DPC Mentorship - Portrait - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/11/2005 04:23:46 PM · #76

Excellent suggestion Steve.. I'd definitely not heard of this one, but I'll probably be giving it a try now. I knew there were other techniques out there :)

This definitely seems like a good fix for problems I occasionally encounter, and use far more complicated methods to fix.

nico_blue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/11/2005 11:12:00 PM · #77

Hey guys!

Here is a photographer whose work I deeply admire Librodo (many will probably be familiar with his stuff)

Wow, this thread is really busy! So much information to pick up in every post. Just want to thank Sher and Artyste for taking the time to mentor this group.

Nick

briantammy

Olympus PEN E-P3

Konica Minolta MF 85mm f/1.7

07/12/2005 12:56:33 AM · #78

Originally posted by nico_blue:

Wow this guy is great! Lets get him to help us too. Those are the kind of portraits I am interested in. Not so much the studio, posed shots.

Boy, you really have to stay on top of things around here. I have lots of posts to read. I hope I'm not missing too much.

Hi everyone.
Sher and Glen thanks for making time for this. In a few minutes I'm going to check out your portfolios, see what you've done.

The reason I wanted to study portraits is because my daughter wants to be a model (well for now. I'm not too thrilled about the idea myself) but if she wants to I thought it would be nice to work together on this. It seems kinda weird though. I don't see my daughter that way. She really likes posing though so she might make a good first model. The only thing is, she seems too "aware" of the camera and the pictures don't seem natural enough for me.

brian

07/12/2005 01:37:58 AM · #79

Welcome Nico and Brian. Sit back, and enjoy the ride, and I hope by the time we finish up here, we'll all have learned a little something. Sorry about the quick start, but I think things will be slowing down a little bit here while Sher and I get the first class assignment set up.

What I'd like everyone to do is check out the names in the thread and on the student list, and go to everyone's portfolio and have a look around (if they are registered users, check out their challenge entries). Take a look at their work, and get acquainted.. maybe leave a few comments. We'll get the first assignment up here shortly.. and get the ball rolling.

leroys

Nikon Coolpix 5700

07/12/2005 03:06:22 AM · #80

//morguefile.com/archive/?display=111035229431 Just wanted to share, My fave genre is black and white street photography that includes existing light portraiture, I really relish the trust that I have recieved over the years working the streets even gaining a street nickname of "CameraMan" from the locals. Attached link is such a portrait. His name is Russ and he has become a frequent guest for coffee at the local Dunkin Donute in Downtown Milwaukee, Normally a gregarious type, His portrait haunts me. It was as though he was working with me to communicate his inner feelings.

sher

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/12/2005 12:50:11 PM · #81

well, i think the worst of the migraine is over and it's down to a manageable thud. just wanted to let y'all know that i haven't abandoned you!

give me a little input as to what you all would like to work on first. shall we start with assignments and work on any problem areas that need to be adress...or...do you want to discuss the basics then start on the assignments? either way is fine with me.

also, i wanted to mention that if you're not a member of this group but you have any questions, please feel free to PM me or Artyste and we'll be happy to answer them or incorporate them into our discussion thread. we want to be helpful to everyone!

thoughts?

Artifacts

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/12/2005 12:54:44 PM · #82

Originally posted by sher9204:

I'm a novice but think that getting skin tones right with proper lighting is a key skill I would like know more about to start with.

smilebig4me1x

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

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

07/12/2005 02:47:10 PM · #83

quote sher: give me a little input as to what you all would like to work on first. shall we start with assignments and work on any problem areas that need to be adress...or...do you want to discuss the basics then start on the assignments? either way is fine with me.

I am real easy to get along with so either way you choose if fine with me.

jenesis

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

07/12/2005 03:25:12 PM · #84

Maybe we can start with the basics and incorporate assignments with them?? Kind of like you explain something to us and then we can try to use it in photos and post for review? I dunno, I'm just thinking out loud. If we're all on the same task it would be much easier to critique and explain if all our photos are relating to the same subject or task. Rather than just posting random portrait attempts. I agree skin tone is a big issue with me, color in general really. I can never seem to get it right, although I think I'm getting better at it. Hence, most of mine are b&w. :-) And most of mine are also natural light and more along natural, candid portraits rather than posed, but I'd like to learn more about both as I'm hoping to do something with it in the (hopefully) near future. Anyhoo, that's just my little ramblings, I'm pretty easy too so whatever works best for you guys works for me too. :-)

smilebig4me1x

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

07/12/2005 04:13:22 PM · #85

i just found a photo tip for children portraits by Jim Zuckerman. i thought it would be a bit helpful to post it here:it says:

"When you photograph children, get down to their level. When you shoot down on them, your photo will seem to have been taken from an outside observer. It will lack intimacy and warmth. If you kneel down such that the lens is parallel with the ground and you are eye level with the child, the resulting images will be dramatically improved. It will be as if your photos reveal inner depths in your young subjects."

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

07/12/2005 04:17:13 PM · #86

Not to worry Jenesis, the assignments will be ordered, and will be about the same thing for everyone to try.. we're just trying to get input on where to start.. which I think is pretty much the same for everyone.. start with the basics. I believe Sher has some ideas up her sleeve, we're just waiting for her to get better physically :) (I know migraines intimately).

Smile.. that's a great tip, and one I employ much of the time. You still shouldn't be afraid to experiment with all kinds of angles, and shooting down on a child in some instances makes for a nice dynamic shot as well.

nomad469

Nikon D700

07/12/2005 08:24:57 PM · #87

So because things have gotten a bit silent...
I offer up something else for your critique.

I have had this immage for a while and I have never figured out what to do with it.

I love her simple kinda pure look and I wanted to somehow focus on that.

The issues that I have is that the background was busy and the exposure could have been better...

So what I did was...
Set black and white points using threshold adjustment layers
curves
USM (254 / .5 / 0 )
NI faded to 40%
Nic soft filter faded back to about 30%
Filter Render lighting effects spotlight - faded to about 60%
save to jpg

I like the look I think...what could have been done better / different?

Message edited by author 2005-07-12 20:26:41.

jenesis

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

07/12/2005 09:02:44 PM · #88

I agree about the exposure, she's so fair skinned so it's hard. Same thing for her coloring. The yellow against her skin and it makes it seem washed out, but when you look at the other colors in the photo it doesn't seem so. I think the background adds to the atmosphere of the scene therefor not terribly distracting. Would be different if it was a couple of guys in baseball hats or something. :-) I like it, maybe a tad more room on the left side of the frame, but that's not really a big deal. I have a problem with colors so I wouldn't know how to have done this better. I think you had a hard subject just due to her coloring. Overall, I think it's pretty nice. :-)

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

07/12/2005 10:02:13 PM · #89

Originally posted by nomad469:

I like the look I think...what could have been done better / different?

The focus was just a little in front (maybe front focusing, maybe just the focusing algorithem). The ring on her hand is rock solid while her eyes are just a tiny bit soft. Other than that one nit I like the composition and exposure of the shot (at least what you ended up with). The subject is the primary object that draws the eyes 'cause she's the lightest item in the frame. Perhaps popping an arbitrary blur onto the head/face straight out from her mouth would help to separate her from her background a little but given the setting I think you got a fine shot.

Kev

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

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

07/12/2005 10:14:07 PM · #90

I see few people are interested in shooting studio work but here are a couple that I shot tonight for a co-worker. He and he wife came over for a few hours.

In the first shot the fill was shot with a red gel. The 2nd had an orange gel on the fill light to create warmer tones on her hair and skin.

I have an outdoor shoot lined up for the weekend.

Kev

briantammy

Olympus PEN E-P3

Konica Minolta MF 85mm f/1.7

07/12/2005 10:17:42 PM · #91

My first question.

What is a portrait exactly?

I get the image of a picture of a person, usually alone and relatively close-up. Also the subject seems to be aware of the camera's presence.

Also want to know if there is "proper" equipment for this.

brian

jenesis

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

07/12/2005 10:20:02 PM · #92

Kevin, I don't know that it's lack of interest as it is lack of studio. :-) Please feel free to share your knowledge. You are one the good studio portrait photogs here. :-)

smilebig4me1x

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

07/12/2005 11:07:38 PM · #93

kevin
its more a lack of finances for a studio for me. i have a homade setup but i cant get the results im looking for. but i will keep trying. i have noticed that the neighbors are more comfortable when i try portraits on them outside. the seem to relax quicker outside.

nomad469

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

07/12/2005 11:16:58 PM · #94

Kevin... I dont really like the angle on the first ... looks like she is about to go tumbleing...

The second is very nice ... what lighting are you using

Apee

Canon EOS-20D

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

07/12/2005 11:28:06 PM · #95

What about this one ?

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

07/12/2005 11:36:01 PM · #96

Originally posted by Nomad:

what lighting are you using

Nomad, I'm using 3 AlienBees B800's and 1 B400. The main light and fill were both shot through softboxes with baffles while the lights for the background were shot bare with reflectors and barndoors. The fill light had a color gel on both shots.

I used to shoot outdoors all the time but since I started shooting indoors I find that I get the most requests for that type of work. I like shooting outdoors (except for the heat and lugging the equipment). ;)

I'm looking forward to shooting a session Sunday for a young lady outdoors.

Originally posted by Briantammy:

What is a portrait exactly?

Brian, the closest guess I can give to what some people might agree is a portrait would be a representation where the subject's face is the largest part of the composition and the viewer is invited to interact intimately with the subject. To me one of the goals of a portrait is to separate the subject from the surrounding area via lighting, depth of field, color, composition, etc so that viewers are drawn to seeing what the photog means to convey about the subject. For my dime you can shoot a portrait of a flower or a dog or whathaveyou that has a face either literally or, in some cases, metaphorically (although I stick with people most often).

I'd like to see what others think on that topic. Good question.

BTW, I admire Michael Busselle's portraiture. Link to his book on Amazon

Kev

07/12/2005 11:49:30 PM · #97

Not a lack of interest so much as just *more* interest in candid, natural portraitures to start with Kevin. Studio work is much more involved, and once we've touched on the basics and gotten people out there shooting, we'll get into studio work too. I'm hoping, as Sher probably would agree, that you'll be an essential part of helping us with that when it comes to it :)

People.. we should have your first assignment for you Tomorrow morning/afternoon. Trust me, we're talking, but Sher's being plagued by migraines, and I just haven't wanted to move forward without her input. Please have patience.

Message edited by author 2005-07-12 23:49:59.

07/13/2005 12:45:32 AM · #98

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Assignment #1

Ok folks.. no more beating around the bush. Thank you for being so very patient with Sher and I. Let's get the ball rolling:

Portrait Assignment #1:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to take one Natural Light portrait (this means not using the flash), of a subject of your choice (for this one, please find a human subject as we'll be touching on skin tones. Also, for the sake of continuity, it'd be best if all these shots be taken in soft outdoor light.. morning or late afternoon/early evening preferrably). You are to photograph this subject as sharply as you possibly can at your skill level, using nothing but the camera itself. You can use Manual Focus or Auto Focus, doesn't matter. The photo is to have no processing done on it except for resizing. You can either host it on your portfolio here, or whatever other hosting site you use (pbase, smugmug, gallery.. whatever). The point is to post a link or thumbnail to your untouched photo. These photos are to include a description (or link to exif data), that includes:
F-stop
shutter speed
Focal Length
Metering method

Sher and I will then go over these photos and offer our impressions and how we might have shot them differently (if at all), using the technical information and the look of the photo as a guide. We will then get you to take another photo using our suggestions (if any), and work on helping those that need it.

So there you have it. Go to it. This is a very basic and simple beginning exercise for everyone. Photos should be posted up in here by Friday at the latest. Please include a description in your forum post telling us that this is indeed a shot *for* the mentor assignment.

Have fun!

Message edited by author 2005-07-13 00:48:16.

harabanar

07/13/2005 08:58:42 AM · #99

Brilliant!!!

I will try to use the camping trip me and my girldriend are going on tonight. Might get a good opportunity to get this photo, since the weather here is great today. An I might get good linghting later to night.

Thanx for this assignment !