Suffolk Portrait Photographer

You would probably expect to see a gorgeous 20 something half naked woman as the headline photo for a Portrait Photographer post.

And that's my main issue with "portrait photography" - it's touted as something that young people (mostly women) do and that once you hit 40 then you're no longer worthy of a decent portrait photo.

So here's Dee, she was mid eighties when I did this portrait photo session with her at her home; she wanted something for her grandchildren but hated the idea of going to a photo studio, she felt the photos would be stiff and unnatural; she's probably right.

It's my belief that portrait photos should be great photos but be "you" - I mean the person being photographed!

For me it's not about creating some make believe image of a person who exists only in a photographers studio for an hour but about capturing the person, the real person who lives in this body and has character and hopes and dreams and memories.

Here's Claire....

She's a writer and needed a photo for the flyleaf of her latest book, or rather her publisher did. We talked and again as a 70+ lady she hated the idea of a studio so a couple of small lights and and a reflector and we had a perfect setting in her library at home.

Which leads me to my current portrait photography project of 50 over 50.

Ok, nothing original here but I remember when I reached the lifetime milestone of 50 and it really was a big deal. Not physically but emotionally - here we are probably over half way through this life. Surely this is a moment to mark in a lifetime - my wife and I took off to the US for a 3 week holiday of a lifetime, some people will have a party (not my scene!) and many will want photographs to mark this point. But most portrait photographers work from a studio. It's cosy, dry and warm with predictable lighting and probably just one camera and maybe 3 lights. Prices are lowish until the client wants a photo bigger than a postage stamp then we're talking hundreds for a £40 print and the photos..... Well I guess they're ok but as I said earlier so often they're stiff and the photographer has selected set-up 7b of their repertoire of 12 set-ups. It takes no account of "who" this person is.

Ok I do occasionally use a studio - it's not like I can't do it!

But let's look at some alternatives to a studio photoshoot.

URBAN

So many opportunities here.

Pretty much anytime of day or night works for urban portrait shoots with an untold mix of light and backgrounds.

Largely unaffected by the weather as there's usually somewhere where we can shelter from the rain and anyway portraits with umbrellas can look pretty cool.

Winter means a chance to wear several layers and hats and scarfs whilst the heat of summer gives way to shorts and casual summer dresses

COUNTRYSIDE

Great for any sort of portrait shoot from individuals to families.

Especially good for kids as they can run about and get rid of that energy and then, just for a few moments stand still! Not to say that portrait photos have to be posed but makes taking the shot easier!

We also have lakes, streams and rivers all of which create a lovely backdrop with some sparkly bokeh.

A FIELD IN MID SUMMER

Really it's hard to beat the feeling of a hot summers day out in a field of barley.

Whilst from a photography point of view the bright Sun can be a challenge it's worth the effort and the need for more lighting gear to get these fabulous shots.

THEMED PHOTOSHOOT

Whether it's with a white horse, a motorcycle or your pack of dogs there's always a great photo waiting to be created.

INDOORS

You'd be amazed at the possibiities that exist for great portrait photos in everyone's house.

It's warm, cosy and friendly and most importantly relaxed. You can be you.

So with all these in mind why not get in touch and book your Portrait Photoshoot?

As you see there's really no excuse and every reason to do this.

Oh and prices!

I mentioned that many (most?) portrait photographers charge a lot for prints and by far the best way to view good photos is as a large print. I use Hahnemule Photo Rag Matt Baryta.

This is a beautiful paper for most types of portrait photo and typically a 15"x12" mounted print is £40 approx.

Checkout more details HERE