?? lighting and camera angles - DPChallenge Forums

09/23/2005 03:20:05 PM · #1

I'm playing with some ideas for portrait shoots in my head, doing some pre-shoot planning, and I wondered if anyone can answer a couple of questions for me so I don't look like a complete dunderhead when it comes time to shoot.

A.) What are some of the more flattering camera angles for overwieght subjects? I know that shooting up from the ground adds bulk, but are there any other tips to give the illusion of slimness?

B.) How does the lighting set-up change (or does it) for subjects with very dark skin? Does the light need to be intensified, or do I adjust exposure in-camera, or do I just shoot as normal? (I've never had the opportunity to shoot darker skin tones, so I'm a total dunce as to whether or not it makes any difference, and I don't want to look stupid by shooting an entire session and then calling the lady back and saying, "oops, I screwed up, can you come in again?".)

C.) Are there any 'cheats' or positions to minimize the look of a very pronounced jawline (or for that matter a large nose) on a woman?

None of these questions refer to the same woman, by the way. :)
And I know that since I'm starting out I'll be experimenting along the way. I just wondered if anyone had experience with these issues and could lend some insight.
Thanks in advance,
Sara

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED Zuiko Digital

09/23/2005 06:16:30 PM · #2

Anybody? Is there a book or tutorial that could be recommended for this?

twm122

Olympus E-3

09/23/2005 06:22:45 PM · #3

Saw this somewhere else.

Corrective Lighting Techniques

Prominate forehead-
Tilt chin upward and lower camera position.

Long Nose-
Tilt chin upward, position face directly toward lens, lower the main light, and lower camera position.

Narrow Chin-
Tilt chin upward.

Baldness-
Lower camera position, blend the top of the head with the background.

Angular Nose-
Minimize feature by turning the face directly toward the lens.

Broad face-
Raise the camera position, use short lighting, turn the face at a 3/4 position.

Narrow Face-
Lower the main light, use broad lighting.

Wrinkled Face-
Use diffused lighting, lower the main light, use a 3/4 pose.

Double Chin-
Raise the main light, tilt chin upward, use a high camera position.

Facial Deffects-
Scars/birthmarks keep hidden on the shadowed side of face.

Prominate Ears-
Hde far ear behind the head, keep near ear in shadow, consider using a profile view.

Glasses-
Lower or raise chin slightly, use a small light source.

Deep Set Eyes-
Lower main light, use lower light ratios.

Protuding eyes-
Have the subject look slightly downwards.

Heavyset Figure-
Use short lighting, use low key lighting, use dark clothing, blend body with background tone.

HTH

09/23/2005 06:23:39 PM · #4

That's exackly the kind od thing I was looking for! Thanks!

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED Zuiko Digital

09/23/2005 06:26:46 PM · #5

Ummm... What is meant by "short" lighting?

twm122

Olympus E-3

09/23/2005 06:27:55 PM · #6

Short Lighting is when the main light illuminates the side of the face that is turned away from the camera. This technique is used when the subject has an average oval face. Short lighting emphasizes facial contours more than broad lighting. This style can be adapted for a â��strongâ�� or â��weakâ�� look by using a weaker fill light. This narrow lighting (as it is sometimes called) is especially good for use in low-key portraiture. Because short lighting has a narrowing effect, it is great for use with subjects that have particularly round or plump faces.

Hope this helps.

Message edited by author 2005-09-23 18:28:51.

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED Zuiko Digital

09/23/2005 06:28:33 PM · #7

thank you!

twm122

Olympus E-3

09/23/2005 06:29:59 PM · #8

Check out this site:

//www.vividlight.com/articles/1615.htm