While I’ve grown in my ability to take pictures of inanimate objects – especially edibles – since Tom and I started marthaandtom.com two years ago, I still struggle with portraits. I’m introverted; when I’m behind the camera with a person or group on the other side, it’s rare that I direct a subject (smile for the camera!) and at my worst I attempt to avoid being seen taking pictures at all. (Creepy!)

From time to time I’m called upon to attend work events and photograph real live people. Later, when attempting to create layouts around these photos (design work is my main responsibility) I sift through my photos of, well, food at the events, and delete, delete, delete. Fortunately for the health of our publications, I’m usually shooting alongside a coworker who is better at getting in people’s faces with a camera.

Enter IFP’s winter class, In Your Face Photography:

In-Your-Face Photography is for the photographer who would like to shoot images of people up-close but is either too timid to approach them and/or uncomfortable directing them.

Coming up on our last session, I’m still learning, but I feel much more comfortable behind a camera with a person on the other side–I don’t even mind if she knows I’m there.

Here are some of my favorites from a class assignment featuring one of my all-time favorite models, my sister, Marcela. Locations include Annie’s, Common Roots Café, and The Aster Café. And yes, my sister is gorgeous.

If you’re interested in an IFP course, you’ll find current photography offerings on their website.

7 comments | class, continuing education, IFP, Minneapolis, Photography, portraits, shy photographers

This entry was posted by Martha on Monday, March 21st, 2011 at 9:03 pm and is filed under Minneapolis, Photography. You can subscribe to responses to this entry via RSS.