Older Person Portrait: Hi all, I've been asked to do some portrait work for woman whose face shows the effects of lifetime of living and loving. She wants these photos done outdoors.

twindad Loc: SW Michigan, frolicking in the snow.

Hi all,

I've been asked to do some portrait work for woman whose face shows the effects of lifetime of living and loving.
She wants these photos done outdoors. Aside from not shooting her in direct sunlight, do you have any suggestions that might minimize these effects?

Thanks,

Elliott

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

If I'm reading this right, your question contradicts what you said she is asking for.
(So far, I'm wondering if someone else is wanting this. Daughter or Son)

Based on info so far, I'd ask for clarification.
I would go to her, in person and ask..
"I'd say I been thinking about your request and I coming up with questions. I guess I need some clarification".
Why outside?
Would you want to include a hobby you enjoy?
Get her to open up.
Etc.

I hope this is helpful!
Pat

modest genius Loc: joshua tree park CA

She may just want an honest portrait, wrinkles and all.......get her eyes to smile and everything else will fall into place. You may also try indoors but by a window.........can be a little softer.... love to see results.

twindad wrote:

Hi all,

I've been asked to do some portrait work for woman whose face shows the effects of lifetime of living and loving.
She wants these photos done outdoors. Aside from not shooting her in direct sunlight, do you have any suggestions that might minimize these effects?

Thanks,

Elliott

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

This is a local fellow I just shoot when ever possible.
This is his everyday outfit.

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Senior, outside => portrait, backlighted with reflector fill (close for soft).

Then Montage with loved ones, objects and settings. Consider scanning favored photos for this.

Good luck! Great opportunity for your own growth -- a loving experience.

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

twindad wrote:

Hi all,

I've been asked to do some portrait work for woman whose face shows the effects of lifetime of living and loving.
She wants these photos done outdoors. Aside from not shooting her in direct sunlight, do you have any suggestions that might minimize these effects?

Thanks,

Elliott

You have the right aproach in avoiding direct sun light on an outdoor portrait, unless, of course, it is overcast, which gives you the best shot.

If you try to reduce the wrinkles with the camera, you will have to blur the shot, i.e, keep it somewhat out of focus. This will blur everythinmg, including the eyes and other features you want to keep sharp. Therefore shoot the portraits as sharp as you can, then reduce wrinkling in post processing. I once did a hand portrait of an elderly person in which I eliminated the wrinkles comletely. The client was not pleased. In photography the same rules almost certainly apply, even though I have not yet hit that wall: going to far may be a turn off.

checkmark

I would go along with, "pate28" s idea, one thing to consider block out the sun directly ray on the face, and body. Why not give an older personal the same confederation you would anyone else. If you can bring the joy in her eyes, I think you can nail it. A great opportunity. Good luck

checkmark

Spell check, got ya have it, lol "consideration"

eralph Loc: Kerrville, TX

I'd Use Protrait Professional, but I'm not a good photographer like most on Hedgehog. I do Photo's for realtors and they turn out great, all kinds of flexability to get the look you want.

jessewren Loc: va beach

I think doing something like that i would put it in black in white. still getting a good shot of the womans mature nature but still maybe hiding alittle of the imprefections.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Soft focus. Take a look at the picture of my wife on http://www.rogerandfrances.com/aboutus.html She was in her early 60s at the time, but chemotherapy had not been kind to her skin. As she says, "It's the way I see myself in dreams: all ages, and no age."

Note: Soft focus is NOT the same as out of focus.

Cheers,

R.

Curtis Thomson

If you use Photoshop, take your original sharp focus shot and dupe it to a second layer. Use Gaussian Blur under the Filters menu and set to 25-30.
Apply a black layer mask to this top, blurred layer and paint out the wrinkles to your hearts content. When you are done and your subject is looking like a teenager, use the blend mode to dial back in any age level
desired.

If you will be getting a fee for all your work, you might base your price on the number of perceived years removed from the subject's age, say $10/year (just kidding).

I STOP TO SHOOT Loc: By the No. CA Sea

Harvey wrote:

This is a local fellow I just shoot when ever possible.
This is his everyday outfit.

What a great face.... Nice work!

senad55verizon.net Loc: Milford, NJ

twindad wrote:

Hi all,

I've been asked to do some portrait work for woman whose face shows the effects of lifetime of living and loving.
She wants these photos done outdoors. Aside from not shooting her in direct sunlight, do you have any suggestions that might minimize these effects?

Thanks,

Elliott

You'll be shooting in some kind of shade, so get a shot of a white balance card along with ther protraits. Makes getting really good skin tones a lot easier.

JimMullinaux Loc: Austin, Texas

Here is a picture of a senior person I took a while back. The caption tells her story.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmaxjpeg/5104243111/