Posted by Lorna Taylor on August 26, 2013 at 7:36 PM
Funny how the language of photography can sound pretty explicit when over heard by non photographers. I am always poking fun with my photograph clients and students that we ,shoot , expose ,blow up ,flash and how that must sound to passer byres.
To the outside world we either sound like terrorist or perverts !!
But the best was an article I read in Chapters while waiting for the family today.
Marc Bauer wrote,
One of the dangers of this, apart from cliché, is terminology that’s easily misunderstood by the general public. I’ve certainly received my share of odd looks from passers-by when they’ve overheard me telling a workshop participant that they should “Expose to the right a bit more”. Also the instruction: “It’s time to get your Big Stoppers out” has been greeted with some raised eyebrows on more than once occasion.
However, the biggest stir that I’ve ever seen on–location was caused by a client who innocently inquired:
“I’ve got a two-stop hard on – should I have something stronger?”
I instantly understood, of course, that this was merely convenient shorthand for: “I’m using a two-stop hard-edged graduated filter – do you think I need something stronger to control the contrast in this scene?” But the family with young children who’d just come into earshot clearly weren’t’ photographers and I’m still not sure they truly believed my explanation….
I nearly fell out of the chair laughing. Needless to say I got a few odd looks !
Discussion
3 repliesTo the outside world we either sound like terrorist or perverts !!
But the best was an article I read in Chapters while waiting for the family today.
Marc Bauer wrote,
One of the dangers of this, apart from cliché, is terminology that’s easily misunderstood by the general public. I’ve certainly received my share of odd looks from passers-by when they’ve overheard me telling a workshop participant that they should “Expose to the right a bit more”. Also the instruction: “It’s time to get your Big Stoppers out” has been greeted with some raised eyebrows on more than once occasion.
However, the biggest stir that I’ve ever seen on–location was caused by a client who innocently inquired:
“I’ve got a two-stop hard on – should I have something stronger?”
I instantly understood, of course, that this was merely convenient shorthand for: “I’m using a two-stop hard-edged graduated filter – do you think I need something stronger to control the contrast in this scene?” But the family with young children who’d just come into earshot clearly weren’t’ photographers and I’m still not sure they truly believed my explanation….
I nearly fell out of the chair laughing. Needless to say I got a few odd looks !