I know this is a few months late (my talk was in march), this post will be moved into date order in a couple of weeks.
When I was first asked to give a talk to the members of Kelso Camera Club on my portrait photography I have to admit to being a bit nervous as to whether my images would be good enough to present to a group of fellow photographers.
I decided that I would explain how my photography has improved since I started taking portrait shots, and what the improvements have been.
So the start of my talk was why I enjoy portrait photography?
And the answer couldn’t be simpler, I enjoy it be cause you are in control over every aspect of that image (especially in a studio). Working during the day and some evenings means I don’t have the time for some other types of photography, such as landscapes where the weather could be perfect on a day you are working and rubbish the day you are off. In a studio it can be raining cats and dogs, or even snowing and it does not effect your shoot. You the photographer control, the lighting, and the subject.
What types of photography do you like and why?? (please share your answers in the comments section below)
Many of my subjects (models) come from word of mouth, or from websites such as modelmayhem.com, purestorm.com and even gumtree.
As I explained to the members since I have my own flash-lights and even portable lights, I can shoot portraits virtually anywhere, even the middle of a field! Although I do regularly use a studio in the centre of Edinburgh.
The equipment to take portraits can be very simple or very complex, i showed how the use of window light can be used instead of a flash, and can give some very pleasing natural light.
The big turning point in my portrait photography can be summed up in this simple one line quote:
“it is the highlight next to a shadow, that gives a photograph depth”
– David A. Ziser
This is the difference between a flat shot and a great shot.
Heidi – Studio Portraiture
Next we were on to a live demonstration with my model for the evening, showing the the three classic lighting techniques, Full, 2/3rds, and portrait and the four classic lighting patterns, Butterfly, Loop, Rembrandt and split. (there is far to much detail on each of these techniques to discuss here, I plan to add them into my blog at some point, meantime if you are really keen google the ones you are interested in and you will find loads of information on them).
After, the demonstration, I talked briefly on the software I use Photoshop CS6 (previously I used Photoshop elements for many years quite sucessfully) and Digital Portrait Professional.
Finally, I mentioned a few extra things that can be purchased to help with portraiture, such as refectors and off camera flash.
If you are interested in joining Kelso Camera Club memebers meet on a Thursday Night at The Abbey Row Centre at 7pm, for more information please see the website www.kelsocameraclub.co.uk
