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06/28/2004 07:36:18 AM · #1 |
Capture a color portrait of a person in a studio-like environment.
Directly from the challenge description.
My question to the group is this:
Does the studio have to be indoors to qualify for the above statement?
My answer:
No, a studio can be outdoors as well to help provide the environment. Look at many senior portraits. Look at model portfolios, many of the professional shots are outside. As my husband said, "A studio is automatically created anywhere the photographer is with his camera."
Deannda
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06/28/2004 07:43:12 AM · #2 |
| Studio "like" enviroment. I'm not sure, when i think of studio I think of recording studios and things like that. I would say ya, if its like a studio. |
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06/28/2004 07:52:17 AM · #3 |
To me a studio is inside.
Yes, it can be defined as being outside, but then anyone can pretty much define anything anyway they want.
Outside of a challenge, imagine if you asked 100 to describe a photographic studio. How many would not describe a room, lights, etc etc etc, the classic image.
To me the intention here (and I did not enter) was for the photo to be in what most people would see as a stuido.
The term "studio-like" broadens it a little for people without a proper studio, but to me the intention is clearly an indoor photo.
With a broad enough definition a challenge becomes meaningless, although I am always staggered by how people justify how a photo does meet a challenge sometimes, and fall on the worn out excuse of "think outside the box" *yawn*
No dig at you here at all Deannda by the way :)
Nope, sorry, to me these should be indoor shots.
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06/28/2004 07:52:19 AM · #4 |
Deannda: I think the "confusion" might be from the fact that an "outdoor portrait" is not called a studio shot "in the trade", but often an "environmental portrait". "Studio" has a connotation of "where everything is controlled", which inherently means "inside".
See, for example, the PhotoNotes.org definition of "studio".
Message edited by author 2004-06-28 07:53:47. |
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06/28/2004 07:55:33 AM · #5 |
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06/28/2004 08:37:14 AM · #6 |
| A third of the challenge description is about controlled lighting, which all but eliminates the outdoors. That said, I did try some shots outside out of desperation (didn't use them though). I reasoned that if I could make the trees look like one of those blurry, pre-printed backdrops and the evening light was soft enough, then I'd be OK. |
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06/28/2004 09:06:34 AM · #7 |
I actually did my portrait outside and no one has yet realized it was done outside. Although at the same time it doesn't seem to be formal enough for the average DPCer though
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06/28/2004 10:39:51 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by Natator:
No dig at you here at all Deannda by the way :)
Nope, sorry, to me these should be indoor shots. |
No dig taken :)
I was just curious how others felt about this. :)
Originally posted by scalvert:
A third of the challenge description is about controlled lighting, which all but eliminates the outdoors. |
Does it? Can't the light outside be controlled by being in shadows, using reflectors and fill lights and flash?
Deannda
Professionals do it that way :) |
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06/28/2004 12:24:43 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Deannda: I think the "confusion" might be from the fact that an "outdoor portrait" is not called a studio shot "in the trade", but often an "environmental portrait". "Studio" has a connotation of "where everything is controlled", which inherently means "inside".
See, for example, the PhotoNotes.org definition of "studio". |
I hadn't heard 'environmental portrait' described as a 'portrait shot outside'. It usually seems to be used to describe a portrait that shows some of the sitters environment - e.g., a baker in a bakery, artist infront of a easel, writer in an office with a typewritter and that kind of thing. Usually they give some context and insight in to the personality of the subject.
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06/28/2004 12:39:34 PM · #10 |
Deannda (et al),
I'd say I've shot outdoor portraits as much or more than anyone else on DPC in the last year. It certainly seems like I've solicited more comments regarding that type of work.
In my limited experience "environmental portraiture" does generally refer to photos taken out of doors. I have also seen people make reference to showing the "environment" in which the subject exists (as per Gordon's comment) but as I seldom photograph anyone in that kind of a context I have limited experience with that. I won't speak to "the trade" or "the industry" but based on responses on DPC, PhotoSIG.com and FredMiranda.com "environmental portraiture" is the phrase most often used to describe the outdoors type of shots I take. These shots have been contrasted with "studio" portraits wherein the photographer seems to exhibit total control of the lighting. In that type of a working context it is wholly possible that a photographer could take a photograph out-of-doors that mimics a lighting setup from a studio although it would be very difficult. My work may not be a great example of using shade and nuances of light to bring emphasis to a particular element of the composition but I can tell you from my experience that imparting weight or focus based on directed shadows or tones out of doors is difficult at best because of ambient light. Everything becomes a reflective surface and generally can cast a color hue on the subject or any piece of clothing.
Take it for what its worth and if you can pull of an outdoor shot that looks like you had complete control of the environment then I think (and its only my opinion) that you got a "studio-like" portrait.
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06/28/2004 12:53:50 PM · #11 |
| Gordon: I've definitely seen the term "environmental portrait" used to describe outdoor portraits (as have Kevin, judging by his reply). However, I didn't mean to imply that that was the only definition for the term. Certainly the type of shot you described could also be considered an "environmental portrait". |
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06/28/2004 12:58:16 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Gordon: I've definitely seen the term "environmental portrait" used to describe outdoor portraits (as have Kevin, judging by his reply). However, I didn't mean to imply that that was the only definition for the term. Certainly the type of shot you described could also be considered an "environmental portrait". |
True - I work with a photographer who plants an entire meadow, based on how it will look through a particular lens, in a particular season, at particular times of day. Trees are cut back in specific parts to control ambient lighting, paths and beds of wildflowers are sown to orientate with the sun in particular seasons that suit those particular flowers (spring & autumn etc).
This is most certainly an environmental studio - everything is controlled to a greater or lesser extent - it just takes about a year for the studio to get set up appropriately...
Message edited by author 2004-06-28 12:58:43.
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06/28/2004 12:59:03 PM · #13 |
I think this is a good explanation (taken from a website)
# A studio portrait, where they are photographed in a relatively neutral space
# A location portrait, where the person is photographed outside a studio,
# An environmental portrait, where the surroundings form an important part of the statement the photographer is making about the person.
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06/28/2004 01:29:26 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
Originally posted by EddyG:
Deannda: I think the "confusion" might be from the fact that an "outdoor portrait" is not called a studio shot "in the trade", but often an "environmental portrait". "Studio" has a connotation of "where everything is controlled", which inherently means "inside".
See, for example, the PhotoNotes.org definition of "studio". |
I hadn't heard 'environmental portrait' described as a 'portrait shot outside'. It usually seems to be used to describe a portrait that shows some of the sitters environment - e.g., a baker in a bakery, artist infront of a easel, writer in an office with a typewritter and that kind of thing. Usually they give some context and insight in to the personality of the subject. |
That is my understanding of the term. I've been reading quite a few photo books lately and they quite specifically describe environmental portrait as a one that shows the subject in their work or creative environment.
I interpreted the challenge guidelines to mean a portrait taken indoors using studio techniques to control the lighting---including available window light. The term 'formal studio portrait' is what I went by when I voted. All the same, I saw one shot that appeared to be outdoors that I still felt fit the challenge. It was exactly because it appeared to be outdoors that I came to the conclusion that it was meant to appear that way and in fact it was taken indoors with good lighting.
Maybe there could be an "Outdoor Portrait" challenge next time?
Message edited by author 2004-06-28 13:30:11. |
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06/28/2004 01:41:43 PM · #15 |
| I have horrible lighting in my apartment and very little room to walk, so therefore, no studio. I decided not to enter because a kitchen table, couch and bookshelves hardly counts as a 'nice' background in studio photography. One day, I hope to have a studio, even if i use natural window lighting. But, I do believe a studio is where the photographer has all of his/her equipment, lighting, backdrops, seating, accessories, etc to use in setting up a photo. I plan to use a piece of my next apartment for a studio, but we'll see if I have room. In the meantime, I really like some of the shots I have seen for this challenge. I hope to have the room and stuff to make this happen one day in my world. :) |
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06/28/2004 01:46:18 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
... a portrait that shows some of the sitters environment - e.g., a baker in a bakery, artist infront of a easel, writer in an office with a typewritter and that kind of thing. Usually they give some context and insight in to the personality of the subject. |
This is what I wanted to do but didn't -- probably should have considering my score. I was going to have my subject sitting in a "studio." |
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06/28/2004 01:48:59 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by mirdonamy:
I have horrible lighting in my apartment and very little room to walk, so therefore, no studio. I decided not to enter because a kitchen table, couch and bookshelves hardly counts as a 'nice' background in studio photography. One day, I hope to have a studio, even if i use natural window lighting. But, I do believe a studio is where the photographer has all of his/her equipment, lighting, backdrops, seating, accessories, etc to use in setting up a photo. I plan to use a piece of my next apartment for a studio, but we'll see if I have room. In the meantime, I really like some of the shots I have seen for this challenge. I hope to have the room and stuff to make this happen one day in my world. :) |
That's when you move everything out of your room and into another and use any light possible. That's what I did. I will take some shots of my livingroom if I am not to embarressed and post them after the challenge is over.
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06/28/2004 01:58:57 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Sonifo:
That's when you move everything out of your room and into another and use any light possible. That's what I did. |
Me too. I shoved everything to one side of my dining room. I only had one window to work with and totally forgot about flash, reflectors, etc. I had to drag out a decent photo with the brute force of Photoshop, but I might end up with my best score yet, so it CAN be done. :-) |
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06/28/2004 02:07:44 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by mirdonamy:
I have horrible lighting in my apartment and very little room to walk, so therefore, no studio. I decided not to enter because a kitchen table, couch and bookshelves hardly counts as a 'nice' background in studio photography. One day, I hope to have a studio, even if i use natural window lighting. But, I do believe a studio is where the photographer has all of his/her equipment, lighting, backdrops, seating, accessories, etc to use in setting up a photo. I plan to use a piece of my next apartment for a studio, but we'll see if I have room. In the meantime, I really like some of the shots I have seen for this challenge. I hope to have the room and stuff to make this happen one day in my world. :) |
I live in a basement apartment and I managed. ;-D
I cleared a spot in my living room and used a couple of cheap hardware reflectors and a gooseneck lamp. In the largest reflector I put a fairly high-wattage gro-light for full spectrum lighting and in the smaller reflector and the gooseneck lamp I put a 75 watt "Natural" bulb. Once I had my lamps positioned the way I wanted, I duct taped one to a mic stand and one to my daughter's ballet barre which happens to be fixed to the most convenient section of wall in my living room. I taped some plain wrapping paper to the wall. I shot at night. I'm doing pretty good so far. Two nice comments and hovering between 5.44 and 5.29. |
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06/28/2004 02:12:06 PM · #20 |
Humourously, I've done 5 shoots in the past 5 days --
but all of them were uncharacteristically outdoors!!
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06/29/2004 02:39:58 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by Sonifo:
That's when you move everything out of your room and into another and use any light possible. That's what I did. I will take some shots of my livingroom if I am not to embarressed and post them after the challenge is over. |
Sadly I have nowhere to move anything to. My bedroom and my husband's office is filled from floor to ceiling. We moved from a 2800 sq ft house in FL to a 900sq ft apartment in CA and took almost everything with us. We can barely walk, let alone set up a studio or move things out of rooms. We are trying to sell stuff, but it's not easy and the market sucks on ebay right now! |
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06/29/2004 02:45:13 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by melismatica:
cleared a spot
cheap hardware reflectors
gooseneck lamp
mic stand
ballet barre |
All things I wish I had, but can't buy or don't have room for: to store them or put them up. Practically out of floor space as it is. I hope i can sell some chairs and tables soon!!! I have no lighting in my apartment other than the kitchen and dining room light (from a ceiling fan). It's dark in there at night without the TV on.
I hope when i move to a new apartment that the layout is better or the sq footage is larger so I'll have some room!!!!
I don't mean to complain. It's just very discouraging to not have any space to set up shots. I am always on top of things in my place, however clean it is. |
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06/29/2004 02:49:40 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by mirdonamy:
Originally posted by Sonifo:
That's when you move everything out of your room and into another and use any light possible. That's what I did. I will take some shots of my livingroom if I am not to embarressed and post them after the challenge is over. |
Sadly I have nowhere to move anything to. My bedroom and my husband's office is filled from floor to ceiling. We moved from a 2800 sq ft house in FL to a 900sq ft apartment in CA and took almost everything with us. We can barely walk, let alone set up a studio or move things out of rooms. We are trying to sell stuff, but it's not easy and the market sucks on ebay right now! |
LOL! Sounds like us! My husband and I, our 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 5 cats moved from our 3 story Victorian to a two bed apartment after a failed attempt to move to Prince Edward Island (a very long story). We lived there for a year-and-a-half and then moved to a larger basement apartment in a much better neighborhood. In the past three years, three of our cats have passed on so the menagerie aspect of lives has calmed a bit. We could have found a bigger place but were limited to places that would allow us to keep the animal members of our family. In the three years since we sold our house (just breaking even) and now, the housing prices in RI have doubled and in some cases tripled, and we just can't afford to buy even with the great interest rates. We are finally clearing out eBay overstock, just by donating it, yardsales, etc, but I could open a small used bookstore with my personal library which I have a hard time culling.
In fact, I'm taking a rest after clearing out some junk that has been sitting on my kitchen floor for months.
I totally sympathise with your predicament.
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06/29/2004 05:58:58 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by melismatica:
LOL! Sounds like us! My husband and I, our 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 5 cats moved from our 3 story Victorian to a two bed apartment |
Wow, that's a lot! We have 5 cat family members ourselves. They don't mind the small place or the crevaces. Thanks for your sympathy. I just have no way to set up any lighting or studio in my current place. I really need to sell stuff, but it's too valuable to take nothing for it. Such a dilemma, sell for cheap & create space or hold it all and sell for more $$ later... hmmm.
Pricing of homes in LA is very high too. We can't afford to buy, even though we have a fairly large downpayment. We are going to wait til my husband finishes school (3 to 3.5 years away).
Anyhow, I am hoping in my next place to get enough room to build a small studio like the table top ones I see in the tutorials. I do have a westcott light stand (for my reflector screens), but no lighting. I can't justify the money on lighting when I want to save up for a $1700 lens. Haha...
:) Arie |
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