E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

If you are a photographer who strives to produce truly outstanding portraits, images that are a cut well above the ordinary, this is the section to hang your hat in!

I decided to ask for and initiate this section, not as redundant version of the “People Photography” section or for “snob appeal”. There is a lot of photography that is loosely considered “portraits”, notably, mass produced school and graduation pictures, some of the work turned out by shopping center, super market and department store “studios”, selfies and closeup snapshots. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of theses pictures and some of them are surprisingly nice, especially considering the rushed circumstances of their production. Modern digital equipment has enabled easier control over basic exposure and focus- folks are getting sharper and clearer picture but I would like to take this far beyond that. For those who are contemplating a full or part-time career in portraiture, what with all this inexpensive retail photography, selfies and the “cell-phone paparazzi” on the loose, you work needs to be exceptional for you to achieve financial success.

Contemporary classic fine portraiture is an entirely and distinctively other discipline. Although this practice is based on many time-honored principles, it need not result in stilted, stiff or unnatural images- quite the contrary. The artistry is in producing elegant flattering and natural likenesses of people with true artistic interpretations of their character. The basic aesthetics of posing and lighting camera position can be applied to a wide variety of photographic styles and modes.

Once many of the concepts are studied, practiced and mastered, outstanding portraits can be created in a traditional studio environment, at any location that is compatible with the theme of the portrait, in your home, or out of doors and in many cases with modest and simple lighting equipment, controlled existing light- even northern skylight entering a room through an ordinary window.

There are many lighting diagrams published in books and in online tutorials, however, strictly following lighting diagrams and trying to arbitrarily emulate certain lighting patterns (such as butterfly, Remembrance, or split) on you subjects' faces and bodies, is like driving a car and keeping you eyes on a road map in your lap rather than driving ahead by keeping you eyes and attention on the road- you're gonna crash! Certainly, the nomenclature is fine to identify specific lighting types, for the sake of conversation and communication, however, the real prowess is in facial analysis and SEEING the best lighting for each individual subject based on their idiosyncratic features, body style and personality.

Just in there area of lighting, there are certain very fine theoretical points that are vital in extraordinary lighting control that are fairly simple and easy to understand and preform but are seldom discussed in the current literature . Thoroughly understanding the angle of incidence theory, the technique of feathering of parabolic lighting and addressing the presence of unseen-secondary light- all from a practical, hands-on and workaday standpoint are some of the keys to perfect lighting placement. Theses are the TOOLS for injecting mood, drama, dimension and comprehensive aesthetic control in you portraits.

It's going to take me a little while to prepare a few basic tutorials for those who are interested in this program. I hope all of this doesn't sound foreboding or overly complex- in fact is comparatively simple and it can be loads of fun to explore. Meanwhile, let's just use this section to get acquainted with each other, start some conversations, ask and answer questions, post some images, toss around some ideas and suggestion for activities and talk a little business for the pros or aspiring pros. Even if you are not interested in a career as a portrait photographer, I am certain you will enjoy the section and your participation will reflect well in your portrait photography.

blackest Loc: Ireland

I look forward to reading more, I have a lot to learn and not a lot to say so far

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ed, I'm really glad you started this section along with the Product Section. Thanks!
I wasn't really involved with the initial discussions but will be glad to participate in both sections.
I currently have a temporary studio set up in a building that I'm remodeling since the place is empty but am hoping to find a more permanent location, or build one on my property.
I do some portraits, engagements, seniors and word of mouth work but in a year am hoping to replace one of my current jobs with my photography.
I shoot a lot of sports, mainly for two publications and a small amount of product as well.
Last weekend I produced my first internet product instructional video. That was a lot of fun.
I've never posted images from the private parties I work with, especially the more intimate work, since I feel I owe them a certain expectation of privacy but do post pics taken under a Model Release.
Most of what I have posted in people really didn't belong there, especially since I don't post children, which is mostly what you see there!!!
I did a shoot yesterday and am gonna see if I can get one done to post!!
Ed, thanks for opening the sections, I'll be here as much as possible!
SS

glyphtrix

With respect and amusement,

How about some tips from the host?
Your talking ABOUT the category but not going so far as providIng any practical information such as HOW to DO any aspect of it.
(As one of Lewis Carrol's famous charecters pointed out to another.)

From a blogging perspective, you have already succeeded. Yet from the viewpoint of a willing student ,in rapt attention, you've not yet begun to offer much either in the way of instruction or instructional pictures.

As mentioned previously , You might begin by seeding the category a bit. Broaching the simple topics of " choosing poses" or "selecting shooting angles" might work for ice breakers.

Thanks.
Best wishes.
Looking forward to reading you.

Glyphtrix

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Sharpshooter, Blackset and Glyphtrix.

Thanks for your participation and encouragement!

When I decided to ask for theses sections, I did not know if the would ever be approved. I was not certain if there was sufficient interest or if the admins would grant their approval. I was pleasantly surprised and frankly, caught slightly unprepared. Now I have to put together the tutorials- set up the imagery and prepare the diagrams.

I am pleased that folks are responding and posting and that we can converse while I am getting things underway. I have been teaching and training photographers, in person, in a hands on setting for many years and I know the value of images and clear instruction, demonstration and illustration. I will do my best to illustrate my concepts.

I am still running a full-time studio but I will try to get into some better time management so I can look after theses sections. My dear wife and businesses partner (really the boss) is gonna kill me. If I don't show up here, it's not because I am being negligent- It might be because I was murdered! Oh- I do possess a rather morbid sense of humor!

It's gonna be SHOW and TELL for sure!

Thanks again guys!

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

I own a studio and am excited to have this section. I especially would appreciate some info on posted pix, such as lighting set-up and settings, and any special processing used. That would give added value. Thanks.

glyphtrix

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Dat2ta For sure!

gltphtrix. I like your quote...kinda biblical. 😁

glyphtrix

It's from the Kevin Costner movie:" Field of Dreams..I was kind of slow on that though ..I should have used an unlicensed profile of Costner since I was posting into your portrait section.


But the way I see it
it's like free advertising for your category: somebody clicks on it in the main gallery to see what the heck it is
they get Rick rolled to your site. Hahahaha

Besides I hate the only 2 images that appear as advertising on the bottom of the page.
I wanted to add more visuals to your collumn.
Take care and get crackin.
We're counting on you.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ed, thanks so much for the two sections.
As many have, I did a fair amount of portraits and product with film, but to be honest, I really didn't know what I was doing. I was just buoyed by decent composition.
In 2010, I started a certificated professional 45 unit course in photography with the goal of getting better at digital and improving by being formally trained.
WoW, what an eye opener! I had never really thought of portraits much beyond senior shots and engagements. It was at school(they had a full studio) that I feel in love with the endless possibilities of portraits and lighted work. Before that I was mostly a, "natural light", photographer, and you know what THAT means!!! LoL
Since then, other than travel and sports, most of my landscape and nature work have taken a backseat to portraits and studio. Plus, there's just not much money in those and they take obscene amounts of time!!! LoL
In class I was under the watchful eye and critique of high level professionals. So I'm really looking forward to the experience here to be able to tweek my work to higher and more acceptable levels!!!
Thanks!
SS