| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/07/2005 05:40:05 PM · #1 |
Today's photo was from my very first real "studio" shoot. I am interested in joining a local camera club which has studio equipment and space members can use. I attended my first meeting last week and was invited by a member to be there today when she did a model shoot. Unfortunately, we didn't have the proper equipment to sync my camera with the studio lights, so these are all without flash of any sort, using available lighting.
I learned a lot just in the few hours we were there. I can see some of these poses look pretty awkward and stiff...but I hope to learn more as I go along. Comments are welcome! (I always try to thank my commentors by checking out their portfolios and leaving a comment as well.)
Thanks!
studio shots |
|
|
|
02/07/2005 06:03:50 PM · #2 |
How's it going?
I have a few things to say but let me start with I'm not the master or the upmost authority on anything.
I think the model looks uncomfortable in almost every pose. That would be my focus if I were you. I would work on letting the model pose herself and then 'correcting' it myself. I.E. posture, rules of the face (not breaking the cheek line with eyes or nose), I personally don't shoot the under-chin 99% of the time. Generally this becomes more of a distraction. Unless they are razor thin it's not usually flattering.
I recommend a book called 'master posing guide for portrait photographers' by J.D. Whackett. BUT, only if it doesn't come to you naturally. There is no substitute for your own eye's appeal.
The light seems sufficient and standard, but standard sells. Something alot of people will tell you is 'creative lighting sells' but in my experience, most people don't understand creative lighting so you have to shoot full exposure (my own term maybe?) or fully lit shots.
If you have the budget try digital backgrounds. That way you can match things like skin tone and eye color, wardrobe color etc with the background.. Only down side to that is, it's tremendously hard IMHO to distort the digital backgrounds to match the feet or sitting position in those kinds of shots.
Joe
|
|
|
|
02/07/2005 06:31:22 PM · #3 |
I have to agree about the model looking rather uncomfortable in most of the shots, though they otherwise tend to be appealing. 3, 4, and 9 are the strongest of the first lot, as far as I'm concerned - 3 because the sullenness looks relatively natural, 4 because it's a classic pose that I personally like (and I think the outfit, background, etc. are suited to the mood), and 9 because, overall, the setup is appealing. The model's hair is falling softly, the framing is good, and so forth. It just doesn't quite look natural.
That said, the more casual ones are, to me, much better. The model looks more comfortable in general, which makes up for what appears to be a slight variation in the tones. 14 and 16 are by far my favourites; though the cutting off of the toes in 14 is a bit annoying, it's #1 in my opinion. Her expression seems perfectly suited to her pose, and it looks great; it's also very flattering to her, both face and body, and despite the modern dress almost reminds me of something you'd see in an old painting (plus she is quite pretty in general).
I think overall these are great for a first time, especially when you didn't have the ideal circumstances. I wish I could do so well with photographing people :) |
|
|
|
02/07/2005 09:16:14 PM · #4 |
| Thank you very much for the feedback. |
|
|
|
02/07/2005 09:51:18 PM · #5 |
|
|
|
02/08/2005 12:24:55 AM · #6 |
i'm afraid i'm not going to be much help, since i'm in the same boat you are. i'm trying to get started with some studio portraits too. my neighbor has a whole set-up, and i'm trying to work out a time to go over there. but i know how things can get confusing, when you're starting up. it seems like like everyone out the either knows nothing about lighting, or the opposite - they know all the terminology and the set-ups and don't know how to answer your beginner questions.
in my opinion, i'd be more concerned with different lighting set-ups, and not be as concerned about the model posing. just let her do what feels natural. hen all you have to worry about is where to place the lights.
i plan on keeping an eye on this forum. good luck making the jump. |
|
|
|
02/08/2005 12:46:19 AM · #7 |
I'll second what mocabela said about the casual shots being more appealing. I especially like #16. She really looks like she's enjoying the moment. The slight crossing of the feet is cute. I also like #11 & #12, but hope the color isn't as washed out in the original as it is in the gallery (#12).
From the more "formal" set, I really only like #s 6 & 9. The others are too uncomfortable looking, and she can't pull off the pouty princess look, IMHO.
Lighting is good, although the background in the casual shots is a little blown out (could be my monitor). You're cutting off body parts more than you're probably aware.
Overall, you're off to a good start. Congratulations. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/15/2025 09:27:43 AM EDT.
