How to get the best out of your Doortrait photo session
If you’re reading this, you’ve booked me to capture your lockdown life at your doorstep. This is a strange time for all of us, we’re living the same lives as so many, we’ve accepted the new norm of home working and for some homeschooling. As stressful as it is, there is a need to want to remember this time. You might not know why you want a doortrait, but you’ll start to appreciate the feeling of wanting to document the time. To say you were there. Your photo of lockdown could live through generations of your family’s lifetimes. Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great great grandchildren could be taking your doortrait photo into their history lessons!
I’ll be shooting from the pavement with an 85mm lens, so I won’t be getting close to you. As I will be taking a photo from a distance, little issues like coldsores and small spots etc won’t show up, so there’s no need to spend a long time applying perfect makeup. The camera would appreciate neatly combed hair and genuine smiles rather than forced. Don’t worry, I will not ask you to say Cheese! 🙂
As for clothing, the general advice I give is not to where logos or very bright colours. The idea is for the focus to be on the familys connection. If you want to coordinate with your family, try and not where the same colours as each other, but pick colours that compliment each other. Patterns are great too, as long as everyone isn’t wearing them.
If you have young children, you can bring a snack to keep them occupied. The shoot takes around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of the family. I’ll try and take some with you all standing, then maybe a variation of you sitting on your doorstep. I might ask you to go inside and look at me through your window.
If you have a car blocking the view to the front door, could I please ask that you move it to the pavement. If your pavement is very narrow, could you please park infront of your house so avoid someone else parking there. You can move the car when I arrive. In some very narrow streets, I have been stood on the road. Please also move any bins or wine bottles if you don’t want them in your photos!
A really nice idea is to bring something with you, something you want to remember. Maybe a new hobby you’ve taken up? A camera, a houseplant, knitting needles?
If I am coming to shoot your street, please feel free to tell your neighbours. I might be able to squeeze them in. The two charities I’m supporting is Launchpad and Park Lane Primary School.
Any questions please feel free to contact me.