Assignment 208:Principles of Location Photography: Theme 1: People Portraits

People Portraits: Attempt 1

My objective for Theme 1 is to capture close-up facial portraits of subjects in their own surroundings.  In my first shoot I was aiming to emulate the style of Jane Bowen and Steve Pyke.

The images were taken in colour and then converted to black & white.  

I arranged to visit my friends one Sunday afternoon - I had briefed them on my colleague course, and took my laptop so that I could show them my research blogs to give an idea of what I was trying to achieve.

I planned the visit for early afternoon when there would still be sufficient light to capture the images using natural light.  Although towards the end of the afternoon I did have to resort to flash.

Equipment:

I used my Nikon D70, with a fixed focal lens of 105mm.  This is a good lens for portrait photography - allowing me to capture skin tone and facial detail without having to get to close to the subject - allowing them room to behave naturally.  This was the first time I had used this lens in manual and I did struggle at times to get crisp images.

I also had a tripod on hand to help with stability when using lower shutter speeds to compensate for the failing light.  I had to be careful with the tripod as there was not a lot of room due to furniture, and there were a couple of dogs floating around.  

Technique:

I started the afternoon just by talking with my camera in hand.  Then I started to shoot.  All the time I was encouraging my friends to just talk - about anything - and to relax.  I found that as time progressed they became less conscious of the camera and when I was taking photo's.

The camera was operated in manual at all times.  

I tried to remember at all times the words from Jane Bowen - that a great picture is a combination of the photographer and the subject and it is about capturing a defining moment.

ISO 200, f5, 1/60, focal length 105mm

Converted to black and white:

ISO 200, f5, 1/60, focal length 105mm

ISO 200, f3, 1/40, focal length 105mm

Converted to black and white - with some attempt to lighten the shadows on the left hand side of the face.

Their daughter was totally wrapped up a problem she was having with her PC - this was the moment that it all became too much.

ISO 200, f3.5, 1/80, focal length 105mm

Converted to black and white.  I liked this photo - it reminded me of the Jane Bowen picture of Bjork - where Bjork is just peeping out from behind her hands.

ISO 200, f3.5, 1/80, focal length 105mm

I liked this photo - I was trying to capture a profile similiar to the veteran photo in my research of Steve Pyke.  A little more sharpness around the rest of the face would have been good - but the mouth and the nose are strong - and the lines around the eyes are good - and the hint of the earring in the ear help give this character.

ISO 200, f3, 1/15, focal length 105mm

There us a slight motion blur around the eyes as she moved her head at the last minute - but her smile is so natural.

ISO 200, f3.5, 1/80, focal length 105mm

Jane Bowen talked about capturing a feature that related to your subject - and that is why I liked this image with the tatoo on the wrist just showing.

I enjoyed this shoot - I found that I could make my 'models' relax through talking, and that it was possible to use the light around the house without resorting to flash.

I need to research a few more portrait photographers now, and plan to repeat my sessions to gain confidence in my use of the camera, and in finding those defining moments.