The most essential factor in creating a successful, salable portrait
is properly lighting the face. But, every face is different, and, each
face type requires a different style of lighting. It is imperative
that the photographer realizes this. From the subjects’ complexion
and facial size, to their clothing, hair color and setting, there are
many aspects to consider when lighting a client. The photographer must
also take into consideration what type of product the client wants:
senior portrait, bridal portrait, glamour or professional. Each one of
these requires something different. Properly and efficiently
addressing all of these factors will set you and your business apart
from the competition. In this book, Smith focuses on teaching
photographers how to conceptualize and produce portraits that will
please the client. He emphasizes that he is not creating his own
artistic vision, but that he is crafting what the client wants. That
is not to say the results aren’t artful and creative. Both of those
things are very important, as Smith shows, but the main goal as a
successful professional photographer is to create portraits that the
subject wants to buy. Smith advises photographers to be aware of a
subject’s self-image when creating the portrait, being sure not to
light them in a manner that is unflattering or distorted. Success in
creating salable portraits relies as much on understanding people and
the way our self image functions as it does understanding the proper
techniques of lighting. First, Smith discusses the differences between
face types and what to be aware of when setting up the lighting for
each. Proper metering and placement of light source are essential to
controlling your highlights, your shadowing and the transition area in
between. Establishing a system for modifying your lighting setup for
each subject is emphasized. The concept of Camera Sight, or
visualizing the finished photo ahead of time to look for potential
problem areas, is very important. As Smith admits, this skill comes
with experience. Where he once had to take many test shots to pick out
these issues, he is now able to able to see them before he shoots a
single frame. This is a skill that develops over time with training
and practice. The author then explains the differences between
shooting in a studio and shooting on location, both indoors and
outdoors. Different equipment is required for each scenario, but the
equipment used for shooting outdoors can even differ depending on the
time of day. While the most ideal natural light occurs just after
sunrise or just before sunset, most customers do not want to have
their portraits taken at 5am or late in the day. So, the photographer
needs to be prepared to shoot in the harsh midday sun. In addition to
lighting the face, the photographer must find usable light to
illuminate the background properly. Smith details the lighting system
he uses for outdoor portraiture and presents it in the context of his
shooting experiences. While studio shoots provide greater levels of
comfort and consistency compared to a location shoot, there are still
many things required to get that perfect shot. Properly applying fill,
accent light and shadowing are just as important in the studio as they
are on location. Understanding the concepts of traditional lighting
allows the photographer to consistently create studio portraits that
will please any customer. The most important part of the face to light
properly is the eyes. Smith explains in detail what factors a
successful photographer must consider to get the final portrait every
client wants. Whether it is a difference in the size of the client’s
eyes or ears, asymmetrical lips, or a crooked nose, there are ways to
light these to correct the differences. Using artistry and creative
vision to adapt from the comfort of studio shoots to the complicated
and diverse demands of location shoots, Smith provides the reader with
the tools to capture what the client wants every time.
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Lighting, Posing, and Postproduction Techniques for Flawless Portraits
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781608956883
Publisert
2014
Utgiver
Vendor
Amherst Media
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter