broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

Hello all. A senior friend recently asked me to photograph her for her own use. I would obviously like the photo to be as flattering as possible.

Available to me are three speedlights, a boom, 2 light stands with brackets and two shoot through umbrellas. I plan to mount a speedlight to the boom and use a softbox on that light.

Given the many potential configurations for lighting, I thought I'd see if any of you have experience to share with an elderly subject. I have taken some nice shots of my children and grandchildren so I am familiar with the equipment and with several techniques (i.e. Rembrandt, Hollywood, clam shell.) I simply wish to avoid subjecting this dear woman to undue experimentation if I can, and I'm betting many here could help with that.

I've watched some tutorials and read some guides but I am unable to apply much of the knowledge I gained due to environment. My friend will be sitting on a couch in a fairly limited space. She is disabled so my options for posing her are sparse. She will likely be sitting with her back to the couch or possibly in a chair with beautiful curtains as the backdrop.

So there you have it. One camera, a 50mm f/1.8 prime, hair lighting (she has a beautiful wig) and options for key and fill lighting. If I've provided sufficient data and you instantly dream up a scenario you would employ, I would really appreciate your input.

Apologies in advance if I haven't given enough details. Thanks for any helpful, generous responses.

Craig

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

The last time I did that a gold colored reflector was used along with the lighting to add a touch of color to her skin.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

That's a wonderful tip. Thanks much. I have one I can get her daughter to hold for me.

bleirer

I'm sure you'll get some pro lighting suggestions to minimize wrinkles, unless she is celebrating the hard won wrinkles. My only small experience with family photos is in post processing is that sometimes it's a reason to use a some sliders in the slightly negative direction, especially texture, clarity, dehaze, and don't sharpen as much and use the masking tool to not sharpen the wrong thing. The other thing is whether to fix or lighten skin issues. Growths that are new in old age and nostril or ear hair I think can be fixed or lightened, but I'd leave wrinkles alone.

ngrea Loc: Sandy Spring, Maryland

First thing is talk to her. Just because she is elderly and has disabilities doesn’t mean she can’t tell you what her expectations/hopes are. I like to do portraits of nursing home residents. Be friendly and help her relax. Older people have a special beauty in that their faces show more individuality. Young “beauties” have a sameness while older folks show more personality and reflect their experience and character. If possible have an assistant to help bring out the expression of her interaction. If no assistant, get her to think or talk about a person or time that was important. It will show up in her eyes.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

I appreciate the PP tips. Much obliged. :-)

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

Gold. Thank you for that valuable advice! Her daughter will be with her and will be interacting with her as well.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Processing, especially with Portrait Pro, can give flattering results, but you still want the final picture to look like your subject. You can offer her several version of the final product.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Soft Focus lens.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

That's an awful lot of gear for one set of photographs. Namely a tremendous number of lights and stands, etc. And your only planning to bring one lens? Forgive me when I offer a critique.
Photograph in a nearby park. Bring more than one lens, namely a 50mm and if you have an 85mm lens. Bring a reflector and an assistant or a friend to help you.
I make this suggestion simply because I have found many people are intimidated by the gear. People are more relaxed in a pleasantly landscaped park amongst trees, bushes, statues, etc. They are more apt to feel comfortable and at ease. Please ask you subject if that may be a suitable venue.
If you don't like my suggestion, please accept my apology.

Happy Shooting!

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Hello Craig;
My best advice to you is K.I.S.S.= KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY.
You should made sure you have or create a RELAXED Atmosphere.
As a Senior Citizen myself, I would not require a Professional Studio set-up, that would just add to any nervousness on my part as a portrait subject.
Hoping all goes well with whatever you decide.

Haydon

Use an umbrella and slightly over expose to reduce skin retouching. Don't use Rembrandt because that's notorious in introducing shadows which aren't likely be flattering. You could short light depending on her complexion. A slightly overhead off axis umbrella with a reflector below would fill in all most of the shadows (clamshell). You could use loop lighting or paramount. Use a large light source/modifier to create soft light.

Personally I wouldn't advice using gold reflectors. Either use a fill light or a standard white reflector. Using a piece of foamcore works well if you are doing headshots. You can buy a 20"x30" white piece of foamcore for $1.00 at a dollar store.

Linda S.

Perhaps if she loves doing or is known for something (loves to read or used to quilt or...?) a prop could be added? I am very much an amateur but people really like my portraits because I know the person I am photographing and just start talking with them. They relax, their varying facial expressions are true to how their family knows them. So, perhaps you can talk with her daughter beforehand and give her that role of remembering situations to make her mother relax and smile....and then shoot many photos very quickly.

Haydon

Linda you touched on something important and that's making them feel comfortable. Building a repore will be far more relaxing and can turn the image into something more emotional and pleasing.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

I'm grateful that you took time to share your insight and suggestions. My friend is only partially ambulatory but I will speak with her daughter about alternative locations.