BB4A

I’ve been experimenting with long lens portraiture recently; I’m finding it interesting and challenging. Two weeks ago, I decided to use a long lens to shoot part of a Client Black & White Portrait Commission, in hopes that would be acceptable.

Fortunately, my Client really liked the effect. I used a Canon 5D Mkiv and mostly the 200-400mm end of an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. This combo is nice and light for the handheld “natural light dance”; I tend to move around a LOT when working with natural light and a tripod/monopod would just be a hindrance. I will also try the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM next time I have an opportunity; I will share how that works out for me (it’s a little heavier, but still very usable handheld). I’m really enjoying this long lens portraiture experimentation; wondering if others here have tried this approach?

Here’s one example, a 241mm portrait currently being processed from the series (with the Clients permission); the Series Title is “L'assignation; Parc des Espions”.

(Download)

RRS Loc: Not sure

Beautiful shot! As for using the 600mm f/4.0 hand held, I must be a wimp because I need a tripod. I use that lens all the time but off a bean bag or tripod for BIF and wildlife. BTW, I think your use of B&W really makes that shot. Would like to see some more with the 600mm. Thanks

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I like the affect. How far away from the subject do you think you were?

BB4A

Thanks, and yes, the entire shoot (from Concept through to Close) was in Black & White. Hence the very careful attention to natural light diffusion amongst the park trees, and the wardrobe effects that would work best in Monochrome, while preserving that late 50’s / early 60’s “Cold War” effect. I will be experimenting with the 600mm when I’m back in the USA (end of August).

BB4A

Thanks, glad you like the portrait.

I move around so much when I’m shooting natural light long lens portraiture, so I generally forget the distances. My guess, knowing my equipment and the cropping of the RAW file, is between 25 and 30 feet, or maybe a little more?

Haydon

According to the EXIF data

Focus Distance Upper : 7.85 m
Focus Distance Lower : 6.9 m

BB4A

Yep, when I’m right, I’m right (rarely of course, I’m often wrong). 7.85m - 25.75 feet. Even when shooting at the long end of the lens (400mm), I don’t think I moved more than 50 feet away.

Of course, at this distance, the communication and rapport between model and photographer is very important. I continue to be amazed at the technical competence and the great communication skills of many of the US Models I’ve had the luck to collaborate with.

For Clients, it’s extremely important to facilitate a fun, friendly, and simple method of communication... hence what I call my “Natural Light Dance”. It’s an eccentric way of communicating with the Client Model and facilitating the poses that capture the mood, but it seems to work... and amuses the crowd that always seems to gather in public parks shoot locations.

BTW, Eccentric (= I’m Mad, but I’m financially “comfortable”), is different from Mad (= I’m Mad, but I’ve been released back into the Community too soon... and I’m obviously not taking my medication).

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

Longer lenses in portraiture, why not?

It really depends on what you want to do and what effect you are looking for. There are advantages and disadvantages.

At certain distances, it may be easier to reduce the depth of field, apply selective focus and obtain the desired "bokeh".

Long focal lengths do have a tendency to visually compress the distance between the subject and the background. This can, in some cases, reduce the illusion of depth or dimension, especially if the background details are in relatively sharper focus. This did not happen in this portrait- thebackgroud treatment is fine!

In some cases, very long focal lengths can somewhat reduce modeling or roundness of the subject's face. If you photograph a ball with a long enough lens at a long enough distance, it begins to appear as a disk.

Longer focal lengths enable better perspective when the subject's arms or hands are extended toward the camera.

As others have alluded to, in professional portraiture, many of our subjects (clients) are not professional models and in many cases are far-from the necessary skill sets in terms of posing naturally and being expressive. These folks require more direction and closer face to face conversation in order to relax and emote.

This image:

I would like to see a little more contrast in the facial lighting and more emphasis, lighting-wise, on the face a little less on the hand and lipstick. I like the subjects gaze toward the mirror in her compact- she seems to be spying on something in the back of her which fits in with the title "Park of Spies" as per my Canadian French- cool title! I really enjoy period pieces and costume and this is a good example of theme and "genre portraiture".

Here, in the Advanced Portrait section we are "bad guys" and law-breakers and sometimes do unauthorized edits to go along with our critiques- hence, the attachment.

Good job- kudos to the OP- more folks should try out different themes, use props and create different approaches to portrait photography or do some cross-over portraits that have a fashion, nostalgia or abstract edge!

BB4A

😉 👍

Silverrails

Very Nice Monochrome Portrait.
As a Color deficient Photographer, I have been encouraged to shoot B&W, my question is how do I recognize which or what subject or person will really look good in a Monochrome image??

BB4A

Thanks! And that’s a BIG question. First advice I can give is to decide on your favorite genre for B&W concepts and then practice hard & often under a variety of natural light conditions? If you want to pm me about details, I can offer further advice... I wouldn’t describe myself as an expert, but I enjoy B&W photography.