garypeck

<p>Guess I wasted my time responding to this query. Sad.</p>

<p>As you can see by the dearth of responses - this is one of the toughest questions we can attempt to answer. However, if you pay attention you will put yourself ahead of all the uninspired masses that you see all over the net. As you demonstrated in your image and for the sake of this discussion we will assume you can make satisfactory images and need inspiration regarding concepts. That said, I'm going to give you a little advice that might help. Photographers that understand the importance and powerful concepts driving their art are always the most successful. Be it a portrait or piece of actual photo inspired art the concept that drives it and the viewer is the key.</p> <p>Your mask shot is OK technically yet fails of express an emotion, evoke wonder or state a feeling from within you. Art photography can evoke a full pallet of emotions but not if the artist fails to insert them at the onset.</p> <p>Read a poem - what is poetry - imagery of course. Read a book that demonstrates great mental visuals even a movie can supply mental inspiration.</p> <p>To see what I'm talking about visit Brooke Shadens website and study her work. She has a wonderful procedure designed to help her see within and design conceptual images that are great. Today she published a video demonstrating how she works - it's her first one and rather crude but hang in there it gets better and is definitely worth your time. Visit her site first and get a feel for the work then follow this link.</p> <p>https://www.facebook.com/brookeshadenphotography/videos/vb.176453226632/10154243067856633/?type=2&theater&notif_t=live_video&notif_id=1479316499980407</p>

<p>There's probably a lot more info in the image. If you have LR try settings like:<br> Highlights -79<br> Whites +19<br> Blacks -95<br> Something like that might give you a little more "pop".<br> Cheers.</p>

<p>Devon's absolutely right! They always beg you to do it when they're in a jam and then scream when it fails to reach expectations. Experience would tell you what you need to do this and how to accomplish the project. Without those skills you'll probably fail - and the client won't understand anything except you failed.</p> <p>"Bad planning on your part, does not represent an emergency on my part" Just say no.</p>

<p>This could become a "big" production. Firstly, if you need "help" your probably unqualified to do the job. Not being rude, but honestly, shoots like this require experience to successfully accomplish. Based upon the budget and physical circumstances (limitations) I'd probably start thinking cherry pickers, lift trucks or scaffolding. You'll need a couple of 2000w/s power packs minimum - forget silks or umbrellas - at these distances they won't create a visual difference to hard light. You should, for a professional look use at least a 4x5 camera with adequate resolution for recognizable faces.</p> <p>If you find this hard to believe - I recommend doing a test with your 7D and one of you lights to prove it. Evaluate the images based upon what ever size print their after and the sharpness and resolution present to recognize faces. I would just say no, there are folks who specialize in this kind of work with the equipment and experience to painlessly pull it off. MHO</p>

<p>Build yourself a "team". MUA's, stylists and models are all in the same boat, they are looking at how to get started or expand upon they've already started. You will need some "good" images to demonstrate your skills - that's the biggest problem with newbies, so find a friend, rent a studio and shoot and edit some very good stuff. Use MM or C'list to get some leads - review their work and bring them together. Models have cloths - so use theirs for now.</p>

<p>A wise man once said, "If you shoot what you love - the money will follow".</p>

<p>I've been at it 40+ years myself and re-invented myself numerous times. Now, I shoot what I love - I've heard every one of todays "gurus" preach this and can't deny it's value. To try and please everyone, is to please no one. I gave up the Hassy's and Sinars early on - I miss them - but there's too many opportunities to create fine work in digital. Those who are in it for the money - rearly last very long. Trust you heart and let it lead the way.</p>

<p>You have to meet with them when you shoot them - right? No tickey, no washey. I won't shoot a job without the signed release in my hand before anything happens - period! Never had a problem. Also, if I don't do it first thing - I'll forget until it's too late.</p>