Environmental Natural Light Portraits - Seeing in a Whole New Light!
Excellent Negative (Digital or Analog). Excellent Print.
Regardless of whether it is for print competition or for a customer, without
getting the image on the negative first, we will be unable to produce a top
quality print. This program addresses all aspects of the use of natural light.
(a) Learning to see and control light:
- Looking for proper light
direction with natural light controls to avoid "raccoon eyes".
Making sure subject and background do not compete for attention.
- Evaluating light quality at
close range to eliminate overhead lighting.
- In open shade, looking for a
one-directional source of light, low to the horizon, at the right time of
day.
- Proper "angle of
incidence vs angle of reflectance" produces brilliant highlights.
(b) Color temperature control:
- Eliminating cyan (blue/green cold
color cast) with the use of Singh-Ray SRUV filter.
- Digital considerations for color temperature.
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(c) Correct density and contrast:
- Highlight and shadow.
- Proper metering; proper rating
of film.
- Use of reflectors.
(d) Correct Composition:
- Natural posing of feet and
hands.
- The "Golden Mean" in
composition.
(e) Use of Accessories:
- The Lindahl Double Bellows
lens shade for proper vignetting.
- Differential focusing using a
150mm lens.
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(f) Lighting Balance (Contrast):
- Keeping within the printing
range of your paper.
(g) Communication with Subject:
- Before ... Proper clothing
selection.
- During ... To evoke natural
and unforced expressions.
(h) Preselling:
- Price
- Clothing
- Storytelling - feeling and
emotion - interactive portraits.
- Promoting your work as
photographic art.
Use of texture screens.
Art principles of matting and framing.
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All these steps allow the photographer to make less expensive prints
that require no burning or dodging or other custom work. This results in
a greater financial gain and a better print for your customer or
competition. This program is supplemented by the use of PowerPoint
presentations.
If possible, depending on the time of day or weather, he will conduct a
"hands-on" session in an outdoor location, with a couple or family.
Summary
Having a thorough knowledge of natural, subtractive light outdoors, combined with a
theme or activity of a couple or family , photographed in an interactive, pictorial style with a choice of an Impressionistic lens or and/or the addition of texture screens at the lab
or a choice of Photoshop filters ie. Watercolour, ensures an unique portrait. A vital element is a planning session and a PowerPoint presentation to music, not only to pre-sell a concept, but also to to allow the client to select a location that is special, as well as the importance of proper clothing that is colour complementary to the scene.
