Assignment 208: Principles of location photography: Theme 1: Natural Portraits

Theme:

My theme is centred around natural portraits of people- friends, family and people at work.

Intended purpose of theme undertaken:

The aim of my chosen theme for this assignment is to produce a portfolio of natural portraits of people as they go about their normal activities.  I would like to capture images where the subject does not appear to be posing for the camera, but captures life as it happens.

Through the assignment I will look to demonstrate my understanding of the most appropriate equipment to use and how to compose an image to convey a story.

Research and Stimulus:

My research will look to identify photographers whose work I would like to emulate in my 10 final images.  I will looking to understand how they achieved the final output - equipment, location and techniques they used to produce the final effect.

Equipment and materials to be used:

I have two cameras available to use:

• Nikon D70 - lens: 18-70mm and a 70mm-300mm
• Nikon coolpix compact camera

The main camera in use will be the Nikon to allow greater freedom in composition of the images, however the compact camera may provide additional opportune images as this camera is more portable.

Additional equipment that may be required:

• A tripod for stability
• Alternative lighting sources - such as a flashgun or reflector
• Remote triggers 
• Photographic software to manipulate images 

Consideration in the use of additional of the equipment will be dependent on the planned location and the desired effect.

Techniques to be used:

For this theme I want to concentrate on the facial expressions, and skin texture - with the background playing a minimal part of the composition.

Lighting conditions likely to be encountered and impacts:


Lighting can be critical in a portrait, particularly in extreme close up work, and if the images are to be taken or converted to black an white.

As many of the images are likely to be inside I will need to identify how to compensate for this through use of lighting techniques, and how this might alter or affect the emotion of the final image.

Safety considerations:


The main safety considerations will safe positioning of the camera and equipment to avoid tripping hazards or damage to the equipment.