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Professional and Advanced Portraiture
Working on improving my portrait skills.
Feb 12, 2022 12:19:55   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
Thanks everyone for your positive comments on my friend Frank's B&W portrait. Thought I should post a color portrait next. Almost everything I've done in the last two years has been the result of completing photography assignments for my Zoom virtual classes. I've already earned my Certificate of Photographic Arts from my community college. But I like my instructor (Sara-Rose Melby) so much that I keep taking her photography classes even though I've had them before. The reason? My photography skills keep improving as I endeavor to do each assignment more creatively than I did in the last class. I'm mainly repeating her portrait and B&W classes as they are more suitable to do at home during these pandemic times.

My next image to submit for your consideration is an image of my girlfriend (K) who agreed to sit for me. When we first started dating, she was a reluctant model. But when she realized that photography was about more than snapping a pic, she has become an enthusiastic participant in the artful side of this activity.

This picture was taken in my home studio using a small octabox high camera left and a softbox as a fill light on the lower right. I used my 60mm macro lens on my D500 for this image.


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Feb 13, 2022 09:17:33   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
Yikes Ed. I can't explain the color shifts on your monitor. I have mine adjusted to fairly match the prints produced by my Epson P600. Her eyes are closed in this image and that was purposeful. Otherwise, the skin tones are smooth with a little bit of texture. K's hair is gray with white overtones. This image was intended to give her a thoughtful contemplative look. Does anyone else see the color problems that E. J. had?

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Feb 13, 2022 10:23:50   #
Michael1079 Loc: Indiana
 
Hi, I enjoyed your photo of "Frank." Also, the 'thoughtful, contemplative look' you were attempting to achieve works well. I did seem to think the color cast on her skin was a bit off/more pronounce, but it may be my monitor's difference from yours. Her eye makeup does seem a tad heavier on the left eye than the right.

Oddly, I opened the image in Portrait Pro 17, and do you know what? It did the same, bizarre thing to the eyes as the image Ed presented! Portrait Pro has a feature to widen eyes and it must have seen the closed lids and went to work! Software is great, but certainly isn't infallible!!!

I am adding the result I came up with after using Perfectly Clear in Paint Shop Pro. I am not an expert, so please take this with a grain of salt!


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Feb 13, 2022 10:54:33   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
Michael1079 wrote:
Hi, I enjoyed your photo of "Frank." Also, the 'thoughtful, contemplative look' you were attempting to achieve works well. I did seem to think the color cast on her skin was a bit off/more pronounce, but it may be my monitor's difference from yours. Her eye makeup does seem a tad heavier on the left eye than the right.

Oddly, I opened the image in Portrait Pro 17, and do you know what? It did the same, bizarre thing to the eyes as the image Ed presented! Portrait Pro has a feature to widen eyes and it must have seen the closed lids and went to work! Software is great, but certainly isn't infallible!!!

I am adding the result I came up with after using Perfectly Clear in Paint Shop Pro. I am not an expert, so please take this with a grain of salt!
Hi, I enjoyed your photo of "Frank." Als... (show quote)


Thanks Michael, on second look I agree that her right eye is a bit too dark. I like your edit, it does improve the image. I'm familiar with Portrait Pro and I have also had weird results from time to time. I learned to turn off the facial adjustment feature and I create presets for each of my family members and models. Thanks again, nice work.

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Feb 13, 2022 14:09:18   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
OK, let's start from scratch:

I have deleted my retouching suggestion and the justified objections to avoid confusion. The problems that I found with the original image as is, are beyond a quick retouching remedy. The automated software that I use for minor skin smoothing (etc) is insufficient in that any retouch on this image will need to be done manually which can be a long and tedious process.

Soft focus and post-processing diffusion (softened) are controversial- some love it and some hate it!

So here is the story. I can not tell anyone how to shoot or what style or approach they should use. In traditional portraiture, especially of women, most CLIENTS prefer a flattering skin texture and tone, or at least something that does not emphasize lines, wrinkles, or unwanted textures. On the other hand, a photographer and/or the client can decide on a portrait study that does show or emphasize skin textures and blemishes.

If the photographer wishes to de-emphasize or eliminate various skin blemishes or lines, they can use a soft-focus lens which is specially designed for that purpose, use an optical diffusion filter on the lens, or add some softening in post-production. Complete and expert retouching is yet another approach. However, there are important caveats.

My theory and methods are that anything is done at the camera as to degrees of optical diffusion and more importantly LIGHTING will result in a more authentic and fewer affections image. When you diffuse in post or retouch, you have to prepare the image while shooting to enable good post-processing minipulations.

Adding excessive softening or "face sculpting", after the fact can lead to distortion, These elements are best addressed in lighting, posing and camera angle. A lighting rato with adequate shadow detail is required to facilitate retouching in the shadows so even a low-key portrait shod have some detail in the shadows.

In the original image, as I saw on my screen, was seriously off colour and perhaps as a discrepancy in exposure or lighting, there is a colour crossover so when the extreme Yellow/Red colour was compensated for, the hair went cyan. The texture of the subject's skin seemed very unflattering but beyond that, there were areas that seem "damaged" or "scratched" as if there was an unsuccessful attempt at retouching???. I do not know what caused that.

I have no objection to downcast or closed eyes- if that's the mood of effect that was desired. That algorithm that puts in eyeballs is spookey! At first, I thought it was a result of my increasing shadow detail. That will also ten me to mess with images at 1:00 AM

If the OP wishes to re-shoot my suggestion would be as follows:

Watch your light more. I know it is difficult to go for expression and do precise lighting at the same time but it is possible and involves instant multitasking- it's like playing the accordion or walking and chewing gum athe same time. Wath your light posting on the chin/jawline- consider 2/3 views of the face with short light on some subjects. When eyes are open, make certain the is sufficient light to provide shade detail in the eyes and eye sockets, A distinct catchlight in the 11 or 1 o'clock position in the dark part of the eye is one of the good indicators that your lighting is correct.

Remember, I can't tell anyone HOW to shoot but I can provide some basics so as to produce good undistorted likenesses. Many photogrh have creative and artistic ideas but lack someof the basics which, unfortunate are no thought in books and classes anymore. Once you have the basics down pat, yoy can begin to break the rules more creatively, intentionally and specifically!

Also please remember: When I post an edit of any kind in this section, it is only a suggestion as to what corrections may be necessary. They are not to be considered finished work as I would present it to a client.

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Feb 13, 2022 15:04:05   #
nathanweddings
 
Just my 2 cents: (probably what it's worth). As a retired wedding/portrait photographer with more than 1000 events photographed I respectfully offer the following: this is a photograph of a necklace. As such the necklace should be in focus.

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Feb 13, 2022 16:14:21   #
PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA
 
scsdesphotography wrote:
Thanks everyone for your positive comments on my friend Frank's B&W portrait. Thought I should post a color portrait next. Almost everything I've done in the last two years has been the result of completing photography assignments for my Zoom virtual classes. I've already earned my Certificate of Photographic Arts from my community college. But I like my instructor (Sara-Rose Melby) so much that I keep taking her photography classes even though I've had them before. The reason? My photography skills keep improving as I endeavor to do each assignment more creatively than I did in the last class. I'm mainly repeating her portrait and B&W classes as they are more suitable to do at home during these pandemic times.

My next image to submit for your consideration is an image of my girlfriend (K) who agreed to sit for me. When we first started dating, she was a reluctant model. But when she realized that photography was about more than snapping a pic, she has become an enthusiastic participant in the artful side of this activity.

This picture was taken in my home studio using a small octabox high camera left and a softbox as a fill light on the lower right. I used my 60mm macro lens on my D500 for this image.
Thanks everyone for your positive comments on my f... (show quote)


I'm not a professional photographer, so this can be taken with a grain or two of salt. I would increase the power of the soft box on the lower right of the camera a bit or maybe raise it to just slightly above the model's chin level. I see the darkened eye makeup of the model's left eye as more from shadow created by the octabox.

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Feb 13, 2022 17:49:46   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
There are a lot of things whereby this and many other portraits can be improved.

There are certain so-called rules, folklore myths and real valid basics that folks hang onto. So many folks are into "bokeh" and work with a wide-open aperture that they may not realize that in some cases more depth of field is better employed. It calls SELECTIVE FOCUS- and it is up to the photographer what he or she selects. Sometimes, however, the selection doe not work well.

As for the clothing, jewelry, hairstyle and makeup, and colour coordination are all important components of a planned portrait session. If any one of these components is ignored, it can serve as a distraction or upset the balance of tones and keys. Makeup is an art and many folks simply do not know how to use it effectively in a portrait. Somes less I more. So-called evening makeup will not photograph well.

As for facial aesthetics, the shape of faces and creating flattering poses, lighting and compositions, I can write an encyclopedia but the problem is, much of the time-honoured techniques are no longer taught in classes or published in books and many of the greatest contemporary masters are dead.

All I can do to help folks is tell them to walk before they can run, take things to step by step, start off with simple concepts and improve as they go. I see good potentially good portraits every day and can see that the photographers are imaginative, creative, talented and trying their best. Problem is, the basics are lacking and they are havg difficulty bringing their visions to fruition. The talent is there, the creativity is there but the issue is in the execution.

Oftentimes, you or I can critique the dickens out of something but a tilt here or a tweak is just not gonna do it. The best thing to do is learn from mistakes and problems and do better next time.

Please remember all comments and ideas are welcome here. You don't need to be a grandmaster a pro to make a comment, offer a critic, or post an image. As a "manager" I just sometimes like to avoid confusion or protracted arguments. Please keep your comments technically, aesthetically, emotionally based and friendly. Posts that start off with complaints go in the main section. We don't have an Attic here, only a Dungeon!

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Feb 16, 2022 18:47:14   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
Thanks everyone for all your thoughtful suggestions, this why I'm posting here. Ed, I appreciate all your ideas, I do have a lot to learn. You do not have to be circumspect with your evaluations of my posts. I did have to get over the idea of being subjected to serious critiques, but you can only teach yourself so much and then you need more expert help to improve! I think that some of what you are commenting on is the result of me being somewhat casual when I do my photography class assignments. I'm not trying to show off to my classmates and I want to hear their ideas too. Pretty much all of my portrait work for the last two years has been for my classes. Sadly, the pandemic has cut into the usual senior and graduation pics, which for me has been zero activity in that area. I'll have something new for the group to look at this weekend.

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Feb 16, 2022 18:54:14   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
Ps. Ed, I'm still puzzled by the color issues you're experiencing. I would say that my monitor might need some drastic adjustments, except that everyone else's post look fine to me. I would expect that if my gear was seriously screwed up I would see the other portraits as off color, but I don't. Just wondering what is causing this problem?

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Feb 16, 2022 20:23:09   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
Critique is not supposed to be negative criticism or unnecessarily knocking anyone's work. It is an analysis of any given image and if there are any technical or aesthetic issues, suggestions should be made to remedy them.

Mastering portraiture or any other kind of photography is not a matter of competing with classmates or showing off to anyone. It involves some basics of being able to analyze your subjects' facial and body structure, understanding posing and composition principles and applying the best lighting.

The problem I often notice when seeing the work of those who are learning portraiture is that they have very creative and emotionally motivated ideas but have difficulty with execution. That is because they have not backed up with a basic foundation. I know that many fol do not want to apply "rules" or standards to art, however, they are basics that need to be mastered to pave the way for control and creativity. There is a lot of multi-tasking in a portrait shoot. exposure, posing, lighting, composition, and focus but at the same time you need to address expression, If you have your technique down pat, you can better concentrate on the spontaneity and capture of expressions.

Colour balance is important because aside from clothing and background colour gettg a good skin tone and hair colour is of the utmost importance. Make certain your camera's white balance setting is adjusted for the light source in use. Check to see if your monitor is properly calibrated.

Keep on posting and asking questions. Run a few tests and let's see if your colour balance is in the ballpark. A small error or slight warming or cooling to fit the mood can be done in post-processing.

I realize that you are taking a class in portraiture. I wonder what the curriculum is like. Let me know!

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Feb 19, 2022 11:00:31   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
nathanweddings wrote:
Just my 2 cents: (probably what it's worth). As a retired wedding/portrait photographer with more than 1000 events photographed I respectfully offer the following: this is a photograph of a necklace. As such the necklace should be in focus.


Hi Nathan. The image of K was not about the necklace. I used a shallow DOF so that only her face would be in focus. Thanks for your comments.

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Feb 19, 2022 11:11:26   #
scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan
 
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Critique is not supposed to be negative criticism or unnecessarily knocking anyone's work. It is an analysis of any given image and if there are any technical or aesthetic issues, suggestions should be made to remedy them.

Mastering portraiture or any other kind of photography is not a matter of competing with classmates or showing off to anyone. It involves some basics of being able to analyze your subjects' facial and body structure, understanding posing and composition principles and applying the best lighting.

The problem I often notice when seeing the work of those who are learning portraiture is that they have very creative and emotionally motivated ideas but have difficulty with execution. That is because they have not backed up with a basic foundation. I know that many fol do not want to apply "rules" or standards to art, however, they are basics that need to be mastered to pave the way for control and creativity. There is a lot of multi-tasking in a portrait shoot. exposure, posing, lighting, composition, and focus but at the same time you need to address expression, If you have your technique down pat, you can better concentrate on the spontaneity and capture of expressions.

Colour balance is important because aside from clothing and background colour gettg a good skin tone and hair colour is of the utmost importance. Make certain your camera's white balance setting is adjusted for the light source in use. Check to see if your monitor is properly calibrated.

Keep on posting and asking questions. Run a few tests and let's see if your colour balance is in the ballpark. A small error or slight warming or cooling to fit the mood can be done in post-processing.

I realize that you are taking a class in portraiture. I wonder what the curriculum is like. Let me know!
Critique is not supposed to be negative criticism ... (show quote)


Hi Ed, thanks again for your suggestions. I do set a custom white balance for my portrait sessions. Sometimes I use my white balance cap other times I use the Kelvin temperature of my lights, typically around 5200 K. Yes I am taking portrait classes. I just finished my fourth class! I really like the instructor, so I keep taking her classes over again. The challenge for me is to improve over what I did the last time around. Next month I'll be taking another B&W class, also my fourth time!

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