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05/15/2006 05:03:08 PM · #1 |
a self portrait and a portrait of someone else? Portraits are the one area I have never really tried to get into - people in general actually. I was talking with a photographer in a studio today and he said something I have never heard before: "Shooting a portrait for someone else is very technical and rules have to be followed as far as placement, limits of creativity, etc. of course with certain exceptions if agreed upon prior to shoot. A self portrait however doesn't follow the same rules and the boundaries are off as far as creativity goes. Since the photographer/artist is doing a self portrait, creativity is more prevalent, poses aren't as restricted, location can be anywhere." I was writing as fast as I could on the tablet to make sure I got what he said correct.
Now looking at the portrait and self portrait galleries/challenges on DPC after he told me this I can see where this seems to be somewhat true. But certainly not a 'rule' other than the aspect ratio and orientation seem to be somewhat consistent. Is there any truth to what this guy said? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Message edited by author 2006-05-15 17:03:55. |
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05/15/2006 05:09:59 PM · #2 |
My feeling is that there is some truth to the fact that there may be a bit more leeway in a self-portrait, as far as creativity goes. For example, it may be safe to suggest that there are precious few models who would be willing to let the photographer make them look like this:
Some maybe, but, as in the above self-portrait, the artist can do anything she likes to get the effect she's after.
edit: grammar
Message edited by author 2006-05-15 17:10:57. |
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05/15/2006 05:11:31 PM · #3 |
Bear in mind that the "portrait" galleries in DPC are populated largely by work done by the photographer to his/her own order; that is to say, NOT done to please a client who has commissioned the work. So in that sense, there's not as much difference as their might be.
It's all a question of who you're working for; yourself, or someone else?
R.
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05/15/2006 05:18:47 PM · #4 |
I prefer portrait photography because its capturing someone, not just a picture. I find portraits need to only follow the rules that your model wants. Obviously if you are doing a pregnant woman who wants a "soft natural feel with love and nurturing" You aren't going to do an emotive picture with scribble layers...
I love breaking all the rules though, I have had many "formal photographers" tell me that its off center, too bright, not in the thirds rule or whatever - but what is most important is that you captured that person the way the wanted and the way they are. I don't think you could capture Joey Lawrence in a clean bright studio nor could you get Shutterpug without some humerous fat pug in the picture - regardless that the "rules" say you should!
I find capturing myself is the most difficult as I can't seem to find what I look like to others. Meh....
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05/15/2006 05:22:00 PM · #5 |
This is how I imagine it would go if I were to shoot a model.
"Okay, get down on the floor. Yeah, push the pile of shoes out of the way. Now excuse me while I invade your personal space with the camera. Damn, I need to do that again, hold on... [five minutes later, after fiddling with the manual settings, taking fifteen different test shots, and finally busting out the tripod] Okay, now excuse me while I push your head in all sorts of weird directions. Hold that pose for the next hour. [Check the shots.] I don't like these. Let's start over. [Repeat] I don't like these either. Let's try something else. How do you feel about wearing a very warm fuzzy winter scarf even though it's 80 degrees in here?"
Actually, I would find it insanely difficult to ask anyone to do any of that since I'm just too unwilling to invade anyone's time or space like that. Yeah, much easier to just shoot myself than to ask someone else to put up with me ;-)
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05/15/2006 07:56:26 PM · #6 |
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05/15/2006 08:03:58 PM · #7 |
There is a BIG difference if you are doing portrait photography for a paying client and portrait photography for your own creative endeavors.
If you have a model that seems to 'know' what your are looking for it could be easier than self-potraits where you have to bounce from in front to behind the camera. |
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05/15/2006 08:32:51 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Louis:
My feeling is that there is some truth to the fact that there may be a bit more leeway in a self-portrait, as far as creativity goes. For example, it may be safe to suggest that there are precious few models who would be willing to let the photographer make them look like this:
Some maybe, but, as in the above self-portrait, the artist can do anything she likes to get the effect she's after.
edit: grammar |
good example...thx |
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