| Author | Thread |
|
|
08/11/2004 10:48:36 PM · #1 |
This is a model Tiffany that contacted me to do some shots for her for this thing called FashionRock(?). Anyway, here are 6 of the finished ones. Editing is done, but I have not cropped them yet, at all. I have been using the techniques (put into actions, to speed it up for the rest) from Kevin Ames' Photoshop CS-The Art of Photographing Women. I love how his work for skin smoothing works. (EDIT: Placed a link to her chosen to edit) ALL comments welcomed.
Tiffany's Portfolio Shoot
I need to learn posing, too. She really wanted to keep taking pics of "the stance" (look at the standing on the beach pics) in a bathing suit. I thought it looked unnatural...anyway.
Message edited by author 2004-08-23 20:08:25.
|
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:03:55 PM · #2 |
| Yeah the bathing suit pic is probably my least favorite of them. She doesn't have a good look on her face. The pose would look better if she had her eyes open, or changed the look? Only one smiling picture?! Make her smile, and have her open her eyes more while doing it. Most people look good with a smile :-) |
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:12:30 PM · #3 |
| There are more bathing suit shots, with her smiling, but that is just the only one I have done. Lots of her smiling, too, but I think she didn't want to, too much. I think it is the "angry model look" that is in (?), I don't know. Thanks for the comments. |
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:14:33 PM · #4 |
I think #4 is my favorite. It's a little blown out, but I like the backlit hair and pose.
The bathing suit just doesn't do her justice. It's my least favorite.
The rest of the pictures could benefit from better cropping. Try not to center her eyes in the middle of the picture (as in #1), and watch the background... try not to run the horizon through her head (#5 would need to be reshot at a better angle).
There are better "judges" out there than me, but there's my two cents.
|
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:21:49 PM · #5 |
The one that you turned to grayscale has some nice qualities to it. I like how her hair fades into the background. I think that she looks very nice when she smiles! Maybe varying the pose (like you were saying), would get you (and her) going toward better photos. From what I hear (not having done a whole lot with portraits or model photography), the more that you (and your model) do it (the photo shoots), the better you will both be at it, and the more comfortable she will be in front of the camera (these seem a little stiff, or posed). I do not like the bathing suit pose either, as kyebosh said. And, as dwterry said, I am not the best judge. But here are my opinions, take em or leave em!
-Danielle
|
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:22:14 PM · #6 |
Smile more. Looks much better.
Also, the halo hair doesn't really do it for me, (although it does others, see above...)
Maybe try some afternoon sun from side, or 3/4 front. Back lit isn't as nice, unless of course you're doing shillouettes |
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:25:54 PM · #7 |
| I think she gives good face, I could see her on a Cosmo cover. I'm sure she's going for that sultry look you see on a lot of models anymore. You know, the ones that look like that they are going to jump out of the magazine and forever be with you if you buy a certain product - however, I prefer to sense a genuine smile and attitude from a photo, she had a few of these too. But they are all good pics. Tell her good luck with Fashion Rock! |
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:30:42 PM · #8 |
Thanks all. Obviously this is a learning experience for me.
I did not really like the bathing suit either. And as before, I have not cropped any, as of yet.
I am editing some smiling ones now.
Thanks again all!
|
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:31:46 PM · #9 |
| B&W is the best. It looks like she is a little bit to tens. |
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:40:15 PM · #10 |
They all look reasonably good - you might want to work on getting a bit more light in to her face and eyes in particular though - some of the shots are a bit flat and lifeless - particularly with a backlit subject, a reflector can help a great deal. These are a great start - and I feel your pain about posing. A random quote from an email discussion I was having this evening
In most every class Randy teaches he alludes to this same concept - the importance of connecting (on an emotional level) with the person or object you are photographing. Don't let the camera, with its dark texture and large piece of
protruding glass come between you and your subject. You must "feel the buzz" - "feel the love" to create a photograph that is Art.
If you ever work that out, let us know - I deeply believe this is the most important aspect of portrait photography and I'm slowly getting it. Everything else is largely secondary to that advice, difficult though it might be.
Message edited by author 2004-08-12 00:06:29. |
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:44:16 PM · #11 |
I took a look at the portfolio, and this one is nice, for a no smiling photo: 2004-08-09-18-50-22.jpg. The one right before it though (2004-08-09-18-50-11.jpg) seem to have that "duh" look to it, not as flattering. (I took some photos of my sister once, and we noticed after looking them over, that she tends to try and stick her tongue out just a little, so we had to keep watching for that. I saw a few others in your set that have that "duh" look. I not trying to sound harsh, I just know I don't like it when photos turn out not the way I had planned.) I really think that she looks so much better when she is smiling, though, she really is a beautiful girl! Maybe when you do the photos where she is not smiling, have her keep her lips together (just lightly, not pressed hard), and see how that goes, I think that it may look better that way. This one (2004-08-09-19-01-14.jpg) is very nice, also, she has such a nice, friendly smile, I think that she may want to use that as an advantage. I also like the way that the photo is laid out, and the stop action on the water really adds to the fun of the photo. This one ( 2004-08-09-18-37-18.jpg) is really wonderful as a photo, maybe not as a model photo, but I like the layout, and the fact that she is off center, and the dof is perfect. The only thing that I think would make that one better is to have her smile! Anyway, I hope my comments have helped a little; I enjoyed looking through these!
-Danielle
|
|
|
|
08/11/2004 11:53:14 PM · #12 |
Again thanks. I have 16 more to edit (that I picked out), and all the ones mentioned are in there.
May get another chance to shoot with her at some time, will see and have this thread tagged to come back to for the comments. Definitely need the posing (telling them what to do).
I had my reflector and used it on a few. But at the lake, we were in shade and no sun. Need to get a flash (on the wish list). the built in did ok, but I would like more control of it.
|
|
|
|
08/12/2004 01:11:42 AM · #13 |
Just to add an addition voice the thread. I like the third one the best, she actually looks like she wants to be in front of the camera. The others look like she stayed up all weekend, and just as she managed to shut her eyes for 20 minutes, you start taking pictures of her -- huh? what?
Can't wait to see more with more open expressions.
I'm picking on the expression since without her face projecting the mood, he body language just doesn't work. The images themselves are well done, but as you say need to be cropped. If you have another shoot, try framing more in-camera.
David
You know I am just jealous that you had an actual model. :D
|
|
|
|
08/12/2004 03:15:05 AM · #14 |
They are all wonderful. Your talent for retouching photos is amazing.
|
|
|
|
08/12/2004 05:16:01 AM · #15 |
Okay, I have a total of 12 pics (10 images) done and like to see what you all think. Edited Photo Shoot
Thanks aerogurl! I am working on it. Want to be able to get it ALMOST all right in front of the camera, that way less time editing.
David-I know what ya mean. Her mother, sister, and her read a modeling book and it said something about always keeping your chin up to not show a double chin. She is a beanpole and her mother told me they force her to eat, because she was/is diagnosed with anorexia. Keeping her chin up and then wanting to look at me when I was shooting from low, wasn't working, but...I learned some. |
|
|
|
08/12/2004 05:20:19 AM · #16 |
I find ther b&W ones the most effective, she's beautful girl, and in the color ones, the color simply distracts from her beautiful face, and eyes! They would make a very nice b&w series!
Lee
|
|
|
|
08/12/2004 05:29:54 AM · #17 |
I think you did a good job. Posing can be difficult, but if you practice changing 2 things for every shot, it makes you more creative, and puts the model at ease too.
For instance, change the zoom and a hand position. Next, change the camera orientation (vertical to horizontal for example, or from below to from above) and one other thing, like the background...
Get them to use rocks and such (when outdoors) as props to sit on, near, lean on, etc.
Your lighting and dof is great! |
|
|
|
08/12/2004 06:27:38 AM · #18 |
I like the first one the best but would like to see the head a little higher in the frame. Remeber the rule of thirds. The others I think there is not enough light on the subject. I think a reflector would have helped. As far as the posing goes, if she is a good model she should know the poses but, you may have to be quick to catch it just at the right time. Also I don't know how many photos you took but the more the better. You can shoot all day and only get one photo that is really good sometimes. All and all though I think you did a great job and know you will get better and better at it. Just keep it up.
|
|
|
|
08/12/2004 07:36:54 AM · #19 |
Tracy,
Congrats on the model shoot. Hope you had fun on it.
I'm going to direct my comments to your last edited shots (the 12 pics you edited on your website).
Overall your subject definitely has some features to commend her: she has incredible body in her hair and that's not the easiest thing to find in a model. Her eye color matches her coloration (hair and skintone) well; they don't standout too much but they tend towards giving her an attractive "girl next door" quality that has a place in the industry. She probably needs to bulk up a little but she definitely looks to me like she could get work today if she works on her expressions and just gets some more time in front of the camera.
While I love her hair, it can generate difficulties in lighting for you. That leads into my evaulation of your work. In the first two shots (2004-08-09-17-07-37.jpg and 2004-08-09-17-09-18.jpg) her beauty and her facial features seem evident to me but both lack a little something in lighting on the face. In the first she has only a little sparkle in her eyes. The lighting across the face is good and fairly even; its a smooth transition that keeps her face (on my monitor anyways) from having any hotspots and allows her features to be shown with some tones around them for depth and character. What is missing in that shot, IMO, is the flash or catchlight in the eyes. The eye on the right of the pic (what I assume to be the model's left eye) has just a little but its subdued. I love the lighting on the hair here and even the model's expression. You (or she) got a good angle on her head tilt. While the background is blurred for separation it is still evident and that's OK but you have a leaf in the frame at the top right of the composition. You might want to carry just a little twine or some bungee's or something on the next shoot so that you can tie back organic objects that want to interject themselves into your frame; I'm a proponent of not hurting the setting in which you shoot but you can tie a branch back for 5 or 10 minutes while you shoot and then release the string so that it bounces back into place. In this composition the in focus leaf just detracts from the separation you produced so well above the model and to the left of the photo.
I think the 2nd shot shows more appropriately how this model's (and many model's) hair can cause a lighting problem. Its not something for the model to worry about but a white reflector at about knee or waist level could have brightened up her face without removing the rim lighting effect. It looks like you got some catchlights here whether from a reflector or a flash I'm not sure but either way I think the model's features are a little shaded. On the other hand, in this frame I like the use of the leaves much better. Here they seem to be closer to the camera than in the first shot and, as such, they have more blur inparted to them. This helps to maintain the separation your built with the out of focus background behind the model.
In the third shot (2004-08-09-17-23-38.jpg) I like the model's smile, her outfit, her pose (great capture on your part as she seems to be moving and you got that). I like the setting as "dressy" clothes in a natural setting can yield an out of place air to a shot and, thus, produce a subconcious separation for the model much like the blur of a shallow depth of field (just more subtle to the viewer). The only two nits I see in this shot would be the model's teeth compared to the bright white of the dress. Just touching that up would make a difference. Also, the phone/power pole just to the right of the model's elbow on the horizon. Clone that element out. Well, while I'm at it, you did a great job capturing the model's motion and the feeling of unhurried activity. To go along with that you got good angles on the model's hands (they don't look gargantuan and some of that is due to the fact that they probably aren't but believe it or not some of that is also due to the angle at which you captured them so I say again, "Good job." The problem I am headed towards is the ring on the model's hand. I don't usually have much of an issue with rings or even bracelets but this ring in that lighting with the dark background just kind of stands out to me. I would try and see if I could clone it out since the hand already has the sense of motion in it and a small edit might not be as noticible.
In 2004-08-09-17-26-02.jpg (4th shot) you really start to see some great features for this model. The conversion to monotone accentuates her features. The expression she delivers in this shot also works for me with her body language. The tones allow the angle of the arm to bomplement the angle of the white elements of the dress. The tonal quality of this monochromatic shot gives texture and depth to the subject's upper body, especially her shoulders and collar bones. Showing the model's curves in her arm, her hips and the tones of her shoulder region add to a feminine feel for this shot. The model's lovely shaped face with her features are given a nice, softly feminine setting in which to truly stand out. The model's face competes less in this shot (IMO) and therefore the viewer gets a good shot of those hooded eyes and that slightly open mouth (as opposed to gaping open or laughing). You really set the model's eyes apart from the background here as the imaginary line of the horizon passes from just below her right ear (photo left) to mid-neck on the right (her left) and the sky has a lighter tone to set apart (again subconciously) her eyes. One thing that I think you could try if you're interested at all is to selectively lighten her eyes. Use the lasso tool to go around her eyes and then feather your selection about 5 pixels. Throw a Brightness/Contrast layer on there and just lighten them about a 3-5 and see how that looks. You still want them to blend with the face but it might be something to try.
The next set of shots (2004-08-09-17-26-11.jpg, 2004-08-09-17-26-11BT.jpg and 2004-08-09-17-26-11BW.jpg) are my favorites of the set you've edited. The angle of approach is the same in all of them (wonder why - just kidding). I like the extreme blur you've achieved on the background. The tones in the background tend to be more muted and closer to the models coloration but they don't blend with her so there is still some separation. The first shot is a great pose and composition but it just doesn't have that "Oomph". The 2nd and 3rd of these really enhance that. I'm going to stick with the 2nd (the "BT" version) as the warming filter that you seemed to have applied makes this version by far my fave. You nailed the action in this one with her hair moving. Did you have much wind at this point or was her hair just teased and reacting to her motion? Either way, I love the hair. I love the hair. I love the hair. It imparts action frozen in time. The lighting on it is awesome, too. The lighter hair in the back to show how sunny a day it was and then a ring of darker toned hair (not in coloration but in lighting it looks like) is right up next to the model's face and that yields the separation that help to focus your viewers' attention on the subject you choose. The model's eyes, while still slightly hooded are open enough and clear enough that you can delineate her pupils and iris. That makes a definite difference. There is not catchlight but this shot doesn't need that. It's made compelling by the tones and the warmth (generated by the filter) to complement your composition. This shot also displays some feminine features that commend this young model: her earring is a minor point of interest but it doesn't detract from those lovely eyes. Her lips are full and sensuously opened (a different expression here could have worked, too, as I think your composition defines this shot). The subject's shoulder line goes a long way in setting a feminine tone to this photo. The distance between the strap coming over the model's shoulder and her skin at the collar bone help to give a "dainty" feel to this shot. Contrast this with images of men who's shoulders are generally more muscular and don't have this kind of separation. IMO beefy, full shoulders on a guy sets a great context for displaying his masculine features. I'm not suggesting that all models should be thin to be feminine; I'm saying that in this photo the separation at the shoulder line provides definition to the model's frame in a less obvious but still notable manner. It, like the blurred background, is not the key element but her shoulderline goes a long way in helping to set a mood for this shot. To continue at the base of the photo (around the model's shoulders) you've addressed the model from the oblique which allows you to get more of her torso into the frame even at this distance and that completeness helps the viewer, again IMO, to perceive this young subject without having a distraction like a cropped off shoulder. Your DoF here is spot on. The subject's leading shoulder and trailing shoulder are mildly out of focus yet they are both distinguishable. Whether the viewer spends the time to notice or not, you got the collar bones pretty darned close to level and that yields a symmetry and balance that become a good basis for helping to delineate a base in this photo. That should be contrasted with the other 3 sides of the shot which are out of focus and which subconciously invites the viewer to perceive the model's head as being placed into the frame (again creating that non-verbalized, non "in your face" type separation that can move a good portrait into the great category).
The swimsuit shots are not my favorites but here goes.
The first shot just feels uninspired. The model's expression seems to be the same that she's used throughout the session. The lighting is pretty flat and the background, while blurred out is too dark in the middle of the water and skyline; it seems to be just as much the focal point as the model upon first glance. This shot is good for displaying the model's jawline and facial features. You got a clean shot of her facial features but I think with her head turned on a similar angle you could pick a better background or create a better composition next time and come away with a winner. Also, in this shot, tell her to smile. She has enough pensive shots and she has very porportionate and attractive features. This kind of closeup would be a wonderful time to show them in a different expression.
In the next bathing suit shot (or would it be modeling suit shot as she's neither bathing nor swimming in these photos), I think you have your worst shot. I'm not trying to be a PITA here but the droop of the model's shoulders, the incredible darkness around the eyes, the floating barrel in the background and the waterline crossing the model's body at the chest line and drawing attention to her chest here all contrive to make this not such a good shot. Conversely, you did get a shot of her legs in the edited bunch and they look like another element that would be a good attribute that she could display more in her work. The ring again in this shot is a minor nit. I'd say congrats to her and her fiancee (or her jeweler if she's not engaged) on such a large and apparently lovely stone but it just seems distracting to me.
The next shot (2004-08-09-19-01-14.jpg) has some decent elements in it but still not an outstanding shot IMO. I love the way you captured the "live action" of the water splashing. Without that, the model's hands over her head lose context and just look out of place (and not in a good way, just kinda funny). The angle of the model's body is good, it shows her features off and is pretty well exposed (in terms of lighting). You no longer have a droop to the shoulders and along with the contours of her outline you can see some definition in the body. She looks like she's having fun and here her smile shows that her teeth are closer in white level to the color in the swimsuit. The background is slightly over saturated but you might be able to pull that back down a bit by lowering the yellow level under a Hue/Saturation layer. Even though the model's eyes are unavailable to the viewer I happen to like the pose and action of this shot (except for those arms being extended so far beyond the head). I think you technically got this one pretty good but it just doesn't really appeal to me.
Shot 2004-08-09-19-01-18.jpg is my favorite of the swimsuit shots and it has an element that is missing in some of the other frames. That smile! Here the model looks relaxed and like she's having fun. The background doesn't have such heavy lighting on it to cause it to be a nuisance and you exposed the subject quite well. I love the playful lock of hair that has fallen onto the model's face; it complements her smile and playful stance (notice the shoulders not drooping like she's involved and interested here). If I had any nit about this one it might be that if you could have gotten just a little higher you could have gotten her completely against the backdrop of the water without the waterline intersecting the top of her head but . . . not a problem really. You did shoot her from higher than eye line so you've already imparted to this shot some depth of composition that gives it character.
Not so much a fan of the final shot. You did a very good job on the exposure of the model from about the chest down. Her torso against the water looks well-lit and has some shadows in it to provide definition. The model's expression just loses me and her arm cutting across her face does little for me. The dark element to the left side of the photo is a stark contrast between the powerfully lit background and becomes at least a minor player that draws my attention in this composition.
All-in-all I like the set and think both you and the model produced some good shots and looks. I think that the more you all work (either together or with others) the better you're going to both get at your respective parts of this. You nailed some of the shots in here either from a compositional standpoint or from a post-shot editing standpoint. Keep on with this and please post more portrait and modeling work.
Kev
|
|
|
|
08/12/2004 08:46:44 AM · #20 |
HOLY SHIT, KEVIN!!! I am going to have to absorb this later. I have to sleep and go to work tonight. I read through this all and absolutely LOVE that you did this!! I am going to have to dissect this a little piece at a time. I will count how many times I read it and give you an update. All this info is more like instruction, especially since it comes from one that takes absolutely beautiful shots that I enjoy seeing, I feel like I am in school. That is good!!! Since I want to learn from the best. Thanks/.
With my brain at sleep mode, most of the things that you wrote that may have implied that I did anything on purpose, I probably didn't. But, I definitely have an assload of info on these shots now to definitely better the next shoot I do. THANKS!!!! Alright...to bed and then I will read it again when I wake up.
THANKS A MILLION!!! |
|
|
|
08/12/2004 09:08:55 AM · #21 |
Ummm...no point in making my comments now. Kevin hogged them all! ;-)
One thing I did notice on the photos on the top. #3 you chopped the ankle. I've learned there are about 4 cropping points when shooting a person. The full subject, cropped mid thigh, cropped just below the bust, just below the chin if you are doing close-up headshot. As a rule, never crop below the knee.
Nice work though. I think an external flash will really help.
Message edited by author 2004-08-12 09:09:40.
|
|
