Peter & Melissa's Photo Shoot

Peter & Melissa, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

2 Months back I got an opportunity to help out a friend and photography mentor to be his assistant and second photographer. My first paid gig! I was excited but also nervous at the same time. I don't think I've got the skills yet, but I went and helped anyway. Holding a reflector or diffuser can't be that hard ;)

Anyway, I got back my RAW photos and looked at it on the screen for the first time. 300+ shots of my own and only 1 is "somewhat" ok to keep. I was a little disappointed. Although I have to remind myself that I'm there to learn and that he has taken all the directed and official shots. I was supposed to take interactions. But even those seemed bad :(

I am very keen to see how Chi's photos turned out and what the end product is. Hopefully at least 1 or 2 of mine gets into the delivered stuff...

What did I learn that day? I learnt to use a reflector, a diffuser and off camera flash. I know that these are basics, but at least I get to practice it on that day. Also confirmed that the hardest part of the gig is not technique but the ability to engage with the client and get the right poses that brings out the best in them without it looking too posed or fake. Chi was pretty good at directing.

I guess there is only one way to improve, and that is through practice... Anyone care to be my guinea pig subjects? :P