Portrait
NOT with a camera phone!

Black_and_White_Portrait

Portrait of Judy

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!

Black_and_White_Portrait

Portrait of Judy

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.

Black_and_White_Portrait

Portrait of Judy

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.

Black_and_White_Portrait

Portrait of Judy

Color_Portrait

Portrait of Judy

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

 

 

SML Photography