Amateurs Or Suggestion On How To Build A Better Portfolio Being An Amateur Photographer?
August 30th, 2009 | 
Author: I am an amateur digital photographer. I am trying to find more people for shoots to build my portfolio. I do not want to photograph individuals without their permission as that would be rude. So I am trying to find ways to “advertise” for people to shoot pictures of. I am not looking to take pictures of artificial beauty meaning the made up model types. I want to photograph people from “all” walks of life. I want to show diversity and people as they really are in my photographs.
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Try going to big social events in your area, and maybe concerts.
If you are genuine and nice to people you see and find interesting try asking them if you minded if you take their picture. Most people will either be embarrassed or will be very happy and flattered to have gained somebody’s attention, especially a photographer! It helps if you see something on someone that draws your attention.
i.e. If you see a man wearing a cool hat, walk up to him and tell him that you like his hat and was wondering if you could get some pictures.
Also if they seem like they might let you photograph them, make sure you tell them it is for you portfolio and will be used for private purposes, and not anything commercial.
While I was in college, I took some photography classes. One of our assignments was portraits and street photography. Me, being a shy person, found this a big tough to do. Plus, my major was nursing, not art, so I didn’t have much time between classes, clinical, my regular job and my family at home.
You know what I did? I bothered my friends and family. You want diversity, your family and friends are full of it. Sure, I had to bribe some of them by buying them lunch, but, they didn’t mind at all. Other times, while waiting for the train (to get to Boston), I would take photos of people on the platform. I got the most interesting photos of people who were homeless. I was never a jerk about it, I would ask them ahead of time, give them a little money or buy them something to eat. I also bothered the people that I worked with. You would be surprised how flattered people are that you want to photo them at their job. So, I branched out, got doctors, nurses, etc. My father works in construction, so I would show up on his site (he was working at the Big Dig), and get a lot of photos of people there. I’m sure they were just being nice for my dads sake, but, hey, it helps.
Go and find people that you already know first. That will make it much easier for you.