Low key portraits of children
Sep 24, 2020 16:00:15 #
FuzzyDan wrote:
If you want a specific thing, you'll need to pose. But the best photos I've taken of children, including many that you'd swear were posed, were anything but. When you bring out the camera, the kids act up. Fiddle around for a while and they lose interest in you and go on about their business. If you make sure there are enough things in the immediate area to attract them, once they become absorbed in doing something else photo opportunities abound.
I agree! Posing my grandchildren is impossible and, at first, every time the camera came out, they stopped what they were doing and were only interested in me. As time has passed, they aren't as curious so I have gotten some wonderful shots of them when they were unaware of what I was focusing on. It also took a lot of trial and error for me to find the best shutter speed and aperture but I'm getting better! And when I do get that one great shot, it's a wonderful feeling!!
Sep 24, 2020 16:25:38 #
StaneeRae thank you ever so much to the URL to the Waldens
Their mastering of B&W is absolutely stellar...
Not only is their illumination superb, their creative direction is in a league of it's own.
https://www.waldensphotography.com/relationship-black-and-white
I've bookmarked this to share with my colleagues...
One in million... so inspirational...
Their mastering of B&W is absolutely stellar...
Not only is their illumination superb, their creative direction is in a league of it's own.
https://www.waldensphotography.com/relationship-black-and-white
I've bookmarked this to share with my colleagues...
One in million... so inspirational...
Sep 24, 2020 17:16:15 #
StaneeRae
Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA
Thomas902 wrote:
StaneeRae thank you ever so much to the URL to the Waldens
You’re welcome! I met them years ago at a convention. Some attendees said they went shopping at the end-of-winter sales. They bought black turtlenecks & long-sleeve T-shirts in every size, to have on hand in the studio wardrobe. Baby items are harder to find, although I have seen black onesies.
Black choir robes can also be handy.
Sep 24, 2020 17:25:16 #
Kids don’t sit still very long. In addition to planning a low key shot, I would suggest You plan to get lots of candid shots. And be sure to get down to their level for some of them.
Sep 24, 2020 18:16:38 #
Cyberkinesis70
Loc: Northern Colorado
JD750 wrote:
Kids don’t sit still very long. In addition to planning a low key shot, I would suggest You plan to get lots of candid shots. And be sure to get down to their level for some of them.
The only pictures I have gotten of my grandson are in motion. I've been working at it for 2 years. There is absolutely no way to get him to pose. I found the only way to get anything is to set a fast shutter speed, use BBF with continuous focus and burst modes. With a little luck you might get a few shots that are useable.
Sep 24, 2020 18:22:25 #
Bruce do you have extensive experience with adults in dramatic illumination scenarios?
If not I would recommend lifestyle location editorials for children rather than attempting portraiture with Rembrandt illumination or such on a 2.5 year old... Just saying.
I have colleagues who specialize in epic child portraiture... They have decades of experience.
To shoot portraiture effectively you need to have mastered your kit... 100% of your attention has to be on your sitter... The instant you look away from your subject you may lose any bonding you may have had. Experience is a brutal teacher.
Likewise I question UHH users who are post imagery of adults... They are likely naive about the complexity of collaborations with children... Child portraiture is entirely another genre and not even closely related to adult portraiture... Photographic technique plays such a small part in the aggregate mix here. Wardrobe styling is critical...
Below are some examples of child portraiture I've done... At least PhotoVOGUE Italia accepted one for publication on their web portal... Hope these help...
All the best on your adventure with granddaughter Bruce
Please stay safe...
If not I would recommend lifestyle location editorials for children rather than attempting portraiture with Rembrandt illumination or such on a 2.5 year old... Just saying.
I have colleagues who specialize in epic child portraiture... They have decades of experience.
To shoot portraiture effectively you need to have mastered your kit... 100% of your attention has to be on your sitter... The instant you look away from your subject you may lose any bonding you may have had. Experience is a brutal teacher.
Likewise I question UHH users who are post imagery of adults... They are likely naive about the complexity of collaborations with children... Child portraiture is entirely another genre and not even closely related to adult portraiture... Photographic technique plays such a small part in the aggregate mix here. Wardrobe styling is critical...
Below are some examples of child portraiture I've done... At least PhotoVOGUE Italia accepted one for publication on their web portal... Hope these help...
All the best on your adventure with granddaughter Bruce
Please stay safe...
Sep 24, 2020 21:31:11 #
Cyberkinesis70 wrote:
The only pictures I have gotten of my grandson are in motion. I've been working at it for 2 years. There is absolutely no way to get him to pose. I found the only way to get anything is to set a fast shutter speed, use BBF with continuous focus and burst modes. With a little luck you might get a few shots that are useable.
👍👍
Sep 24, 2020 23:00:53 #
I think there is a lot of misconceptions here about low-key portraiture. Although this style is associated with dramatic character studios or men, certain kids of nude studies, and theatrical photography, it is perfectly applicable to the portraits of young children. women, teenagers, wedding formals, family groups and more. You don't need an on old sea captain with a weathered face to make an effective low-key portrait.
A classic low key portrait has the following components or attributes. Subjects or subjects wearing dark or darker clothing against a dark or darker background, (not necessarily jet black), usually a lighting ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 is applied. The object is to make the diffuse and specular highlights on the subjects face the brightest elements in the composition thereby making the subject the main point of interest and the principal motif of the composition. It can be done indoors or out of doors in "studio" or environmental situations as long as the lighting is controlled by the photographer.
I don't know what equipment the OP has. It can be done with multiple electronic flash, tungsten or LED lights, or even window light form a window with Northern exposure. Even one main light in an umbrella or softbox with a simple reflector for fill can be used to make very effective low-key portraits. Electronic flash is very helpful with active children.
Young kids are not especially difficult to pose and photograph as long as you are patient and are willing to involve them in PLAY- having fun, funny faces and funny noises. You have to play hard and shoot fast!! Keep them entertained and amused and go for expression.
I'll attach an image of my granddaughter when she was almost 3 years old- now she is in high school! Take lots of shots- in later years you'll be glad you did.
If you would like a few lightning diagrams, more specifics and examples- post in the UHH Professional and Advanced Portrait Section- see you there!
A classic low key portrait has the following components or attributes. Subjects or subjects wearing dark or darker clothing against a dark or darker background, (not necessarily jet black), usually a lighting ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 is applied. The object is to make the diffuse and specular highlights on the subjects face the brightest elements in the composition thereby making the subject the main point of interest and the principal motif of the composition. It can be done indoors or out of doors in "studio" or environmental situations as long as the lighting is controlled by the photographer.
I don't know what equipment the OP has. It can be done with multiple electronic flash, tungsten or LED lights, or even window light form a window with Northern exposure. Even one main light in an umbrella or softbox with a simple reflector for fill can be used to make very effective low-key portraits. Electronic flash is very helpful with active children.
Young kids are not especially difficult to pose and photograph as long as you are patient and are willing to involve them in PLAY- having fun, funny faces and funny noises. You have to play hard and shoot fast!! Keep them entertained and amused and go for expression.
I'll attach an image of my granddaughter when she was almost 3 years old- now she is in high school! Take lots of shots- in later years you'll be glad you did.
If you would like a few lightning diagrams, more specifics and examples- post in the UHH Professional and Advanced Portrait Section- see you there!
Sep 28, 2020 09:40:39 #
Wow! That's how I feel after reading the several replies to my request for suggestions how to photograph my granddaughter in low-key. Very helpful and encouraging comments. This is a wonderful listserv. Thank you very very much.
Bruce
Bruce
Sep 28, 2020 09:47:55 #
Wishing you much success with your endeavor with granddaughter...
Most of all please have fun with this session!
Enjoy and be in the moment...
Most of all please have fun with this session!
Enjoy and be in the moment...
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