Photographing non-young people

[ian.bertram]

Hi,
Photographing young good looking people is surprise, surprise, not really very hard. Older but not yet old people are a much trickier proposition. They aren't old enough to have dignified lines and real character to their faces but they are old enough to have lost their youthful virility and glow. I guess I'm talking 40's and 50's. Do you go with the soft lighting and / or the environmental shot where there may be a de-emphasis on the close up face shot. Thinking about this post, I guess I'm opting for interest in the photo other than the radiant beauty of the subject. This sounds a little harsh and I don't mean it to be- but when you are shooting a young child or a 20 something young lady, they are the shot- that's all you need to make the shot. Shooting 'ordinary people' is not nearly as easy. A quick look around the forum images and one would be forgiven for thinking this age bracket doesn't exist.
Any and all thought would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ian

[bigsarg7]

I would tend to agree, there aren't a lot of images posted of that generation with the main goal of a portrait. I've had very little need at this stage for it but am equally curious as to the best way to shoot someone of that age (not saying its old)
I did shoot an image of my mother where we weren't particularly trying for a portrait but a natural casual shot of her while checking light for a wedding spot. I've attached it on here now nothing spectacular (not original copy- one off facebook due to lost file....grrr), but it is an image she didn't mind and thats rare! (the image is as shot, no PP done here at all) maybe some of the more experienced photographers on here might be able to shed some further light on this issue? I'm very curious to know more!

[ian.bertram]

Yep, already you are confirming my thoughts. It is indeed a nice shot and you've gone 3/4 with plenty of other interest in the shot (ie environmental portrait). It looks like this one of the key elements.
Any more?...

[surenj]

Ian, in my experience this age bracket is the most difficult. They don't want their portraits taken and look extremely awkward when you try. They seem to be very busy (ie have other appointments) as well. "Why do you need so many lights?" "Are we done yet?" They are also good with the complements. "That's an awful picture"

Maybe it's a Gen X thang?

[Aussie Dave]

I think it does have somewhat to do with the Gen X thing.

40-50 years ago when they were kids and growing up, cameras were certainly around but nowhere near as prevalent as they are today. Photos were generally only taken for special occassions or when on holidays (unless someone in the family was a photog and annoyed the hell out of everyone else).

These days, kids have cameras on their phones, in their computers, little compact cameras etc. They take a myriad of happy snaps during day-to-day life and post them up on Facebook etc. for their world of friends to see and admire. I feel they have become de-sensitised to having their photo taken and are generally more than happy to oblige.....whereas the older generation aren't as forthcoming - and have the reaction that they look terrible in almost every photo (as this is how they grew up).

In saying all this, I still believe that even if the person is 40, 50, 80, 100 etc, if you are taking a portrait photo of them it should remain a portrait photo (and they should be the focal point of the image). What it does mean is that the photog has more pressure an their work cut out for them in producing photos the subject will be happy with.

Perhaps it is worth talking to the subject beforehand (which the older generation are usually more than happy to do) and asking what they don't like about themselves from past photographic experiences...then by taking this all in (and making them feel more at ease), try to create images that they may really like and appreciate.

Some people think they have (for example) a double-chin in photos which makes their head and neck look fat. Typically, people tend to shoot portraits at eye level and this does not flatter a double-chin whatsoever. Instead, by trying something different and shooting them from above or below and with their head tilted upwards a touch (or similar), you should be able to produce images that mask that double-chin and they may well just like the photo (mainly because it's completely different to what they're used to and it has addressed the thing (or things) they don't usually like in photos of themselves).

If this can be achieved, then the photo should be of them, not of a nice landscape with them standing somewhere in frame - unless it's a holiday happy snap

Not as easy as shooting a gorgeous 20 y.o model but just as important (especially to the subject and his/her family).
Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Dave

[gstark]

And just to add to Dave's comments, one other trick is to flip the image through 180 degrees horizontally, to present a mirror's image of what you've actually shot.

The trick here is that you are showing them an image of how they might see themselves in a mirror, rather than how they might typically look in a photo.

[biggerry]

Some people think they have (for example) a double-chin in photos which makes their head and neck look fat. Typically, people tend to shoot portraits at eye level and this does not flatter a double-chin whatsoever. Instead, by trying something different and shooting them from above or below and with their head tilted upwards a touch (or similar), you should be able to produce images that mask that double-chin and they may well just like the photo (mainly because it's completely different to what they're used to and it has addressed the thing (or things) they don't usually like in photos of themselves).
Dave

Thats great advice, the key being knowing how to get someone to pose and position their face to give a flattering look - probably a great skill to have
The only thing I have heard (this is not from personal experience) is the use of natural soft light and reflectors can help, however that is pretty darn generic since it applies to all age groups

They seem to be very busy (ie have other appointments) as well. "Why do you need so many lights?" "Are we done yet?" They are also good with the complements. "That's an awful picture"