevada Union and Bear River High Schools photographing high school seniors and producing images for the yearbook. During that time, I’ve noticed class trends (I call this a class personality) in responses to mailed materials regarding senior portraits,  in reaction to school starting and then the buzz created by those who have completed the process and are excited by their finished professional portraits that they share with their classmates.}

^{"One of the things I love about my job is working with the students.  I enjoy hearing about their dreams and aspirations. From veterenairains, to physisists, to military, to future rocket scientists on their way to MIT with full-ride shcolarships - the calibur of students who traverse through the Nevada County school system never ceases to amaze me. "}

^{A concerning aspect of this class, however, is a higher number than usual appear to be waiting until the end of the portrait season to schedule their portraits. (This may also be a response to the current ebb in the economy.)}

^{Payment and production schedules can ALWAYS be modified to fit any need, however the time for High School Senior portraits is finite.}