This Portrait workshop was pushed back by two weeks due to the snow causing the university to close and then our tutor was showing and demonstrating the equipment during the week 7 session. In week 8, we were finally able to use the photography equipment ourselves. Our group was quite small in this workshop which proved beneficial as we could work in groups of three and were able to have a longer time taking photos each. This also helped us to get more familiar with the cameras and how to direct models effectively. I worked with Rebecca and Cassie in the workshop and we each took it in turns to be the photographer, the model and the lighting assistant. As the photographer, I gave some direction to the model such as a direction to look or a persona to take on. Below are the photos that I took which I like the most.
Although the first two photos have some light spillage across the model’s face, I still like the way the light behind her hits the edge of her hair, creating an outline and separating her from the black background. In the second photo, the lighting stand is visible in the background so I would either crop it out to make a head shot as opposed to its current torso shot. Alternatively, I could use Photoshop to erase it. I also liked the Rembrandt style lighting in the first two photos because it defines the contours of the model’s face and highlights the high points of her face such as the cheekbones (particularly on the second photo). We diffused the light in front of the model which created a softer light and made the shadows less harsh.
I enjoyed changing backgrounds to the light blue because it allowed us to practice with changing the lighting settings on the camera for working in a lighter environment with slightly harsher and more direct lighting. By having the model central in the photo, I have made her appear more forward and direct. This is enhanced in the second one where she is looking directly down the lens at the viewer. The hand positioning in both photos implies thoughtfulness and intelligence. I asked her in the first photo to look at a fixed point to the side of her which could suggest to the viewer that she is pondering over something that the viewer cannot see. I did this intentionally to cause the audience to be intrigued as to what she is looking at. The colour blue has connotations of intelligence and calmness which I believe fits well with the model’s positioning. In the last photo, I held the camera horizontally, creating empty space on both sides of the model. This space could be used effectively in a magazine as the space could be filled with text. The background is one plain colour which ewould work well as it wouldn’t overpower the text
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