Superhero Photo Challenge: Wig out

Teaching last week at Squam Art Workshops, I was reminded of one of the easiest and best ways to loosen someone up while photographing them: wigs! or hats! or any other prop that gets people feeling playful, sassy and out of their shell.

I was amazed to see the transformation from one exercise to the next in my class. Students who were previously awkward and afraid to have their photo taken were suddenly throwing out the America's Next Top Model poses. It was so much fun to see! (the above hottie is my friend Jonatha Brooke)

This week's challenge is about using your props. Maybe it is a boa, a cowboy hat, a wig or a big twirly skirt. Whatever it is, notice how your subject comes alive...

Comments

[cindy k]

i know it's off topic, but jonatha is a favorite singer of ours. she's cute in the wig and patchwork skirt. we try using hats.

[divrchk]

Here's this one of my son wearing Dad's hat..http://flickr.com/photos/divrchk/2772381641/

[m. heart]

this is so funny, i bought a very similar huge wig like that last summer and had the best time taking self portraits in it (along with a plain white mask)
http://secretnotebookswildpages.blogspot.com/2007/10/self-portrait-challenge-what-i-wear.html

this makes me want to dig it out again!

[Di]

She looks like a young, blonde Cher.... sing it Jonatha!

[Kizz]

I have loved your friend Jonatha for quite some time. Was just listening to her this morning.

In my last family portrait session we got some great American Gothic shots because we ran across a pitchfork while we were setting up. So much fun!

[maggie ann]

now is such a perfect time for this whimsy! there are wigs galore available because of Halloween! oh this is the most wonderful time of the year :) my husband (a professional photog.) has been wanting to take some photos of me for so long and while i do want him to, i get so shaky in front of his lens. i believe i will enlist some of this wonderful wisdom! and just have a blast :) andrea you are so cool!

[pogostickphotography]

OH this is SO much fun! love the wig... can't post one!
great site!
~laura

[Kyla]

Love this fun photo! Very good idea . . . those wigs. I usually let my kids pick the prop . . . especially if we're outside. Rocks, leaves and sticks seem to be their props of choice.

[kristen]

here's mine from class last friday.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acumamakiki/2873535560/

[kristen]

Here's one in black and white
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acumamakiki/2873552314/

[Stephanie]

Jonatha is your friend??? How cool. I just featured a YouTube vid of hers on my blog because I love listening to her so much.
Great image...now I wanna buy some wigs!

[nicky thomas]

hello shutter sisters.

one of Izzy's school friends is a tomboy. she never smiles for my camera, pulls faces and hides behind her waterfall of hair. Today she was one of izzy's birthday party makeovers. She had her hair curled, make up on, wore a dress and paraded in her tiara and fairy wand. She even smiled for the camera. Wonders will never cease.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickythomasphotography/2873693020/

I love this photo. She grew 2 inches and a whole lot of confidence in herself today.

Have a good one

Nicky x

[Tracey Clark]

had a blast with a wig this summer!
here's a self portrait-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maypapers/2789237758/
and here's our own Jen Lemen-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maypapers/2788384301/
hot stuff! ; )

[pogostickphotography]

I meant to say in my post above.. can't wait to post one! I love taking pictures of women that showcase their lightheartedness. Here is one with props... a peach and pork! :)
thanks,
laura
http://pogostickphotography.squarespace.com/journal/2008/9/10/bacon-bits.html

[emily]

from thursday's class...i enjoyed every moment!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/girl_seeking_grace/2874326020/

[Elise]

No wigs yet, but I did have fun. Baby steps, right?

http://funkyanddelightful.blogspot.com/2008/09/knitting-is-my-new-superpower.html

[Jennifer]

A wig really does change the way you think when being photographed. You let go of something and just enjoy the moment. It is amazing and wonderful.