Dislike Photos Of Yourself? You Are Not Alone.

Posted on Jul 12, 2012 | 1 comment

I never heard of Duncan Davidson until very recently. I still don’t know much about him, so take this video for what it is worth (that is, watch it and think about it for yourself). The video is short (2 1/2 minutes or so), but interesting in that it addresses a comment you as a photographer hear all the time: “I hate to have my picture taken!”  Many times one of the most difficult tasks you as a photographer face is convincing your subject that 1. You know how to take good photos. 2. They will look good because you know how to take good photos. And 3. the resulting photo does in fact look good.

We all have heard our clients and subjects complain how bad they look in photos, which leads to extravagant actions on their parts to evade you and your camera. So along comes Duncan Davidson with a theory to help explain why. Hint: it has something to do with mirrors and Woody (from Disney’s Toy Story). Intriguing, no? In any event give this very short video the once-over. Maybe it will give you some pointers on how to approach reluctant Aunt Martha for that next family photo shoot.

And a quick followup to one of my recent posts (asking whether or not it finally is time for Canon shooters to seriously consider switching to Nikon). Canon has announced the grip problem with their new T4i as a possible allergy problem (when the grips turn white from a hazardous chemical contained within). So now it would be your body’s fault when you possibly become sick? Wow! Canon shooters, read my recent opinion article and give it some thought.

And that is it for today … another hot and uncomfortable day. Camera in hand.

P.S. Late last night I read Bill Fortney’s latest post on his blog (you really should bookmark him and check him daily). He listed a group of photographers who have mentored and taught him and inspired him. I have had the privilege of meeting and shooting with several of them, and Bill’s comments are well-taken. I really want to point you toward two others mentioned there, however – Jim Begley and Richard Small. I have posted and raved about their skills and their images many times before on these pages. But what really, REALLY counts is that they truly are wonderful friends to so many of us … kind, warm, friendly, generous (you begin to run out of adjectives). Read Bill’s post by clicking here and check out the work of these two amazing friends.