D200 Portraits/Username Outtakes

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

01/02/2006 09:42:54 PM · #1

When I first got my D200, I was in so much pressure to come up with a good shot, somehow better than my D70's. Problem is, I don't have a model to practice it with. Krystal is so busy with her soap opera shootings and Pupae was so busy with her exams. So I approached Jung Min, a Sophomore Korean student in our shool. When I saw the poster of the "Memoirs of a Geisha", she immediately came to mind. I asked her if she has blue contact lens and if she could paint her face white. Her answer to both questions was "yes". I then asked Sally, an art student in our school to help apply the make up to Jung Min and to set up the shot. It was fun.

The Username Challenge was incidental. Fortunately, I saw "japanwindow" as a username. It went well with this shot which I entered for the challenge. I am glad I won a ribbon for my very first entry with my new D200 just like (also a red ribbon) when I first used my D70.

But my first choice was really this shot. However, I thought people would comment about how shallow the DOF is. This, for me, is my best shot so far with my D200. My title for this should have been "redwhiteandblue"

I also like this shot. But then again, the shallow DOF might be a no-no for some viewers.

Anyway, I really like my D200. I am not replacing my 50mm 1.8 portrait lens. I am happy with my 60 mm macro lens for my portrait shots. I still am unsuccessful with my 70-200 2.8 VR lens. Somehow, I couldn't get the pictures sharp.

Maybe I should really get a tripod this time. A 2006 purchase along with a reflector.

I promised to post portrait shots with my new D200. I am sorry for these late posts. As they would give clue to my username challenge entry, I am posting them just now.

I am here now in the Philippines and taking a time off from my usual busy shooting. I will take it slow (but more of quality) this 2006.

Happy New Year to all.

Manny

Message edited by author 2006-01-02 21:51:16.

hokie

Nikon D2X

01/02/2006 09:47:00 PM · #2

Manny....you truly are one of the most impressive photographers I have seen.

When you are a big and famous photog...remember us little guys :-D

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/02/2006 09:48:16 PM · #3

I don't like the one you chose or Geisha as much as I like your Memoirs. japanwindow is a colorful shot and well-done but it just doesn't have the same intensity that Memoirs does. I like the balance of Geisha and the DOF but there's something about Memoirs that seems unbalanced yet beautiful. Its asymmetrical but doesn't mar the beauty of the subject. That's a great shot. Thanks for sharing that outtake.

Kev

Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS

01/02/2006 09:53:34 PM · #4

Originally posted by KevinRiggs:

Thanks Kev. That was Jung Min's favorite too. But what do you think about the DOF? was it too shallow?

buzzrock

Fujifilm X-M1

01/02/2006 09:59:40 PM · #5

The Geisha Pic looks like she has no bone structure in her nose, rather its the light or the DOF I don't know, kinda looks like just nostrils though.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/02/2006 09:59:41 PM · #6

Originally posted by librodo:

... But what do you think about the DOF? was it too shallow?

yes, the right eye is OOF, I'd have increased the DOF a tad.

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

01/02/2006 10:11:45 PM · #7

I think I like the 'Geisha' one better than 'japanwindow', actually.. but most of the voters might not have agreed.

I like the depth of field in 'memoirs', in fact I think even more depth of field would look nice, or maybe a little more shadows from the lighting.

Very nice shots, all three of them - I wish I could do portraits like that.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/02/2006 10:20:14 PM · #8

Thanks for the comments. All of them are valuable. Yes, I could have increased the DOF. I could have erased the pink line in the eyes. etc.

BTW, a gallery in the Philippines saw my work in pbase and they envited me to have a one-man show on July. But I have to spend some amount for the archival printing and the framing. I am taking the plunge (even if it means I have to spend money). I have to start thinking seriously about my photography (this is my 2006 resolution). Thanks Peter (Philos31) for encouraging me.

elsapo

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

01/02/2006 10:22:52 PM · #9

Originally posted by librodo:

Congrats!! Im sure you'll do great!

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

01/02/2006 10:26:36 PM · #10

Originally posted by librodo:

But what do you think about the DOF? was it too shallow?

Manny,
I've looked at that shot thinking that maybe it could have the slightest bit deeper DoF than it has but at the end of viewing it I still come back to liking it as it sits. It's just perfect in its imperfection to me. It feels like she's keeping something back from me. I see the foremost eye and its clear, I can see into it; I can see through it. Then I notice her right eye and suddenly I realize that I have but a dim vision of this lovely young person. Lordy I really like the effect of this very shallow DOF. You have a gorgeous subject & you shot the heck outta that pic. For my taste you nailed it.
Its easy for a good painter to impart their vision of something when they paint. For a portraitist the skills are there but seldom does someone use such a simple effect in photography to impart such a depth to a shot. DoF is seldom used (at least in shots I see) to such poignant effect as you've achieved here.

Kev

jsas

Sony Mavica CD250

01/02/2006 10:30:49 PM · #11

Great portraits Manny.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/02/2006 10:46:15 PM · #12

Well, I was going to go to the Philippines this last November, but circumstances wouldn't allow. I wonder if there might be some way that I could head out there for your show in July. Keep us posted!

It would be neat to meet the guy who can do such amazing things with an asian face.

I also thought I would love to do something like the Geisha shot when I actually get a camera, but I don't have access to girls.... of that age. I teach much younger ages (6-13)...

ZhangZiYi is so incredible. You did a fantastic job of your pictures as well. I too prefer the Memoirs picture over the Geisha. It's a very fitting angle. The far eye is dropped, giving a bit of that "run away" feel to it.

More nice work from the master.

hokie

Nikon D2X

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

01/02/2006 10:52:43 PM · #13

My only real question Manny..what are you doing to get that very nice reflection in her eyes? I can't quite make it out...almost looks like a big reflector.

Also...all three are good..just different. Yes the third has a very shallow depth of field but to say it needs to be corrected is probably false. It just really depends on the desired effect.

The Geisha shot is very nice....Once again...Is it a flatter effect..perhaps. But...I can't say that it is not an effective look. Lots of top flight fashion shots have a similar look. Our fashion photographer just shot a Marisa Tomei shot that has a similar look ( Our company handles some of the Hanes work).

Really all three are great in their own way.