Why I set no limits on retouching portraits.

I like to think that this is the norm. In my face-to-face encounters with people, talking, chatting, and socializing, I mainly and mostly see their eyes, the purported window to the soul. I don't see the age lines, the neck wattles, pimples, acnes, scars. I mean it is there, I do notice it, but it doesn't register in my memorializing the encounter. I'll remember the exchange of ideas and my impression of the person's personality.

In contrast, a portrait doesn't engage the viewer. It's a one-way conversation. The viewer's eyes will roam all over the portrait, and will take in everything.  

I feel it is important that the portrait's eyes remain the focus of attention, and to minimize life effects that distract from that focus. I prefer nuanced and subtle changes that don't hint of "air brushing" and "botox". Each individual will require different age-appropriate treatments. On submission of the portraits to the clients, I always ask if I've gone too far, and offer to walk back on my treatment.

(To the photographers out there, I do my photo-manipulation in layers, so "walking-back on my treatment is easier.)

Sony Diaries #1033: What's in my (lighting) bag?

Taking portrait photos is about capturing photons and I'm not ready to cede control of my lighting to the availability of natural or existing light at any photo location. At the same time, I realize that taking full control of lighting requires a closet-full of lighting gear. So I have to strike a balance: augment the existing light with my light, or vice-versa. Regardless of the ratio of existing to added, the added light should not call attention to itself.

In a previous blog post, I detailed my set-up for a group portrait. The setup here is for portraits of from 1-5 people.

The heart of this package is the Westcott Rapid Box Octa-S, and a Godox TT685S with a Godox X1T Transmitter. The two clips are for securing the reflectors to the light stands. And then there are the batteries.

In portraiture, a black reflector reduces or blocks out unwanted light, both quantitatively and qualitatively, falling on your subject, helping to accentuate the contours of the face and body. A white reflector does the opposite, "throwing" light into an area. The Neewer kit is a 5-in-1, with black, white, silver (more specular light effect), gold (adds warmth), and a diffusing material (for diffusing harsh light sources such as the direct sun).

Sony Diaries #812: wunderkind camera for portraits

Traditionally, when shooting portraits, I would haul out my full-frame Sony a99 with a Tamron 70-200f2.8. Well, not anymore!! The Sony RX10 with its built-in 24-200f2.8 lens, powered by a tiny 1" sensor, does the job just as well, at a fraction of the size and weight of the a99.
(portraits from a series on young surgeons in residency in Toronto)

left-right: Sony RX10, Sony a99 with Tamron 70-200f2.8

Rule of Thirds in Portraiture

 

 Test photo/initial draft for a series of portraits, October 19th.