Natural light portraits - DPChallenge Forums

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR

07/30/2004 11:45:04 AM · #1

Still trying to develop some more sensitivity to working with natural light. That and getting more interesting poses. Very dialed down fill flash (-1.7EV) used as well.

Comments very welcome.

I like the fill light reflected off the wall to her left here

This last one is an example of what happens if you leave your lenses in a very cool, airconditioned environment, then try to shoot in 90F+ 100% humidity:

Message edited by author 2004-07-30 11:46:03.

aznym

Fujifilm X-T3

07/30/2004 11:48:19 AM · #2

These are nice images. I think the 4th one is a wonderful capture.

edit: typo

Message edited by author 2004-07-30 12:07:44.

peecee

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/30/2004 11:53:14 AM · #3

I love the pose and expression caught in the third one,
very good series

garlic

Canon EOS-10D

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Canon

07/30/2004 11:53:47 AM · #4

Thease are very nice images. Think the first one would have tolerated more fill-in. Like the effect of the last one but I think itÂ´s maybe litle overdone.

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

07/30/2004 12:04:58 PM · #5

Originally posted by garlic:

Like the effect of the last one but I think itÂ´s maybe litle overdone.

Like I said in the comment - it wasn't deliberate - the lenses were fogging from being so cold :) I included that to show how it went wrong, not as a great example or anything...

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

07/30/2004 12:16:27 PM · #6

Originally posted by Gordon:

the lenses were fogging from being so cold

Out of curiosity... do you worry about fungus growing inside your lenses and "eating away" at the elements (by etching the coatings)? Seems like all the moisture from the condensation could increase the possibility of glass fungus, since most lens sites recommend lenses being stored in a cool, dry place. I know that I have a lot of money (to me, anyway) invested in glass, and I've experienced the same thing (in San Antonio) when moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to outside and the whole lens fungus thing is always in the back of my mind...

Message edited by author 2004-07-30 12:32:38.

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

07/30/2004 12:22:37 PM · #7

Originally posted by EddyG:

Originally posted by Gordon:
the lenses were fogging from being so cold

Out of curiosity... do you worry about fungus growing inside your lenses and "eating away" at the elements (by etching the coatings)? Seems like all the moisture from the condensation could increase the possibility of glass fungus, since most lens sites recommend lenses being stored in a cool, dry place. I know that I have a lot of money invested in glass, and I've experienced the same thing (in San Antonio) when moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to outside and the whole lens fungus thing is always in the back of my mind...

It crossed my mind. It isn't something I did deliberately, or that I want to do again - but it is a problem living in Texas...

I actually want to find a supplier for silica beads/ packets to keep in my camera bag - any suggestions ? :)

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

07/30/2004 12:26:42 PM · #8

Originally posted by Gordon:

I actually want to find a supplier for silica beads/ packets to keep in my camera bag - any suggestions ? :)

As a matter of fact, I have this link bookmarked:
//www.dehumidify.com/ProdDisc.html
but I read that you need to store things in a sealed container (which a regular camera bag isn't) for them to work?

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/30/2004 12:34:05 PM · #9

Originally posted by EddyG:

Originally posted by Gordon:
I actually want to find a supplier for silica beads/ packets to keep in my camera bag - any suggestions ? :)

As a matter of fact, I have this link bookmarked:
//www.dehumidify.com/ProdDisc.html
but I read that you need to store things in a sealed container (which a regular camera bag isn't) for them to work?

Not especially, but if it is open to the general air, it will certainly need to be reactivated a whole lot more often. A zipped camera bag is probably an enclosed enough space to be usefully dehumidified, but not when you are actively using it. You could always store your gear in a big sealable storage bin with a gel in it - that's largely what I do.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

07/30/2004 12:42:26 PM · #10

A dessicant will not prevent condensation, but it will help drying it out.

The best way is to not to expose equipment to hotter more humid environments without allowing it to acclimate gradually.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/30/2004 02:13:52 PM · #11

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

The best way is to not to expose equipment to hotter more humid environments without allowing it to acclimate gradually.

So all I need to do is move to a non-hot, less humid environment and I'll be set...

Spork99

OM System OM-1

07/30/2004 02:45:36 PM · #12

Originally posted by Gordon:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

The best way is to not to expose equipment to hotter more humid environments without allowing it to acclimate gradually.

So all I need to do is move to a non-hot, less humid environment and I'll be set...

That's one option.

Another would be to not take your camera from an air conditioned building and immediately start shooting outside when it is hot & humid.

Of course, that may not always be an option.

BTW, nice work.

Message edited by author 2004-07-30 14:57:27.

Mr Tee

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/30/2004 02:49:51 PM · #13

Two portraits I took about 10 years ago in Cyprus. Both natural light no fill. Scanned from prints taken with a Nikon F4

Gordon,Your portraits are lovely, however I feel you may be trying too hard with the natural light. There seems to be some very strong contrast in the light. Direct sun is a nightmare to work with and by using fill to counter it tends to kill the natural feel. Try to use open shade for your portraits. You are making life hard for yourself. The poses are very natural and you obviously have a talent for it but "Keep it Simple"

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/30/2004 02:51:57 PM · #14

Originally posted by Mr Tee:

Gordon,Your portraits are lovely, however I feel you may be trying too hard with the natural light. There seems to be some very strong contrast in the light. Direct sun is a nightmare to work with and by using fill to counter it tends to kill the natural feel. Try to use open shade for your portraits. You are making life hard for yourself. The poses are very natural and you obviously have a talent for it but "Keep it Simple"

The two pictures you showed are beautiful - very soft light indeed.

I was trying for something with a touch more contrast, but still natural, soft light for the face in particular. They were all shot in open shade, (aside from the last one which wasn't included as a serious example).

A couple are back lit, with reflected light in the face (which to me is what open shade actually is), but that's about it - maybe I'm misunderstanding your meaning of open shade though - none of these are with direct sun in the face. I do think though they would have been better about an hour later as the light softens towards sunset.

Message edited by author 2004-07-30 15:09:52.

bledford

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

07/30/2004 03:48:36 PM · #15

I can't quite put my finger on it, Gordon, but there's something wrong with the lighting in those four pictures. I think the size of the catch light in her eyes in two of them might be throwing me off. Maybe it's the clothes she's wearing? The backlight seems a little strong, as hinted at by Mr. T (I pity the fool).

Maybe there's nothing wrong with them and I'm just crazy as a nuthouse nurse. I guess this post doesn't help at all. Sorry.

Mr Tee

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/30/2004 04:17:19 PM · #16

Originally posted by bledford:

I The backlight seems a little strong, as hinted at by Mr. T (I pity the fool).

Not quite sure how to take that....why should you pity me?

Anyway Gordon, it could be that the fill is killing the natural look. There may also be some reflection from the wall or whatever it is you model is leaning against. Overall I think there is too much light, as bledford says it is difficult to pin point.

Pedro

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

07/30/2004 04:20:29 PM · #17

Originally posted by Mr Tee:

Not quite sure how to take that....why should you pity me?

Brad is dating himself and referring to the catch phrase of Mr. T in the A-Team, which was a cheesy American Action show in the 80s.

God, how i miss the A-Team.

Message edited by author 2004-07-30 16:21:17.

Mr Tee