People and Place - Assignment 1

The Brief:

Drawing together your experience in completing the projects so far, using one person as a subject, create between 5 and 7 different portraits.

 

They should differ in type and style and each be from a separate photo session.

 

This work is to introduce yourself to your tutor and give them the opportunity to get to know you and your work.

My husband is a very busy person, what with working and in his final year at Uni and mid dissertation so I begged him for some of his time, hence the reason for the images taken in one session.

I set up my back ground and lighting and I got him to pose differently for me, in a couple of different outfits.

I used a Hi-lite box with 2 lights to the back of the set, and a main light with softbox to the front.

 

I tried to stick to 50-70mm for these images and move closer rather than using the lens to zoom in with.

 

 

I like the composition of this image, however I realise that there is not enough catch light in the eyes.

 

I got him to lean backwards on a chair with his arms behind his head, giving a relaxed feel to the image.  This was my favourite from the shoot.

 

Here I asked him to sit on the floor and hug one leg.  I think he also looks a little uncomfortable.

 

This is a very structured pose – and I am not really keen on it – I think its to formal!

 

 

for this image I used a venetian blind fixed to 2 tripod stands and placed a studio lamp behind it with barn doors and filter - I then ask him to stand close to the blind looking through so that the light would filter onto his face in lines, I wanted to re-create the previous attempt of my daughter earlier on only changing the light to artificial as I thought there would be less squinting - however the disadvantage of this is through the blinds all you can see is darkness!

 

Conclusion:  I actually have enjoyed working with natural light, but I am sure as time goes by that I will become more experienced with the studio lighting – as I do believe that I lack experience in this area.

People and Place - Assignment ideas and research

Having a few ideas for the assignment and which willing or pressed volunteer I should use.

• My daughter
• My husband

I really like the idea of using my husband, as many magazines and ads are female orientated.  I think I would like to explore the male world and actually get him to pose for me.

Vary your images:

Take a series of shots in one area, rather than swapping back and forth every few minutes - this will result in a more relaxing shoot for the model and the photographer.  In this series, change your angles, close ups and wider shots, don't forget to direct the model, move around the model whilst he stays still.

Choosing the right clothing:
Believe it or not, but this will help make the model look good or NOT!

If the model has a great body with ripped muscles, then he will look great in a tight t-shirt, if he doesn't then the clothes should not be too tight (we don't want him looking like Mr Muscle loving the jobs you hate)!  Avoid really baggy clothes too as this will make a person look larger than they actually are.  Another thing to think about is background, contrasting colours will look great, ie: a bright yellow top against blue, pastel shades against grey etc.

Shyness:

Men are naturally shyer than women, so make sure you talk to your model and help them feel relaxed, always talk to them about what you are doing and show them how if necessary!

 

Doing a little research I found a website with simple posing techniques for men.

So, let’s look at some sample poses for men.

1. Very simple pose for a man’s portrait: An upper body shot with crossed arms. Two things to take care of: Shoulders should be pulled back a little, stomach muscles kept in check.

 

2. Crossed arms works very well in full height shots as well. In addition, ask him to cross one leg in front of the other. But make sure the body weight is not supported equal on both legs, otherwise that would look just awkward!

 

3. A recurring question from your subject might be “Where shall I put my hands?” The solutions is actually quite simple. There are four places to keep in mind (mixed in any combination utilizing both hands). #1. Loosely by the side. #2. On the hips. #3. In the pockets. #4. Both hands crossed on the chest. And in addition – hands should always be relaxed, which means no muscle pressure, except you are photographing a bodybuilder

 

4. A casual pose for an uprightly standing man. Men indeed have a problem with placing their hands, by keeping them fully or partly in the side pockets, you have a sure way to achieve natural and relaxed pose.

 

4. A casual pose for an uprightly standing man. Men indeed have a problem with placing their hands, by keeping them fully or partly in the side pockets, you have a sure way to achieve natural and relaxed pose.

 

6. For a sitting pose, putting the ankle of one leg onto the knee of the other looks relaxed and natural. Shoot slightly from above.

7. Leaning against a wall is just another variant for upright posing

8. The sideways way of leaning against the same wall. Works very well for both casual and formal shots

 

9. Easy and natural pose with a man sitting on the ground. Try different shooting directions and angles.

10. Another variant of a man’s pose while sitting on the ground. Suitable for outdoor locations.

11. An easy and relaxed looking pose for a sitting man.

 12. Informal pose. The man is sitting on the ground resting his back against the wall or some object.

13. Finally, let your subject be the protagonist of your picture. Never be afraid to crop tightly around the model’s face.

That should be at least something to use as a starting point. Again, remember that there are no absolutes, each sample pose might and should be adjusted depending on your shooting environment and scenario. There is no need to overdo anything. Actually, all you need for good people portraits is simplicity. Simple backgrounds, simple clothing, simple poses and natural expressions.

Digital Photography School, 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Men [online] available from: http://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men [Accessed on 16/04/13]