Low key portraits of children
Sep 23, 2020 09:40:25 #
I am new to low-key portrait photography and my 2 1/2 -year-old granddaughter who lives on the other side of the country will be visiting in a couple of months. So far I have only photographed adults and I'm wondering if this starkly dramatic technique might be incongruous for a child's portrait. Has anyone taken low-key portraits of children that you like and might be willing to share with suggestions for lighting, poses and camera settings?
Thank you in advance for any recommendations.
Bruce
Thank you in advance for any recommendations.
Bruce
Sep 23, 2020 09:44:02 #
I would say definitely. A good mixture of both, since you'll have sufficient time during their visit. I'm thinking low key photographs would be very dramatic and quite lovely.
--Bob
--Bob
Bruce Hudson wrote:
I am new to low-key portrait photography and my 2 ... (show quote)
Sep 23, 2020 09:47:00 #
Sep 23, 2020 09:53:07 #
Here you go.
--Bob
--Bob
Fotoartist wrote:
I am not sure what that is. Love to see an example. Thanks.
Sep 23, 2020 10:04:40 #
Great example, Bob - mostly used for male protraits, but can be highly effective for some female portraits and nudes of both sexes.
Sep 23, 2020 10:09:06 #
Bruce Hudson wrote:
I am new to low-key portrait photography and my 2 ... (show quote)
Bruce, One of my favorite portraits of my son at about 2 years old had him sitting in the bright sun through a window on his right (my left). Though it was not as “low key” as your example, it could easily be made so with a little post processing. Taken nearly 40 years ago, on film, I would have to scan it in but could easily lower the low key tones. I think it would have been wonderful, and the fact that it was a child didn’t detract from that. It was quiet and dramatic. jak
Sep 23, 2020 21:23:37 #
That was just the first one I could find quickly. The majority of the nude photographs I've taken were low key. A few have won awards. The surprising thing was one aware was at a family-oriented Motorola Arts and Crafts Festival. The judges were from the ASU art dept.
--Bob
--Bob
Ourspolair wrote:
Great example, Bob - mostly used for male protraits, but can be highly effective for some female portraits and nudes of both sexes.
Sep 24, 2020 03:04:35 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
rmalarz wrote:
That was just the first one I could find quickly. The majority of the nude photographs I've taken were low key. A few have won awards. The surprising thing was one aware was at a family-oriented Motorola Arts and Crafts Festival. The judges were from the ASU art dept.
--Bob
--Bob
Here is a link to a whole bunch, including your example.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS697US697&sxsrf=ALeKk01tlwSbE2mjIL-SWn6ccBogPGXAAw:1600930868802&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=low+key+photography&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibqPqdnIHsAhULnOAKHcTNB_wQjJkEegQIBBAB&biw=2195&bih=1093
Sep 24, 2020 06:16:19 #
Bruce Hudson wrote:
I am new to low-key portrait photography and my 2 ... (show quote)
Thinking back to when my grandchildren were that age , how well the child listens is key. When you decide/try to taka a individual picture don't dilly dally. The same with group pictures. Unstructured grabshots will probably be the most productive. Remember that age is not called ...the terrible two's for no reason.
Sep 24, 2020 08:39:26 #
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.
Sep 24, 2020 09:19:44 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
Bruce Hudson wrote:
I am new to low-key portrait photography and my 2 ... (show quote)
I would recommend something like High Speed Sync for better low key results.
Sep 24, 2020 10:35:32 #
Kozan
Loc: Trenton Tennessee
Bruce Hudson wrote:
I am new to low-key portrait photography and my 2 ... (show quote)
Bruce, Here is a photo taken from a photography magazine...
from Photopreneur magazine 2018
Sep 24, 2020 12:16:22 #
Sep 24, 2020 14:40:31 #
As for posing a child I found it best to try to capture them in a natural position and not try to pose them. Getting down on their level and just find something that will get their attention and sit there and shoot. Lighting is something you're going to have to play with and figure out how the child will react to whatever you're giving them to get their attention. The very first thing you should do is to make friends with them and get their confidence and trust. Good luck and I hope you get some shots you can be proud of.
David
David
Sep 24, 2020 15:29:39 #
StaneeRae
Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA
The Waldens were known for low-key portraits.
https://www.waldensphotography.com/relationship-black-and-white
https://www.waldensphotography.com/relationship-black-and-white
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