Grubby children

[mikeplow1961]

While only just dipping my toes into doing portraits, I've been surprised to find how much time I am spending in Photoshop removing dried tomato sauce from corners of mouths and chins and dried something else from around nostrils etc. Some arrive immaculate but some appear to be considerably less so.

I'm only at the stage of shooting for friends and acquaintances as I try to develop my skills but wondered how other portrait photographers approach the presentability of their subjects if they arrive less than clean.

I'm guessing taking one look at snot and HP sauce encrusted Tarquin and Jocasta and immediately ringing a handbell and bellowing 'Unclean! Unclean" isn't going to endear one to the parent.

 

[Tractor Boy]

Thats why I always carry a small pack of baby wipes with me - learnt that one the hard way!!!!!!

 

[Phil V]

Partly the answer above ( always be prepared) and partly it's the difference in approach between mum who's having some photos done by a mate to help with his portfolio and mum who's booked a photographic shoot expecting to spend a couple of hundred quid.

 

[mikeplow1961]

Partly the answer above ( always be prepared) and partly it's the difference in approach between mum who's having some photos done by a mate to help with his portfolio and mum who's booked a photographic shoot expecting to spend a couple of hundred quid.

Yes, you make a good point Phil.

. I've had most treat it exactly as if it was a paid appointment, kids spotless, outfits chosen etc but even with some of those kids noses seem to be a law unto themselves. I think I'll try thrusting the wet wipes at the mums and say cheerily, 'Do you want to just give them a quick freshen up before we start? Helps make the skin look good' but still keep the hand bell handy.

 

[Phil V]

Yes, you make a good point Phil.

. I've had most treat it exactly as if it was a paid appointment, kids spotless, outfits chosen etc but even with some of those kids noses seem to be a law unto themselves. I think I'll try thrusting the wet wipes at the mums and say cheerily, 'Do you want to just give them a quick freshen up before we start? Helps make the skin look good' but still keep the hand bell handy.

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[TopBanana]

Yes, you make a good point Phil.

. I've had most treat it exactly as if it was a paid appointment, kids spotless, outfits chosen etc but even with some of those kids noses seem to be a law unto themselves. I think I'll try thrusting the wet wipes at the mums and say cheerily, 'Do you want to just give them a quick freshen up before we start? Helps make the skin look good' but still keep the hand bell handy.

It's worth doing that regularly throughout the shoot as the snot just keeps coming with some kids! Maybe suggest a freshen-up everytime you have a change in location or shot type etc.

 

[DEANSUPREME]

Learnt the same with my own children after cleaning them up in photoshop.I always give them both a good wipe down now and also sort out stray hairs as well while I'm at it.