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I've got to do a portraits brief which includes candid, formal indoor with window light, informal outdoor and the one I don't want... a self portrait.
I always carefully took people out of my pictures prefering to be able to take my time and work around static objects.
I basically need advice from people's experience on anything I need, should be doing, filters etc. I'm a complete novice to this so any help is useful. It's all going to be in B+W and printed up at home so I'll have a bit to play around with in the developing stage as well.
Thanks
Tina :o)
Tina, I have looked at your portfolio and you have the technical skills necessary. The trick is to talk to your model. If they are inexperienced, reassure them that they look good and gently suggest ways that they may want to move to get the pose that does look good. Treat them like a person, not a photographic subject! Expect the first roll of film to be good for warm-up only (unless they're a pro.)
Technical suggestions: For the candid, try a longer lens 200+. For the formal indoor, use a reflector to fill the shadows and try for a catchlight. For the outdoor, avoid harsh light - you and the model get in the shade of a tree. For yourself, think laterally - try a mirror or shot from waist level, upwards, or...
Most of all, sound confident and enjoy yourself. Then the model will be fine and the results will be great.
DP
I read once, that you should not have any film in the camera for the first 30 or 40 shots, to get the model to relax a little without wasting any film. Either way, good luck Tina, this is a subject I am building up to myself, but not there yet.
Good luck.
Anthony
Anthony that's a good tip, but what if one of those early shots turned out to be a masterpiece! You may have one or two shots worth keeping. I'd say shoot a cheap roll knowing that you may not expect to use any of the shots, and get the film processed using a mail order cheapy deal.
If as Tina says she is using B&W, processed at home then its well worth shoving in a 24 exposure film for practicing/setting up.
She also has the advantage of being able to play around with different paper grades, dodging, burning in, etc.
As you say Pete, she may well end up with a masterpiece.
Don't forget Tina, beginners luck rules, OK!
Thanks,
For the candid I've got a 320 zoom so I shouldn't have a problem there, I thought about doing a time lapse of my college at the end of the day or somewhere else thats busy instead of the usual town shots.
Since its up to me which I print up I don't mind using up film. I think its going to be a lot of trial and error and seeing what works best. My boyfriend's agreed to let me photograph him so I can be a bit more relaxed with someone I know which should help.
I don't think I'm up to masterpiece standard yet, but I'll have a go!
I agree with the above comments, be relaxed, keep the model comfortable and relaxed, shoot plenty of film and keep studio lighting simple. Appear confident, this will keep the attention of your model. Generally use a medium to slow film.
Good Luck
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