Thread: Studio Photography--finding a good one?

So I have about a jillion pictures of myself, so many that I get sick of seeing me, honestly. But they are almost entirely "on location" shots.

I really really would like some artistic studio shots with great lighting, fantastic poses or movements...

How do I find a really good, but also affordable studio photographer? Seems like everything I look at in town specializes in babies & weddings, and those are the only prices they list. ,f::

Anybody got an Azhia and company photo shoot coming up nearby??

Look for local fashion and glamour photographers. That's my personal choice on the odd occasion that I'm not going on-location. For our intents and purposes, I find that they do better stuff with their lighting and offer better direction than, say, the high school yearbook and baby photogs.

Sonja,

My photographer(s) and I regularly travel. One of them is near you and we can arrange something if there are enough folks interested and a hostess with a dance studio (off-site or home).

Ask BintBeled or Ruta for references about the experience!

ox,
Azh

if you do this nearby, you must beg me to bring my macaw someone might have a beautiful costume to match her

Bring your macaw to Connecticut, dude! I've been wanting to shoot with an exotic animal for eons ..g.: But the closest I can get is my own hyperactive golden retriever!

What's affordable? I'm brilliant apparently (well Vogue magazine thinks so and I am appearing in it in October!!! Yowza!!!) so if you want to fly over here I willput you up and shoot you for nothing. Mega shoot, free makeover, the works. And we can have a night out too. But the flights may be pricey!!! xxx

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Bring your macaw to Connecticut, dude! I've been wanting to shoot with an exotic animal for eons ..g.: But the closest I can get is my own hyperactive golden retriever!

Awww... that would actually be cute. Once she feels better.

Originally Posted by Freddie

What's affordable? I'm brilliant apparently (well Vogue magazine thinks so and I am appearing in it in October!!! Yowza!!!)

Congrats!

I wish I could find one, but I have been turned down by some, because of my size. I guess I am not looking in the right places. And my old photographer is missing in action.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

I wish I could find one, but I have been turned down by some, because of my size.

What??? Well they're no good then. I'm assuming you are "too big" or something? If so, they aren't real photographers anyway. I find that larger women photograph far better than thin women for the most part.

Originally Posted by Freddie

What??? Well they're no good then. I'm assuming you are "too big" or something? If so, they aren't real photographers anyway. I find that larger women photograph far better than thin women for the most part.

When I do find them they are all the way in the West Coast. I haven't tried NYC though. Like I said though, I probably am looking in the wrong places. I have no clue.

I feel like going to Target. I had my son's pictures done there and they do dancers. ..l;,

Find a female photographer who does weddings, children, etc. and ask. Really, most photographers hate photographing weddings, children and pets and are more than willing to do something else. Ask to see a portfolio. It will give you a good idea how the photographer approaches her portraits.

I'm saying to find a female because you will be more comfortable and I'm pretty damned sure a female will not turn you away because of your size. That's just plain ol' tacky.

There are a lot of fabulous photographers out there who don't charge an arm and a leg. The higher the price does not mean the better the quality.

Also, make sure you have an agreement ahead of time that allows you to have a CD/DVD of the color-corrected hi-res final files with the rights to use them for your own purposes.

Originally Posted by Sonja2

How do I find a really good, but also affordable studio photographer? Seems like everything I look at in town specializes in babies & weddings, and those are the only prices they list. ,f::

If you really like the work that a local wedding or portrait photographer is doing, you might try asking whether they would shoot you for trade or at a discount on their usual fees, since you'll be bringing something new to their portfolio that they can use to show their versatility. I agree with roguepen that there are a lot of photographers out there who get bored with their bread and butter and are very open to trying new things.

Check out photographer and photographer/model networking sites to find photographers (especially fashion, commercial, and art photographers) in your area who might not otherwise cross your radar.

Also give up-and-coming photographers a chance: there are fantastically talented shooters out there, some just out of photography school, who are in the portfolio-building stage and, as a result, have much more affordable rates.

Good luck! You have beautiful photos already, but I understand the appeal of a studio shoot that gives you more control over your environment.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

I wish I could find one, but I have been turned down by some, because of my size.

They're turning away you (and your money?!?) because of size? That's ridiculous. I'm sure there are lots of photographers in Massachusetts who would love to shoot you. Have you asked for recommendations from other dancers in your state?

Originally Posted by Ainsley

They're turning away you (and your money?!?) because of size? That's ridiculous. I'm sure there are lots of photographers in Massachusetts who would love to shoot you. Have you asked for recommendations from other dancers in your state?

I have been turned down for many things, even though I have the money for it. Already got into that on here in another thread, lol... They see my face and they are like "hey now". My face doesn't gain weight. Then when they see the bod well I don't want to get into what they say exactly next. I am not sure if it is the area I live in, but when I was in AZ, I could get my photos for free. Alas, I found out I was expecting so never did it.

I really only know one dancer who lives an hour away, and well she asks me questions... ..l;, I will be meeting new people soon, so we will see. The others live in CT, or other surrounding states.

Originally Posted by Freddie

What's affordable? I'm brilliant apparently (well Vogue magazine thinks so and I am appearing in it in October!!! Yowza!!!) so if you want to fly over here I willput you up and shoot you for nothing. Mega shoot, free makeover, the works. And we can have a night out too. But the flights may be pricey!!! xxx

..l;, Well I think a flight to the UK is definitely out of the affordable range, but it sure sounds tempting!!!!!!

I can't believe someone would tell a person they won't photo them...I mean, you're paying them, right? odd.

I think I may have found someone. I am making a stop by to discuss options with him and see more of his work, though I've seen lots of his portraiture and it's beautiful.

Azhia, as much as I would LOVE to have you, I'm just not sure we'd have enough people right now. :-(