BB4A

A simple homage to the Edwardian period of portraiture photography. For the first time, the Beautiful of the Belle Epoch were actually allowed to smile while posing for a photograph; technique and technology had combined to reduce the time taken to produce an acceptable image in natural light… so no forced expressions and neck braces!

In that tradition I offer this portrait, taken in 2021, with a smiling Model au Naturelle, in Natural Light, with sympathetic post processing applied.

And, before anyone asks, YES, we have a fun time during our collaborations… and sometimes it shows.

(Download)

Toby

Very good

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

Nice image as it is. If you want to further replicate the era, I have some suggestions for you. I have an edit if you would like to see it.

Basically, the image tone of that era would have been warmer or more sepia. The optics of the time that were used for portraiture were softer in rendition and would not have revealed too much skin texture. There would probably be less depth of field.

Let me know. Thanks for posting and keep up the good work!

BB4A

Thanks for the offer; I would be interested in your edit.

I'm fascinated by this era's photographic tools and technique. I believe the first decade of the 20th Century really set the foundation for what we now recognize as portrait photography. I admire these early photographers ability to capture their models character and tell a compelling story with this very basic equipment and natural light. I suppose that's one reason why I prefer to use natural light and apply sensitive, minimal post processing in my photography.

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

I too appreciate soft natural window light and use it when it is available. There are many methds and tools whereby artificial light- tungsten, LED. electronic flash can be modified to simulate that kind of lighting wehn it is not available. As for less, I have adapted many vintage lenses to modern cameras. A few current soft-focus prim lenses are still made by Rodenstock, the classic Imagon is my favourite.

My edit is not necessarily an improvement- your version is fine. I use just added bit of PP diffusion that is reminiscent of the old optics of the era. The toner would have been the old classic Nelson's Gold formula which is warmer. Often these old images are found in oval formats or gilded frames.

Many of the studios of the Edwardwarden era and even prior to that had skylights with elaborate gobos or shades to control the lighting. Later on, the photographers attempted simulating that kind of north light with the limelight which turned out to be rather hazardous. Even into the 1940 and early 50s some portraitists used Cooper- Hewit lights Utah could simulate north wind lightning. These days, a softbox can be used to replicate that look.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Yours is much more in keeping with the centuary that it is supposed to be. The OP will be pleased.