Portrait
NOT with a camera phone!
It’s fun to shoot portraits! I like taking out my portrait lens and my lights. It’s not really as easy as it looks, though.
Did you know that there is a whole new field for working photographers who specialize on “head shots?” When you think of the multitude of places that require a good photo of your face (such as Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) it becomes clear how that developed (excuse the pun!). I’ve heard anecdotally that the going rate for a head shot photo is upwards of $200. I guess that could be quite lucrative!
As an active book discussion leader, Judy needs a few photos to use on her website, Facebook page, publicity flyers, etc. And I used my super-duper special portrait lens…the Canon 85mm f1.2. Wow–what a big hunk of glass! The purpose or that large aperture, in part, is that it lets the photographer limit the depth of field in the image (the amount of the photograph that will be in focus). It helps create a natural out of focus vignette, so to speak, while still allowing the eyes and teeth to remain sharp. Makes for a flattering portrait of women, in particular.
I also used artificial lighting. In particular, I had a single reverse umbrella placed very close to Judy with a flash inside, shooting through the fabric. That helps create a soft look. There was also a bare flash behind me to get highlights in the details.
I went one step further and made the images in black and white with a sepia tint. All in all, I felt the photos evoke a 1930’s glamour shot.
It’s not so easy! I totally respect talented portrait photographers. You have to keep the technical consideration in mind while keeping the person interested and involved. And I think it’s important to try to capture the personality of the subject, too. Finally, the photographer AND the person being photographed have to stay enthused and happy.
For those of you who are curious about a color version, here (above) is an example to consider. What do you think??
I’m always interested in your thoughts and impressions!
Anyways, today is my birthday! And I get a better perk than $200 a photo. I get to go out for dinner with the model!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin
www.SML-Photos.com
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography
Twitter – @stephen_levin
Instagram – sml_photo
stephen@sml-photos.com
Happy Birthday to a great photographer and creator of a superb series of portraits of Judy.Great selection for the model to choose.
Thanks so much, Stan.
I’ve got a ton of photos over the years of Judy…as you can imagine. The benefit of having a photographer in the family!
Stephen,
Happy Birthday to you!
I know you are a skilled photographer but your job was made easier with such a cute model.
I also liked the more subdued shot!
Ronna
I agree, Ronna. A good subject!
Thanks…and glad to hear which you like. That always interests me.
I appreciate the b’day greeting, too!
Unbelievable! These pictures of Judy are gorgeous. Although I’m biased to your photos. Every picture has a story. Happy Birthday Stephen!
Yes….every picture does have a story. I certainly believe that to be true.
Thanks so much!
And, thanks for the birthday greeting, too.
Pretty pictures of my pretty mom! Happy birthday!
And a pretty sentiment from our pretty daughter!
Thanks.
You have captured Judy – her beauty and her charisma
So sweet, Lucy. And I’m glad you feel that way. I try.
Hope you had a great birthday. You’ve certainly got a great model. Congratulations to you both!
Thanks, Mike. We went to Mesa Urbana…check it out!
Yes, I agree…Judy is a great model. I’m a lucky guy.
Happy birthday, Stephen! You have captured Judy’s beauty-inside and out.
Thanks, Nancy! That’s so sweet.
Loved seeing these photos!
Hope you had a nice Birthday dinner too
Glad you loved seeing the photos! And I loved takin’ em. Thanks.
And the dinner was very good. A new Mexican restaurant on Milwaukee Ave. in southwest Northbrook that’s called Mesa Urbana. Recommended!
Happy Birthday Stephen!
So nice, those photos–but how can they not be when it’s our Judy!
I like the hand-against-face one best, but I don’t know why. Maybe more pensive in a book discussion leader way.
But she looks great in any pose–even when I see her sweating on a machine in the gym. Yeah, how about a gym photo like that on her website/publicity flyers–for what you called an “active” book discussion leader.
Now THAT could be an interesting setting. Hmmm.
Glad you like the photos. And thanks for the feedback about your preference!
It was a fun b’day celebration…thx!
I hope you had a terrific birthday. I actually surprised myself liking the colored portrait best….maybe because Judy has such lovely tones.
Thanks for your feedback, Ellen. I tend to “go” to b&w, but there’s always a place for color. And sometimes, I can’t decide!! haha
Nice long b’day celebration! thx
Happy Birthday — Judy looks great! Getting me to look great might be a better test of your abilities.
Thanks, Dave!
Hey…maybe we should give it a shot.
Bravo!
Aw…thanks! That’s nice!!