brusby
Well-known
I didn't see a topic like this so I'm starting one for anyone who is interested in participating by posting images, asking questions or making comments. Suggested focus should be on making better natural light portraits, including major considerations taken into account by the photographer in making the image and also having critiques by forum members.
Please try to be positive in your comments and if you have a critique, try to offer what you would do as an alternative so we can all use this as a learning experience.
I'll start with a recent photo. Technical info: This portrait is a bit unusual inasmuch as the center of her face is darker than the sides due to the strong side lighting. Main light is the obvious large window in frame, but there was an open door behind her and a window across from her that add important accents on her hair and on the opposite side of her face. The space was a small former farmhouse with no illumination inside other than the open door and windows. Outside was a dreary, overcast day. The general feeling was of a dark, cozy space so I printed the final image slightly on the dark side to mimic the feel of being there.
Camera Leica SL. Lens Sigma Art 24-70mm.
Please note that I do some minor retouching of things like facial blemishes because the intended audiences for these images are often the subjects themselves. My goal is not to make a photo substantially different from the person herself, but simply to minimize a few blemishes that the camera seems to accent or call attention to in more detail than real life. In short, I want my photos to look very much like the person but in a very favorable light. We shoot very quickly and usually don't spend more than a couple minutes for any single pose. The goal is not a perfect photo, but to capture a pleasing or otherwise interesting expression that feels to me like the person I was photographing.
This was the very beginning of her first ever photo session -- I think literally the third or fourth photo of the day -- and we were still working on getting her comfortable and relaxed.
L1080174 by Brusby, on Flickr
Comments, critiques and your submissions welcome!
Please try to be positive in your comments and if you have a critique, try to offer what you would do as an alternative so we can all use this as a learning experience.
I'll start with a recent photo. Technical info: This portrait is a bit unusual inasmuch as the center of her face is darker than the sides due to the strong side lighting. Main light is the obvious large window in frame, but there was an open door behind her and a window across from her that add important accents on her hair and on the opposite side of her face. The space was a small former farmhouse with no illumination inside other than the open door and windows. Outside was a dreary, overcast day. The general feeling was of a dark, cozy space so I printed the final image slightly on the dark side to mimic the feel of being there.
Camera Leica SL. Lens Sigma Art 24-70mm.
Please note that I do some minor retouching of things like facial blemishes because the intended audiences for these images are often the subjects themselves. My goal is not to make a photo substantially different from the person herself, but simply to minimize a few blemishes that the camera seems to accent or call attention to in more detail than real life. In short, I want my photos to look very much like the person but in a very favorable light. We shoot very quickly and usually don't spend more than a couple minutes for any single pose. The goal is not a perfect photo, but to capture a pleasing or otherwise interesting expression that feels to me like the person I was photographing.
This was the very beginning of her first ever photo session -- I think literally the third or fourth photo of the day -- and we were still working on getting her comfortable and relaxed.
L1080174 by Brusby, on FlickrComments, critiques and your submissions welcome!
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