TYPES OF PRIVATE PORTRAIT SHOOT
Whilst the subject (the person being photographed) is the focus of any portrait, the location / setting / backdrop is the main element that gives context and mood, and defines the intended purpose of a photograph. Therefore the background is of paramount importance and it's absolutely essential that this be given the highest level of consideration. Here I'll give a practical overview of the main types of portrait shoot settings and highlight the advantages (and potential limitations) of each.
Your choice will depend upon many factors including:
The intended use of the images
Available space
Available time
The number of subjects to be shot
Budget
Post-production requirements
Future needs (the intended longevity of the portrait)
A PUBLIC OUTDOOR LOCATION OF YOUR CHOOSING
Summary
The shoot is carried out at an outdoor public location of your choosing, which could be
a popular tourist area such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Sacré-Coeur.
a lesser known area which has a personal or professional connection to you.
Requirements
None, besides arranging your own transport and, as you desire, preparations (hair, makeup etc).
When you would choose this option
You're a private professional wanting business portraits (e.g. for a corporate profile)
You're a private professional wanting creative portraits (e.g. for an actor's portfolio)
You're a visitor to Paris wanting memorable photographic souvenirs for personal, and possibly professional, use.
When you wouldn't choose this option
You’d prefer an indoor shoot, either at a private residence or in a photo studio.
You simply don't feel any area of the city would provide a suitable background / setting.
If this is your case, I would be happy to advise you of a location; Paris really does offer everything!
Price
If shooting in Natural Light (requiring no additional lighting equipment), as is most popular, this is by the most economical option.
If shooting with additional lighting material, there would be a slight additional cost compared to a Natural Light shoot (using outdoor lighting is purely a stylistic choice; for further information, simply get in touch)
Options
Walking photo shoot concentrating on one area:
This is my standard and strongly recommended approach as, with no time wasted in transport, the shoot is more effective, productive and enjoyable.
Stop-and-start photo shoot, travelling between locations by transport.
Preferred by those who wish or need to cover several areas of the city within the space of one shoot.
Please note that both the organisation and the costs of any transport between locations are covered entirely by the client!
20th ARRONDISSEMENT (ECONOMY SHOOT)
*** This is a new service for which I am keen to develop a portfolio of images for my website, hence I am currently it at significantly reduced rates ***
Summary
A Natural Light portrait shoot carried out around Paris's 20th Arrondissement, starting at Gambetta
A very economical portrait service in the vicinity of my photo studio following routes that cover the most scenic spots of several adjoining neighbourhoods: those falling between Gambetta town hall and Belleville Park.
Facilitating both the coordination and travel time of a photo shoot in central Paris, I'm able to offer this local service at a significantly reduced fee. If you want very affordable natural light portraits taken in attractive, unique and highly varied outdoor settings, then this is the option for you (popular with locals).
This service caters for all budgets, as there are several price options depending on
the amount of photos you require.
the Zones and Locations you would like to cover.
Requirements
None, besides arranging your own transport and, as you desire, preparations (hair, makeup etc).
When you would choose this option
You're a private client wanting natural light:
business portraits (e.g. for a corporate profile)
creative portraits (e.g. for an actor's portfolio)
personal portraits (e.g. for personal profiles)
You simply want great-value-for-money natural light professional portraits.
You are unconcerned with being photographed at a specific / recognisable location; you simply want outdoor portraits that focus on you.
When you wouldn't choose this option
You'd prefer settings that are more representative of "Paris" (e.g. the Louvre, La Seine, the Eiffel Tower etc)
Price
This simply is the most economical, best value for money portrait service available.
Options
For price options, simply get in touch.
A PRIVATE RESIDENCE OR PRIVATE PREMISES
Summary
The shoot is carried out at your place of residence or at the private premises of your choosing.
As with all indoor photography I would bring additional lighting material, depending on the size and layout of the desired location.
Requirements
A sizeable and, ideally, well-lit premises
The more I am restricted by space and light, the less options will be available for photography
(Purely due to the smaller nature of the average Paris residence, this service is rarely requested)
If you are unsure about the suitability of your private premises, simply send me further details outlining its dimensions, ceiling height and, ideally, providing me with some reference photos.
As per your preferences, organising:
your own preparations (hair, makeup etc).
the visual arrangement of the location itself (which you'd no doubt wish to show as clean and organised as possible)
When you would choose this option
You're a private client with a very sizeable, ideally well-lit premises, that would make a great setting for a portrait shoot.
You're a private client wanting a personal shoot (e.g. a family portrait) for which your home itself is the most appropriate setting.
When you wouldn't choose this option
You're a private client whose private premises would not be suitable.
You're a private client who would prefer a shoot in an outdoor public location or in a photo studio.
Price
Due to the additional lighting material required, this shoot will generally cost a little more than a purely natural light shoot.
Should you request that the entire shoot be done in outdoor areas (where no additional lighting would be required) the price would be adjusted appropriately.
IN A DEDICATED PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
*** As announced on my website, my premises are currently undergoing renovations, hence in terms of studio photography at this present time I am only able to photograph products. ***
Summary:
An in-studio portrait shoot in a small but well-equipped photo studio located at Gambetta, 75020 Paris.
Requirements
None, besides arranging as you desire, preparations (hair, makeup etc).
When you would choose this option
You're a private client wanting studio portraits for:
business purposes (e.g. for a corporate profile, CV photo etc)
creative purposes (e.g. for an actor's portfolio or modeling portfolio)
The studio style appeals to you.
You simply want great-value-for-money portraits.
You are unconcerned with being photographed at a specific / recognisable location and prefer the advantages a generic background will offer you.
You have post-production requirements you to be shot against a seamless background (e.g. superimposing, masking, "cutting out" subjects etc)
When you wouldn't choose this option
The studio style doesn't appeal to you.
You want a background that gives the portrait a specific context.
Your premises do not meet the requirements to accommodate this type of shoot.
You only have a handful of people to photograph and the time required for installation simply isn't worth it.
It is impractical for you to travel to the studio location (Gambetta, 75020)
Options
Price
This is simply is the most economical, best value for money studio portrait service available.
STILL UNDECIDED?
If you are unsure of the best option for you, simply get in touch, providing as much information as possible about your needs and concerns and I will be very happy to advise you.
contact@brettwalshphotography.com
+33 (0) 6 52 28 23 45