Shutter Sisters

3 questions, 3 sisters (round 2)

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Are you ready for another round of “3 questions, 3 sisters”? Do you want to know the tricks that Shutter Sister Maile uses when taking her beautiful portraits? What Sarah-Ji looks for when shooting the streets? Or how Paige keeps little ones smiling and cheerful on photo shoots? Read on!

Sarah-Ji, what is it in the streets, in the lives of strangers passing by that moves you and inspires you to pick up the camera?

If there’s one thing that I yearn for in all aspects of life, it’s narrative. Every single person on this planet has their unique story, and it’s that thought that fascinates me about the strangers I encounter on the streets. I’m compelled to point my camera towards images that have a story to tell. Of course, I have no way of knowing whether the stories I see are actually true, and most likely they are not since I have no claim to psychic powers. However, when you think about it, a story doesn’t have to be true to move us or to change us. If it did, a huge chunk of art would be meaningless. I hope the images I capture will evoke stories for those who view my photos. Everyone might see a totally different narrative, but as long as they are touched in some way, that’s what matters to me.

Maile, I’ve spent some time visiting your website, and I was stunned by your portraits. How do you do to make people so beautiful? And what is your approach when taking someone’s portrait? Please, share your tips too!

I think people are most beautiful when they’re relaxed, so I’m always very aware of my own energy. I’ve found that the more relaxed I feel, the more likely it is that people will loosen up and feel free enough to interact naturally together. Technically speaking, good light is way more important than the background. So I’m always looking primarily for flat light, meaning there are no highlights or shadows being cast across someone’s face. As they say, shade is good. But open shade is better. It’s that spot where the person is right on the edge of the shade. That’s why doorways work well, because there are no funky shadows, and they’re still close enough to the bright light to have it be reflected in their eyes. If I pose people, I will have them stand to the side, sit on their hip, raise one shoulder slightly higher than the other, because angles are flattering. And the holy grail of making any woman look amazing, is to shoot with the camera positioned higher than her face. Even if it means that you ask her to squat down in front of you. This is the fool-proof head shot. Because not only does it make anyone look thinner, it also reflects light from the sky into their eyes. And it makes eyes look bigger and more dramatic because they are the closest thing to the camera. This is also the reason why if I’m taking a snap shot of myself, it is mounted on the ceiling. Just kidding (sort of) 🙂

Paige, while we were in Chicago I remember peeking into your camera bag and asking you about the rubber duck and the Pez dispenser. Could you please share with our readers what they’re for?

My husband gave me the rubber duck when I first started the business because he thought it might be a good attention grabber for kids and babies. And he was right! It squeaks, it’s cute, and they love it. I often play peek-a-boo with it or set it on top of my head to get their attention. The Pez dispenser was not my idea, but I read about it somewhere. I took a bunny Pez dispenser and fit it right into the external flash port on top of my camera. I had to shave a little off the sides with a knife to get it to fit perfectly. I sometimes use it as a last resort to get kids to look in my direction. I’m sure I look ridiculous when it’s up there, but I don’t care! Whatever works! In my camera bag I also keep bubbles for entertainment and lots of stickers for bribery!

What about you? What are your tricks? What does inspire you? Please feel free to leave your answers and/or comments below. There’s another giveaway so don’t forget to comment!

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Hooray for this week’s Memolio winners:

Kosenrufu Mama, Spread Your Wings, Donna, Chocolate on my Cranium and Life in Eden .

AND five more books are up for grabs in yet another generous giveaway from Memolio in a random drawing this week. Just leave a comment here to be entered. Good luck!

Comments

  2. I’m so new to the business that I haven’t really developed any of my own tricks yet. One trick I wish I had, however, was a way to keep "mom & dad" from trying to get their kids to smile or look my way. When they do that, all they do is get the kids to look at them! I’m pretty successful at getting the kiddos to look my way, not so successful at telling mom and dad to knock it off!

  5. it’s early, i got that backwards. of course, i know their work. i meant i’ve learned some new things after reading about their work. i’m going back to bed ;).

  6. When I photographed children especially at weddings, I would put a coin on the floor and prompt them to stand on it. If they did and I was able to get their photo, then they could have the coin.
    I also would say" Where’s the puppy/", I would look around. This was pretty successful.

  13. There isnt one time i stop by and visit that I am not inspired in some way. thanks so much for taking your individual time out to share and help. Giving is the blessing— then we the recievers and turn around and keep it moving forward!

    On this Thanks giving week… may we be inspired to "pay it forward"… happy shooting!

    Claudia

  14. Thanks for the tips/shares. Inspiration and ideas are always welcome and appreciated. As would be a Memolio book!

  18. Lovely tips, sistas! I recently got a few calls to take family pictures and I’m definitely going to bring in some toys and bubbles! xo

  23. Great ideas!! Thanks for sharing them!!! Looking forward to using some of the ideas I get here when together with the fam on Thanksgiving…. that being said…Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

  28. Thanks for sharing these tips. I especially like the ideas for improving portraits, which I will definitely try.

  32. It’s been a while since I’ve visited Shutter Sisters but from the first post I’m inspired. Thanks for a wonderful contribution to the www ladies.

  36. At my last shoot of a family, the dad was really tall… so I scaled a tree. Truer words than Maile’s were never spoken: the difference is amazing if you shoot from above. Another tip along the same lines, don’t have people lie back against the back of a couch or a bed headboard, even if you’re above. In order to hold their heads up, they activate muscles that accentuate double chins. Have them lean forward if possible, keeping in mind the angles Maile mentioned as well.

  37. I love the reactions I get when I ask couples to do "blue steel" – aka the look Ben Stiller does in Zoolander. 🙂 They’ll try, then crack up at themselves – two priceless photos in a row!

    Thanks for the great tips!

  39. perhaps i’m missing something – i looked everywhere on this page for links to these sisters photos…
    i can’t find any links.
    : (

  41. Great ideas ladies! LOVE the pez dispenser, and have been thinking about bringing a step stool on shoots, so now I will!

    And thanks Memolio! I was going to do this anyway, but now I WON! I never win anything! Cool.

  44. djbeat~Look under the "Meet the Sisters" link on the sidebar…each of their websites are posted in their bios 🙂

    great tips! thanks!!

  45. Thank you, Thank you, thank you! I sure appreciate the free album and have already sent out my order! Can’t wait to see it!