ORpilot wrote:
Those are wonderful portraits. Pretty much a lost art.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Fine classical portraiture is not really a totally lost art. Obviously, it's not the most popular aspect of photography on this forum. There are many reasons why this specialty has lost popularity among many enthusiasts, who excel in other fields but avoid serious portraiture.
Many photographers fully equipped themselves for portrait photography, purchasing the appropriate cameras and lenses, all the lights, backgrounds, and props but fail to accomplish good results many people, clients, subjects, friends, etc.) did not like their portraits. It's a job where y the photograhers not only have to satisfy themselves but the results are at the mercy of their subjects. That's discouraging and if you are a pro, that's bad for business! On this and many other photo forums and social media sites, folks ask "I'm contemplating setting up for headshots (etc). so waht gear should I buy"? kinda thing. The question should be, "waht do I have to know, learn, and master?
Well, it ain't astrophysics or brain surgery, but research, study, education, skill, and practice are required to facilitate one's talent. Excellent "people skills" are prerequisites. Most folks, especially creative ones don't like "RULES" applied to their art. In portraiture, there are, however, many principles. that need to be mastered before creativity can be applied. The rules are the tools- once you are aware of them you can keep them, alter them, or break them. The principles have to do with lighting dynamics, posing and body mechanics, facial and body type anaylisis, and of course, basic correct exposure, ratio (contrast), optics, and composition. A good basic portrait is a distortion-free likeness with personality. Most folks want a more flattering interpretation of themselves.
I love to photograph birds, bees, wildlife, landscapes, flowers, antique cars, pets, architecture, sports, street scenes, and all the rest but PEOPLE are the most interesting and challenging subjects.