Assignment #27: Portraits

[matthew]

Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.
- Oscar Wilde

People are a popular subject for photography, from family and friends to strangers on the street. A good portrait is more that just a snapshot, and should capture the essence of the subject - or, for those who agree with Mr. Wilde, should show some hint of the relationship with the photographer. Personally, I'm undecided on whether a portrait can be seen as only an image of the subject or as a reflection of the photographer. I suspect that the truth typically lies somewhere in the middle, but this is a great time to explore these relationships.

While taking new images is always encouraged, portraits can also be a craft that takes extensive practice to master. Archived favourites are also welcomed, but I'd appreciate a few words on why you've chosen, or how you produced, your images.

[RocketRick]

Isn't this Assignment #27, not #26?

Thanks,

- Rick

[matthew]

I am sooo slipping... Corrected, thank you.

This is probably as good a time as any to admit that I almost never photograph people.

[shrinkpictures]

Ok, I am going to be a bit brave on this one and show a (very) recent self-portrait. Background - My passport needs renewing and while I was taking my passport shot I decided to process one a bit more than is acceptable for this purpose - hence the static, non-emotional pose.

Shot with the E3, 50-200 @96mm. Outside with cloud diffused sun hitting the backdrop about 8 feet behind me, 2 fl-36's - 1 to the left hand higher, 1 to the right and lower and a tad further back. Both diffused with white shoot thru brolly's.

Sure, it is not "perfect" as whilst not quite in the "godfrey class of hardly ever" I don't often shoot people.

http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13911&stc=1&d=1237110474

One day I hope to shoot and process portraits like Lawrence.

[arteacher]

Looks very much like a Chuck Close painting. Google him up to see the comparison.

[nrgaudet]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/3353752915_e3fcc1fc9d.jpg

While not my most favorite technically perfect portrait, I chose this one as the smile is one I see nearly every day. My daughter often squints when she laughs at my jokes (which I don't think she normally understands). It was raining, and she was being a good sport. It didn't hurt that I promised a trip to Tim Hortons.

Shot with E3, 50-200 SWD lens at 50mm. Colour of the barn behind her was saturated more and then I brightened her face a little with the brush in Lightroom.

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

Shrink*,
For some reason, it looks like the black sign board is missing, "INMATE 84950433"
:)

The pic of me on my old Costco card looked like Charlie Manson's twin brother:nailbiting:
Seriously though, the lighting looks good and the processing has the edgy thing going on very well

[shrinkpictures]

Thanks Jim - now you be as brave.....

[JJHolmes]

From my most recent photo job-
A beautiful little girl with such a wonderful spirit and genuiness.

http://www.1point4photo.com/photos/489759068_wUcZC-XL.jpg

[BL3]

My friend "Gonzo"--No one is safe when I have a camera in hand....

http://bl3.smugmug.com/photos/478420435_2DEkb-L.jpg

E-3, PL 25, ISO 100, F5.6, 1/50, converted in Lightroom .

Rocky

[sgtrockin]

Not sure what size to make these files large on here LOL

[fallenleafs]

My friend Ariel. Taken with an E-3 & 50-200.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3232149763_fd7e0aba77_b.jpg
Ariel Photoshoot 1 by Fallen Leaf Photography, on Flickr (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3232149763_fd7e0aba77_b.jpg)

[CharlesT]

One of the managers at my work. As you can tell, he's generally a happy guy. This image captures his personality very well.

E-300 and 40-150 lens right out of the camera @ ISO400.

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p510041280-5.jpg

[Will in Tejas]

My granddaughter after finishing an ice cream cone. E510 with the ZD 70-300.

13959

[SkyWriter]

Matthew -

Are animal portraits permitted?

-leon

[JillR]

This is definitely a portrait that speaks about the subject and who she is. Trendy. A girl with attitude. Beautiful. And such a poser. A typical tween!

When you look at her...you definitely see some of me...mainly because I'm her mother.

E-30, 50mm, f/2.8, ISO 200


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/3316796960_c3a29b36f7.jpg
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/3316796960_c3a29b36f7.jpg)

[RocketRick]

Here's one I took last month of my buddy, Gary (who's unfortunately a Canon shooter):

http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14031&stc=1&d=1237475621

[Neddog]

My girlfriend:
http://mediamainline.com/photos/porcelain_girl_web.jpg

E-510 with Zuiko 70-300mm, single FL-36R flash + halogen lamp (if I remember correctly).

[Alan Baxter]

My girlfriend:
http://mediamainline.com/photos/porcelain_girl_web.jpg

E-510 with Zuiko 70-300mm, single FL-36R flash + halogen lamp (if I remember correctly).


You need to get out more.

[nrgaudet]

Jill and Jeff,

Your two portraits were equally eye catching to me. Great job!

[Neddog]

You need to get out more.

I can't - I'm afraid I'll drop her and break her. She's very fragile, y'know. :o

[surfstar]

My father and nephew.
I don't really do portraits, but snapped one that I like on our last Yosemite trip: I love how sharp the 50-200 is, but sometimes that's not the best for portraits - you can see my nephews "boo-boo" from our sledding incident he day before ;) and my dad said "who's the old man in that one?"

[bilzmale]

My daughter and newest grandson.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3349808439_e15535c532_o.jpg

[ShepherdLady]

This I'm sure many of you have already seen. But I was able to crop out the weed that was by her right shoulder. This is one of the best portraits I've taken. And I haven't taken very many!http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3364000253_a4bdb8e731.jpg

It was in the golden hour and the wind was starting to whip up.

A lot of my photo's didn't come out, but I did get a few keepers. This was one of them. I think this captures her bubbly, happy personality.

[Carloskbco]

This is what I really like to learn one day, and do it so nice as Lawrence, JHolmes, AndreK and others...I just keep on trying, a recent one of my now 8 year old daughter...

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/448265592_zLbss-L.jpg


Shot with my E-510 and 70mm (50mm f2 macro + 1.4EC)

Carlos

[JJHolmes]

Jill and Jeff,

Your two portraits were equally eye catching to me. Great job!


Thank you sir!

[JJHolmes]

Hi Carlos-
Beautiful shot, she is getting so big. And thank you for the kind words.

[fallenleafs]

Here is one from my latest shoot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3364183998_9d05f9611e_b.jpg
Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallenleafs/3364183998/)

[fallenleafs]

My father and nephew.
I love how sharp the 50-200 is, but sometimes that's not the best for portraits - you can see my nephews "boo-boo" from our sledding incident he day before ;) and my dad said "who's the old man in that one?"

Reminds me of myself when I was little.One year 2 days before school started I had a skateboard accident & got road rash on my cheek and forehead pretty badly. I really made my parents a nervous wreck...

[ThePhilosopher]

Self-Portrait:
http://www.thoughtful-imagery.com/Personal/Random/MyUglyMug_0003.jpg

[arteacher]

Here is my offering: My grandson Jaiden, shot with L1 50mm f2 at f2, iso 100 FL50 flash with bounce card. This a rare shot of him not smiling- he is usually Quite a ham.14113

[cifcap]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/3353752915_e3fcc1fc9d.jpg

While not my most favorite technically perfect portrait, I chose this one as the smile is one I see nearly every day. My daughter often squints when she laughs at my jokes (which I don't think she normally understands). It was raining, and she was being a good sport. It didn't hurt that I promised a trip to Tim Hortons.

Shot with E3, 50-200 SWD lens at 50mm. Colour of the barn behind her was saturated more and then I brightened her face a little with the brush in Lightroom.
I like the colors and sitter's expression. Many of the best photos are ones that aren't textbook perfect. I hope to have one to post soon.

Keep shooting,

[ikemann]

this is a good friend (and colleague) of mine here in poland. i shot this at my birthday get-together at a local watering spot. i love to take her picture (sometimes much to her chagrin), she's a great sport and is always expressive.

this was with my e-520 and zuiko 50mm f:1.8 wide open.

cheers :)!

[lk13]

Oly E3, Leica Summilux 25mm..

[BDTROUT]

This is a photo of my my mom and I that I took a few months ago.She is at her last days with a brain tumor and is close to losing her battle.
This is by far the best photo of us together.She did not want her pic taken, so I promised my big head would hide most of hers.
Taken with a E-410 and 14-42 nat light and remote shutter release, pp in bibble and psp X1.
BDT

[JillR]

Jill and Jeff,

Your two portraits were equally eye catching to me. Great job!

Thank you very much! :) It looks as though you have a poser on your hands as well! :)

[lkeeney]

Here is one from a recent photo shoot.

http://www.blackcanyonsystems.com/4-3/Amber18.jpg

Lawrence

[Bandy]

This is one of my Dad, I love it and it is still one of my favourite photos but my Mum just thinks it is creepy.

Shot using the 50-200mm workhorse.

http://bandy.smugmug.com/photos/134666891_Xg4xQ-O.jpg

[Neddog]

lol... Your mom's right actually, it is kinda creepy. :D But a great photo nonetheless!

[Riley]

just messin, would you believe 9mm portrait
E3 F4.5, 1/40th sec, ISO100, 9mm
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z179/realink_album/Portraits/13StMarksWoodside103_internet.jpg
http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/File:%20-%20D:%5CREAL%20INK%5CEDIT%5CR&H%20Oakbank%5CR&H%20O%2013%20StMarks%20Woodside%5CKids%5C13%20StMa rks%20Woodside%20103_internet.jpg

[lkeeney]

Last night I got a last minute request to shoot a business portrait for an Engineer. I very seldom get a chance to photograph men, so this was something different for me. This image is to be used on a business web site.

All comments welcome.

http://www.blackcanyonsystems.com/4-3/Dave.jpg

Lawrence

[Neddog]

I think it's good, Lawrence! Well done classic look...

[CharlesT]

Taken this past Saturday. This is about my favorite of the entire shoot...

E-300 & 40-150mm lens...

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p998075054-5.jpg

[lkeeney]

Taken this past Saturday. This is about my favorite of the entire shoot...

E-300 & 40-150mm lens...

http://charlest.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p998075054-5.jpg

You have to love that setting sun.

Lawrence

[RocketRick]

Last night I got a last minute request to shoot a business portrait for an Engineer. I very seldom get a chance to photograph men, so this was something different for me. This image is to be used on a business web site.

All comments welcome.

http://www.blackcanyonsystems.com/4-3/Dave.jpg

Lawrence

Very nice, Lawrence.

My only (very small) quibble is that the second catch light in his right eye (camera left) is a bit distracting, because there isn't a matching one in his other eye. I'm probably only noticing it because the lighting is otherwise darn-near perfect, and very flattering overall. (Your request for comments also prompted me to look the portrait over with a more critical eye.)

If it were during the shoot, I might move the fill light further to camera left to eliminate the second catch light (or move it off the iris and on to the sclera, where it would be much less noticeable). Post-shoot, I'd think about touching it up in PS, perhaps by cloning a bit of iris from the other eye, or just selectively darkening that spot a bit to take the second catch light down a peg or two in brightness. (I always forget whether that's called "dodging" or "burning"....)

Bottom line: it's a darn nice portrait!

To improve my own photography, I've been following David "Strobist" Hobby's advice to try to reconstruct the lighting setup for other people's photos. If you can confirm or correct my analysis and conclusions about your setup for this portrait, I'd appreciate it:

Your background lighting is very smooth and even, there's a diffuse highlight on his forehead, and what appears to be a rectangular catch light in both eyes. I'm guessing that he was standing about 4-5 feet in front of a grey seamless background paper, with his left foot on a stool, and that he was primarily lit by a large softbox that was placed high and a little bit to camera right.

The white edge providing separation of his left side (camera right), and the lack of shadows on the background, lead me to believe that there's a large reflector or a relatively diffuse light source (but probably a reflector of some sort) behind him but in front of the background, located out of frame to camera right.

The second catch light (and its shape, size, and position) lead me to suspect a second strobe, dialed down a few stops from the main strobe's level. It's located low and to camera left, and appears to have only a small diffuser if any (probably none), and it is aimed more towards the other reflector (which is to camera left, opposite the first reflector) to mainly illuminate the background rather than being aimed directly towards the subject.

I'm pretty sure that this is just a two-light setup: main in softbox, fill either bare or with just a small diffuser, reflectors to both sides for smooth even background and separation lighting.

How close did I come?

Thanks for sharing,

- Rick D.

[Viperman500]

My girlfriend:
http://mediamainline.com/photos/porcelain_girl_web.jpg

E-510 with Zuiko 70-300mm, single FL-36R flash + halogen lamp (if I remember correctly).

PATHETIC

[sgtrockin]

Yesterday playing

[Cathy1973]

Here's a few I've taken... One is my nephew, the other two pictures are of my god-daughter. :)

[Lohani]

Yes I used a silly built-in filter, but it was my first day with the camera!
hehe

===

bandy, i love that pic of your dad!

[Lohani]

Last night I got a last minute request to shoot a business portrait for an Engineer. I very seldom get a chance to photograph men, so this was something different for me. This image is to be used on a business web site.

All comments welcome.

http://www.blackcanyonsystems.com/4-3/Dave.jpg

Lawrence

i would have photoshopped the chin area and forehead a bit for him
great job tho!

[Alan Baxter]

E3 12-60mm @ 40mm; ISO 800; 1/125 sec F5.6

[brandon_parry]

1111

[cifcap]

Is the 12-60mm a slow lens?
It depends on the lighting conditions. In my case since the E-300 lacks image stabilization, I've had to use ISO-800 and 1600 to shoot handheld.

[Alan Baxter]

E3 12-60mm @ 40mm; ISO 800; 1/125 sec F5.6

The camera was fairly new and I had just crossed road from the shaded side of the street. I mostly work on A priority, and like F5-ish for "normal pictures" (roughly matches depth of field of human eye). With more time, I agree, I should have stopped up and decreased ISO. I also had IS on (at that time I always had it on) so I did have some room to move.


At 40mm, I guess the maximum aperture would be a little wider than F4 on the 12-60.

Mostly put it down to unfamiliarity with the camera. Now, I'd go for IS on, F4(ish) ISO 200, 1/60 sec (ish), or even ISO 100 and 1/30 sec.


Regards,

Alan

[ibtjh]

Just one of my favorite portraits............a young man contemplating life!

[wisertime]

http://wisertime.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p398800669-4.jpg

[eelect]

From my oldest 4.5 years old
http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15099&stc=1&d=1239685990

[luis391]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3822862419_a308133bee.jpg

Well, this is my contribution. Comments are welcome
Greetings

[barkly]

A lovely Indian family.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g289/vh-grumpy/People/2010March8Indianfamily-2.jpg

[lalo wilson]

my daughter
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3891650372_9288d04fcc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lalo_wilson/3891650372/)

[Rich33584]

Hey, new guy here.Been lurking for a few weeks now. I picked up an E-520 a couple months ago. Im still learning the ropes, but having fun learning.
This is my son. Shot outside at ISO 400 when I was experimenting with an OM 50mm 1.8.
http://www.helmetsstuff.com/images/luke_outside.jpg

[danswayne]

27708

Portrait of my wife. Pic was taken in China, and they seem to use highlights differently from us over here. Anyone got any thoughts on good and bad aspects of this photo?

[Dawes]

I've had a couple of sessions in a studio but just learning about portraiture just now, but here's a couple of my favourites so far.

[kevinparis]

a couple from an e-510 using Nikkor lenses

105/2.5
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4904445986_5df3fae547_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinparis2007/4904445986/)
self #9 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinparis2007/4904445986/) by kevinparis (http://www.flickr.com/people/kevinparis2007/), on Flickr


50/1.2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4787701243_5a29a409f4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinparis2007/4787701243/)
Self #1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinparis2007/4787701243/) by kevinparis (http://www.flickr.com/people/kevinparis2007/), on Flickr

cheers

Kevin

[Alan Baxter]

I've had a couple of sessions in a studio but just learning about portraiture just now, but here's a couple of my favourites so far.

The Sinatra pose would be much more convincing if it wasn't obvious he'd gone to your studio to object to you taking his photo! I'd try again in street or a cafe. It is otherwise a nice shot.

Regards,

Alan

[wayne dupuis]

Friends.
E3 50-200
No Flash

[Will in Tejas]

A new one. My wife.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4663193352_ecb11b13f1_z.jpg

[JohnF]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w233/JohnF1956/P52931628x6.jpg

[noohoggin1]

senior portrait using the good ol' 50mm/f2 outdoors with just a reflector for fill.

[cifcap]

This shot was from my second photo shoot that took place in Stuttgart Germany. The model's name is Emel and she hails from Bulgaria.

Shot data as follows:

40-150mm (1st Gen) at 150mm, f/4.5, 1/160sec, @ ISO-400 FL-50 used for fill

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr166/MetalHalide/Emel/Emel15.jpg (http://s480.photobucket.com/albums/rr166/MetalHalide/Emel/?action=view&current=Emel15.jpg)

[Leonard]

Comments welcome.

[dugger13]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2ijeUfQFP0w/TLTxEcs_QvI/AAAAAAABbio/C8HFM7DVDJw/s800/PA122338.JPG


My sister. taken with the e-520, jpg out of the camera. 70-300 zuiko lens

[om-4]

Some animal poses from a dance.

E-30 with 50/2.0 @ 5.6
5 flashes were used and it all barely fit in my livingroom. Actually I was standing in the hallway.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5072140720_da6428968c_b.jpg

[s4ean]

Experimenting with the DMC-L1 & 25mm f2.8 @ 6.3... natural lighting :)

http://allurexpressions.com/retouching/P1000469.jpg

[gunnerx]

My daughter when I was testing out the studio equipment when I first got it.

http://photos.gunnerx.ca/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=13630&g2_serialNumber=1

[fivekatz]

A very stylized use of ring flash. Used the E-30 w/ 12-60 at 42mm, with the FL-50R and a Orbis attachment. PP in LR3 and PS-CS5.

[fivekatz]

Fill flash, E-5 w/ 50-200 @ 104mm, ISO 200. PP in LR3 and PS-CS5.

[fivekatz]

And here is one using 2 point light. Twin FL-50R's, one in 60 x 60 cm softbox and one in a 42 inch umbrella. E-5 with 12-60 @ 60mm shot at ISO 200, f 4, 1/60th.

PP in LR3 and PS-CS5.

[fivekatz]

One last one taken during the blue hour with the 12-60 at 38mm, E-5 with fill flash using the FL-50R @ ISO 200. PP was in LR4 and PS-CS5.

[averageleverage]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6588605157_35c752cff9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53033547@N06/6588605157/)

a street shot i did sometime back

[chuonggio]

I'm learning how to take a portrait. Shoot with E-5 + 50F2.0.

43465

[Ddaside88]

Portraiture shooting is not something I do, and normally I don't shoot people. However, after going to a couple of powwows earlier this year, that might change. Some are ps'd to remove background that detracted from the beauty of the regalia, others are pretty much SOOC except for adjustments like curves, shadow/highlight.

I hope this isn't too many to post.