GeorgeK Loc: NNJ

I am not professional and do not consider myself advanced in portraiture but I enjoyed working on this and thought I would throw this out here. I expect to be taking many more photos of this guy and would enjoy some feedback.

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berchman Loc: South Central PA

Maybe try getting down a little lower so that his eyes show more fully?

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

Hi George! Lovely child in an interesting environment.

Better portraiture need not be always done in a studio under formal conditions. There is nothing wrong with casual portraits made in natural environments depicting folks and little folks just doing their own thing.

What I encourage is simply apply some of the techniques or "tricks of the trade" that professional and advanced portraitists employ- things that make for better and more interesting pictures.

The image you posted, the subject and environment has has potential. The delicate complexion of a child against the wooden background makes for great textural contrast.

When photographing a small child in full length- shoin the entire body, it is best that the camera position is at the child's waist level. If the child is looking downward, playing with something etc., you will see more of the face. If he is looking at the camer or gazing off camera, you will see the eyes.

Lighting of the face and eyes is very important. In your image, the light seems to be coming in from directly above the subject. This leaves the eyes and eye sockets (the orbital area of the face) in shadow so if the eyes were visible they would lack shadow detail and "sparkle". Sometimes it is advisable to change the position of the subject or arrange your shooting time when the light is more directional and striking the subject from the side. Using a reflector or an off camer flash to illuminate the eyes is very helpful. When there is a "catch-light"- a tiny reflection of the light in the 11 or 1 o'clock position in the eyes- this is one of the indications of good facial lighting.

Of course, little people are active and creating spontaneous and well crafted images takes a bit of work and lots of patience. My philosophy is that "playing is a child's attempt at life" so if you want good shots you gotta get down on the floor and play wit them. The love toys, funny faces, funny noises, and contact! The don't always follow instructions so you need to cajole them into place. Sometimes you need an "assistant" to play and attract their attention- get them to laugh and smile while you mam the camera. As they mature, the react to funny stories and silly stuff. Not every shot needs to have a big grin- soft expression can be beautiful. Shoot lots and edit later.

My favorite trick (entertainment) with some little kids is I ask them to "give me five"- when they slap my hand I make believe I am in pain and that they have hit me too hard. VIOLENCE!? Not really- they love the contact and react with glee. It's called "forbidden pleasures" kids are told- not the hit each other, let alone adults! If all else fails- other forbidden pleasure are sweet treats- bribery often works! Or I may ask if the want to see a bird fly- the I tilt my head upward, place a tissue on my mouth and blow it high up into the air- the will usually laugh and smile perfectly! "Rude noises add good sound effects! Oh- playing with toilet paper is another forbidden pleasure.

It's fun! I always do well photographing little folks because I love being silly and in some ways, I never grew up! Just ask my lovely wife, adult children and grandkids! They'll agree that grandpa is sometimes "nuts" but there is a method to my madness!

Other tips- The overalls are cool! Try for solid colors on the tops- stripes or prints can be distracting. Bare feet are better than the bottoms of shoes- little toes are cute.

Looking forward to more shots of this little guy! Post soon!

GeorgeK Loc: NNJ

Good suggestion but tough to do in that space with many people around. It was a spontaneous moment that I captured under less than optimal conditions. Appreciate your looking and your comment, though.

GeorgeK Loc: NNJ

Thanks for all the techniques and tips. I decided on B&W because of all textures and the fact that the overalls are a bright yellow next to other bright yellows, greens and red. I didn't want all the color to take away from the joy in his face.

You have given me much to think about going forward. Thank you for looking and taking the time to help.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

I understand. Growing up in the Bronx, I can imagine that the Botanical Gardens at Christmas time with their electric train display is a zoo.

Haydon

I think you made a good suggestion nonetheless trying to choose a lower angle berchman.



As usual Ed, you provide priceless information here on UHH. Thank you!