Sexy, intimate and tasteful, which is what everyone woman wants in her boudoir photographs.
Orcatek Boudoir Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Showing posts with label Portraits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Portraits. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A little bit shy
Great boudoir photographs are about mood. Black and white seems to set a mood very quickly, add some dramatic lighting and a classic pose and you get this.
Sexy, intimate and tasteful, which is what everyone woman wants in her boudoir photographs.
Orcatek Boudoir Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Sexy, intimate and tasteful, which is what everyone woman wants in her boudoir photographs.
Orcatek Boudoir Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Family Fun
This week I shot a ton of fun people. One family session was a great time. And with any family this is always a standout. I think everyone will agree that she is too cute.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Photography - How to succeed part 2
Last week I wrote about providing the clients what they want. Today I am going to spend some time going over another key area in being a successful photographer – working with your clients during the shoot. If you shy and want to hide behind your camera, shooting people is not where you should be. But photographing products, nature or architecture may be a better area for you to specialize.
Unless you are shooting a professional model, most people need direction to create a photograph that they will love. You will even hear the person say “I hate having my photo taken” or “I’m not very photogenic.” Getting to the root cause of these thoughts will help you create the images desired.
I go for the direct approach by asking “What makes you feel that you are not photogenic?” or “Why do you hate having your photo taken?” Very often their answers will be easily addressed during the session. Sometimes it just creative posing and other times it is going for the less staged portrait. The key is to understand their concern and relieve it.
To get natural smiles I have a running dialog during the shoot, telling really bad jokes and general being a bit silly. Sometimes I talk about movies or TV. Just find an interest of theirs and talk about it. This will take them away from thinking about the photos and get them relaxed enough to create great photographs.
You may have seen that commercial where the dad says “I know all the songs from High School Musical.” The child is embarrassed by the singing and dancing dad. But by being aware of the world of your subject you can relax them. Shoot younger kids know Sponge Bob. You get the idea.
Another thing to consider is shooting with music. Have clients bring an mp3 player of their favorite songs to patch into the sound system. If they don’t bring one, ask what station they want on the radio.
And of course, getting feedback as soon as possible helps so much. Some photographers hate showing the clients the LCD. I find that limited use can be a huge benefit. Nothing works more to put a client at ease then showing them a great shot on the LCD.
And of course a running commentary on the shots helps too. I am always saying “Wow!” or “Amazing!” or “This is a great shot” etc. Your positive chatter boosts your client. And the best part is, you should being telling the truth. These are great shots of the client.
So what it comes down to is making the client feel comfortable. You need to remove the stress and make the photography session a fun experience. You need to very quickly develop a relationship with the client. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of very successful photographers and thoughts are common across the group.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Unless you are shooting a professional model, most people need direction to create a photograph that they will love. You will even hear the person say “I hate having my photo taken” or “I’m not very photogenic.” Getting to the root cause of these thoughts will help you create the images desired.
I go for the direct approach by asking “What makes you feel that you are not photogenic?” or “Why do you hate having your photo taken?” Very often their answers will be easily addressed during the session. Sometimes it just creative posing and other times it is going for the less staged portrait. The key is to understand their concern and relieve it.
To get natural smiles I have a running dialog during the shoot, telling really bad jokes and general being a bit silly. Sometimes I talk about movies or TV. Just find an interest of theirs and talk about it. This will take them away from thinking about the photos and get them relaxed enough to create great photographs.
You may have seen that commercial where the dad says “I know all the songs from High School Musical.” The child is embarrassed by the singing and dancing dad. But by being aware of the world of your subject you can relax them. Shoot younger kids know Sponge Bob. You get the idea.
Another thing to consider is shooting with music. Have clients bring an mp3 player of their favorite songs to patch into the sound system. If they don’t bring one, ask what station they want on the radio.
And of course, getting feedback as soon as possible helps so much. Some photographers hate showing the clients the LCD. I find that limited use can be a huge benefit. Nothing works more to put a client at ease then showing them a great shot on the LCD.
And of course a running commentary on the shots helps too. I am always saying “Wow!” or “Amazing!” or “This is a great shot” etc. Your positive chatter boosts your client. And the best part is, you should being telling the truth. These are great shots of the client.
So what it comes down to is making the client feel comfortable. You need to remove the stress and make the photography session a fun experience. You need to very quickly develop a relationship with the client. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of very successful photographers and thoughts are common across the group.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Studio Construction Continues
Studio construction continues as we race towards a May 1 completion. Painting is scheduled to begin Wednesday on the main studio. The lobby is scheduled for paint today.
So many things to get done, power, internet, alarms, audio systems, new locks, moving equipment, new furniture, permits, etc. Slowly but surely it moves on. We have our first scheduled shoot for May 2, sure hope we are ready!
BTW, if you need a great drywall guy in Phoenix, message me and I can hook you up.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Skylights in the Studio
The new studio is still in progress with the build out, but I couldn’t resist testing out the skylights to see if they were going to be as nice as I had hoped. They were better than I had hoped. Simply set the camera up - ISO 400, F5.6, 1/60 and shoot away.
Lots of freedom of movement around the studio area as the pool of light is very large. The skylights themselves are 4x8 and about 21 feet above the floor.
This sample shot is pretty much straight out of camera. I just cropped and reduced it in Photoshop.
We are still on schedule for a May 1 opening of The Studio. Back to the work to make sure everything gets done.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Lots of freedom of movement around the studio area as the pool of light is very large. The skylights themselves are 4x8 and about 21 feet above the floor.
This sample shot is pretty much straight out of camera. I just cropped and reduced it in Photoshop.
We are still on schedule for a May 1 opening of The Studio. Back to the work to make sure everything gets done.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Professional Make-up for Photography
Professional make-up for your photo shoot has many benefits for both the client and the photographer. I include make-up services in a lot of my packages and in others I let the client decide.
There are several benefits to the photographer. First is the reduction in the amount of time spent retouching. A good make-up artist (MUA) can make their skin look almost perfect. Additionally they keep the shine off the skin that some people get on their faces (both men and women). I hate retouching the shine off skin.
Now even if a client knows how to do their make-up (many are quite good), a professional MUA will be able to do things beyond this. Airbrushing the skin is one technique that yields awesome results that they provide. Additionally a MUA will be able to create specialized looks that fall outside the range of normal make-up. Classic pin-up is an example; another would be fashion make-up for model portfolios.
One of the benefits to my clients is how easy it is to just come to the studio and have everything handled for them. Many find it very relaxing to have their make-up done for them. We chat and joke around and get to know each other before the shoot. This puts the client at ease prior to the shoot, settling some of those pre-shoot jitters.
The MUA’s that I work with also travel to my location shoots. My clients love it when everything comes to them to make their shoot special. We’ve gone to client’s homes, hotels and even the middle of the desert. Every time the results were worth it.
Many MUA’s work in salons in addition to working with photographers. I have a team of MUA’s that I have used that provide incredible work. Having several on my team allows me to always have proven talent available when needed.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
There are several benefits to the photographer. First is the reduction in the amount of time spent retouching. A good make-up artist (MUA) can make their skin look almost perfect. Additionally they keep the shine off the skin that some people get on their faces (both men and women). I hate retouching the shine off skin.
Now even if a client knows how to do their make-up (many are quite good), a professional MUA will be able to do things beyond this. Airbrushing the skin is one technique that yields awesome results that they provide. Additionally a MUA will be able to create specialized looks that fall outside the range of normal make-up. Classic pin-up is an example; another would be fashion make-up for model portfolios.
One of the benefits to my clients is how easy it is to just come to the studio and have everything handled for them. Many find it very relaxing to have their make-up done for them. We chat and joke around and get to know each other before the shoot. This puts the client at ease prior to the shoot, settling some of those pre-shoot jitters.
The MUA’s that I work with also travel to my location shoots. My clients love it when everything comes to them to make their shoot special. We’ve gone to client’s homes, hotels and even the middle of the desert. Every time the results were worth it.
Many MUA’s work in salons in addition to working with photographers. I have a team of MUA’s that I have used that provide incredible work. Having several on my team allows me to always have proven talent available when needed.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Natural Light - Real or Fake
Natural light is a wondrous tool for photography. I had the opportunity yesterday to shoot in a room with a wall of north facing windows. The light coming in makes it so easy to create great images.
Great photographers through the years have often had studios with north facing windows and/or skylights. They knew that the light would give them amazing opportunities to create their work.
So you have two options in your studio. Option one is to have a wall of north facing windows to give you that great light. Windows on any side are still better than no windows. Other directions just are more or less effective depending on time of day. Sometimes I like windows with direct light on them to create the effect I want.
The other option is to fake a wall of north facing windows. To do this you need a good sized white wall. You then turn several strobes straight at the wall powered up a pretty good amount as they will be bouncing to create the light. A single strobe on a smaller white wall can work if you limit yourself to a smaller area. I like using the large wall as it just makes it easy for your model to move around the entire shooting area.
The faked wall is good, but not quite the same as the real thing. Sunlight just has a quality that the strobes can be made to come close to, but just miss.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Great photographers through the years have often had studios with north facing windows and/or skylights. They knew that the light would give them amazing opportunities to create their work.
So you have two options in your studio. Option one is to have a wall of north facing windows to give you that great light. Windows on any side are still better than no windows. Other directions just are more or less effective depending on time of day. Sometimes I like windows with direct light on them to create the effect I want.
The other option is to fake a wall of north facing windows. To do this you need a good sized white wall. You then turn several strobes straight at the wall powered up a pretty good amount as they will be bouncing to create the light. A single strobe on a smaller white wall can work if you limit yourself to a smaller area. I like using the large wall as it just makes it easy for your model to move around the entire shooting area.
The faked wall is good, but not quite the same as the real thing. Sunlight just has a quality that the strobes can be made to come close to, but just miss.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Photography on Location
Working on location with clients on location can be both fun and challenging. The resulting images though make it work the extra work required.
One of the biggest challenges faced when shooting on location is the lighting. Frequently these locations are outdoors so you have the sun to work with. Then comes the supplemental light needed to make the image come to life. Sometimes its reflectors, other times it is portable strobes. More often than not it is a combination. I personally like to use my speedlights as they are small and run on batteries.
The Pocket Wizard company has come up with a new version of their product that really makes this work well. Radio Poppers has also been selling a product to provide very similar features, albeit in a very different way. The end result is wireless control of your flashes using full ETTL in environments where the built-in IR method was difficult if not impossible to use. Both these products really add to options for location photography.
Another challenge on location is permission. Phoenix requires a permit to shoot anywhere in town that is not private property. Private property owners control their property. The city is actually pretty easy to work with, and the permit is not expensive if you meet the requirements. Private property owners can be hit or miss. Some are great, others are huge corporations that you can’t even find a person to say “yes or no”.
Other cities are in the Phoenix area are not so clear cut. I have contacted most of them and they say no photographer permit for small shoots that I typically do. However I have had police and park rangers ask for my photography permits. I always tell them the truth; I was told I don’t need them. If they insist, I ask them where I get them. In any case, I still have been run off a few times, and on follow-up found that no permit was required. Better to take walk away on your own, then in handcuffs, so I prefer not to fight it too much.
So check the rules in your area. Get some portable light control. And produce some great location images.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
One of the biggest challenges faced when shooting on location is the lighting. Frequently these locations are outdoors so you have the sun to work with. Then comes the supplemental light needed to make the image come to life. Sometimes its reflectors, other times it is portable strobes. More often than not it is a combination. I personally like to use my speedlights as they are small and run on batteries.
The Pocket Wizard company has come up with a new version of their product that really makes this work well. Radio Poppers has also been selling a product to provide very similar features, albeit in a very different way. The end result is wireless control of your flashes using full ETTL in environments where the built-in IR method was difficult if not impossible to use. Both these products really add to options for location photography.
Another challenge on location is permission. Phoenix requires a permit to shoot anywhere in town that is not private property. Private property owners control their property. The city is actually pretty easy to work with, and the permit is not expensive if you meet the requirements. Private property owners can be hit or miss. Some are great, others are huge corporations that you can’t even find a person to say “yes or no”.
Other cities are in the Phoenix area are not so clear cut. I have contacted most of them and they say no photographer permit for small shoots that I typically do. However I have had police and park rangers ask for my photography permits. I always tell them the truth; I was told I don’t need them. If they insist, I ask them where I get them. In any case, I still have been run off a few times, and on follow-up found that no permit was required. Better to take walk away on your own, then in handcuffs, so I prefer not to fight it too much.
So check the rules in your area. Get some portable light control. And produce some great location images.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Digital in the Studio
This week I had the chance to work with a wide variety of clients, with all different needs. They all had one thing in common though; they wanted to look great and were nervous about getting their picture done.
The advantage of using a digital camera quickly becomes obvious. There are several major benefits to using a digital camera. It becomes a valuable tool in putting a client at ease.
First with the instant feed back you can show them instant feedback from the rear of the camera as to what the shots are looking like. Clients what to know that they are “doing it right” when giving them direction. By showing how good the photography looks, they can relax and make the pictures even better.
Second it allows for proofing during a shoot. When shooting a head shot I will shoot in batches. Shoot a batch review on a computer to either select a shot, or use as a point of discussion to discover what they like and tune the shoot to get the shot they desire. Very often when the client sees the shots on the computer they find that they like a pose that they had never considered.
And of course digital allows for quick deletion of those really bad shots where clients blink or anything else. This gives the client a much better set of proofs from which to select their photographs.
Lastly digital allows the photographer to capture more frames. The cost per frame is much lower than film. I find photographers in the digital age more willing to experiment, knowing that it is very cheap to do so.
I know digital has made my clients happier, and it has made me more productive.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
The advantage of using a digital camera quickly becomes obvious. There are several major benefits to using a digital camera. It becomes a valuable tool in putting a client at ease.
First with the instant feed back you can show them instant feedback from the rear of the camera as to what the shots are looking like. Clients what to know that they are “doing it right” when giving them direction. By showing how good the photography looks, they can relax and make the pictures even better.
Second it allows for proofing during a shoot. When shooting a head shot I will shoot in batches. Shoot a batch review on a computer to either select a shot, or use as a point of discussion to discover what they like and tune the shoot to get the shot they desire. Very often when the client sees the shots on the computer they find that they like a pose that they had never considered.
And of course digital allows for quick deletion of those really bad shots where clients blink or anything else. This gives the client a much better set of proofs from which to select their photographs.
Lastly digital allows the photographer to capture more frames. The cost per frame is much lower than film. I find photographers in the digital age more willing to experiment, knowing that it is very cheap to do so.
I know digital has made my clients happier, and it has made me more productive.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Imaging USA in Phoenix
Once again it was time for the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) to have their annual conference Imagine USA. The event was held here in Phoenix this year and it gave me a chance to try out our no light rail system from Valley Metro.
The light rail was easy to use and full, but not crowded during the times I traveled. They did check my ticket on two occasions during the convention. If I had to travel to Phoenix on a daily basis I could easily see using this. Wish the voters had approved it back in the ‘80s. Now we would have a great system instead of the limited line we have now.
The convention was great as usual. For those who haven’t been before it consists of a tradeshow where you can see all the latest and greatest products. And a series of seminars/classes were you can learn from the best in the industry.
The tradeshow was very helpful for me as I was looking for some new providers for some of the products I use. I was able see the products to make educated decisions on which vendors to choose. Sometimes it was a very difficult choice as several vendors had very high quality products at similar price points. In this case I am going to order studio samples from each to see how there service performs.
I also saw several products I had wondered about after seeing them in magazines. Some were better than I expected, and others were good but had something I found that kept me from buying.
The seminars and classes were overall pretty good, but there were a few that were bad and I left part way through and switch subjects. The classes covered business, techniques, Photoshop and trends. Several of the speakers I wish I could see in a smaller venue to really pick their brains as their knowledge was so incredible on the topics they discussed.
I ran into lots of other photographers that I know and it was good to get caught up on what each of them was doing. Since it was here in Phoenix I skipped the parties where a lot of the networking takes place.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
The light rail was easy to use and full, but not crowded during the times I traveled. They did check my ticket on two occasions during the convention. If I had to travel to Phoenix on a daily basis I could easily see using this. Wish the voters had approved it back in the ‘80s. Now we would have a great system instead of the limited line we have now.
The convention was great as usual. For those who haven’t been before it consists of a tradeshow where you can see all the latest and greatest products. And a series of seminars/classes were you can learn from the best in the industry.
The tradeshow was very helpful for me as I was looking for some new providers for some of the products I use. I was able see the products to make educated decisions on which vendors to choose. Sometimes it was a very difficult choice as several vendors had very high quality products at similar price points. In this case I am going to order studio samples from each to see how there service performs.
I also saw several products I had wondered about after seeing them in magazines. Some were better than I expected, and others were good but had something I found that kept me from buying.
The seminars and classes were overall pretty good, but there were a few that were bad and I left part way through and switch subjects. The classes covered business, techniques, Photoshop and trends. Several of the speakers I wish I could see in a smaller venue to really pick their brains as their knowledge was so incredible on the topics they discussed.
I ran into lots of other photographers that I know and it was good to get caught up on what each of them was doing. Since it was here in Phoenix I skipped the parties where a lot of the networking takes place.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Enjoy the Holidays
With the holidays upon us, I am taking a break to spend time with family and friends. I hope you can do the same. I’ll be back in January with some new and interesting topics.
Happy Holidays
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Happy Holidays
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The quest for the perfect camera to make you great
Every few months a new camera hits the market. The Canon fans are all going on about how the new super duper camera is the best thing. Then Nikon comes out with their new camera and “one ups” Canon. Back and forth it goes. The wonders of the digital age create new “must have” cameras constantly.
More pixels, gotta have more pixels, at least 50 megapixels. No you fool, the only thing that counts in sensor size. Must be full frame. Are you kidding, noise is what counts. You have to have no visible noise at ISO 53200. Wrong again, its dynamic range that counts, you have to have 24-bits. You know your eyes can’t see that well, but it helps it post processing.
Hey wait, let us do video too. Video at full resolution, not this crappy HD stuff they are pushing now. You must have 30fps at full resolution and you will have the ultimate sports camera. You will never miss a shot and leave your competition in the dust.
The cure for bad photographer is a better camera. The reason you don’t get those great shots is your camera. It must be the problem. If you had a better camera you could have got that shot, but your camera just couldn’t cut it. Next year you will get a new camera and your photographs will get so good.
But what about those other photographers using their 4+ year old camera bodies that keep winning awards. How do they do it? I’ve even seen award winning photographs taken with a camera phone. It must all be Photoshop. They are using all kinds of expensive plug-ins and fancy techniques that take thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours to create those photographs. You know, you’ve seen them in magazines. They do magic.
So do you really need a new camera to be a better photographer? Is that the solution? Nikon, Canon, Sony and the rest want you to think so. After all, that’s how they make their money. How do you make yours? I make mine taking photographs.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
More pixels, gotta have more pixels, at least 50 megapixels. No you fool, the only thing that counts in sensor size. Must be full frame. Are you kidding, noise is what counts. You have to have no visible noise at ISO 53200. Wrong again, its dynamic range that counts, you have to have 24-bits. You know your eyes can’t see that well, but it helps it post processing.
Hey wait, let us do video too. Video at full resolution, not this crappy HD stuff they are pushing now. You must have 30fps at full resolution and you will have the ultimate sports camera. You will never miss a shot and leave your competition in the dust.
The cure for bad photographer is a better camera. The reason you don’t get those great shots is your camera. It must be the problem. If you had a better camera you could have got that shot, but your camera just couldn’t cut it. Next year you will get a new camera and your photographs will get so good.
But what about those other photographers using their 4+ year old camera bodies that keep winning awards. How do they do it? I’ve even seen award winning photographs taken with a camera phone. It must all be Photoshop. They are using all kinds of expensive plug-ins and fancy techniques that take thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours to create those photographs. You know, you’ve seen them in magazines. They do magic.
So do you really need a new camera to be a better photographer? Is that the solution? Nikon, Canon, Sony and the rest want you to think so. After all, that’s how they make their money. How do you make yours? I make mine taking photographs.
Orcatek Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Giving Back - Portraits for those in need
It is the time of year when so many enjoy so much, but there are those who struggle to even put food on the table. For those families a professional photograph is something they can never even consider. So I am reaching out to photographers to find charities and services in your area that help the needy.
Work with them to set-up a free portrait session for these families and give them a gift that will be able to treasure. I’ve done this in the past and the families are so very happy to get the photographs. A print package can be created that will not be too expensive for you to create.
In the past I have approached local labs and have gotten them to help with the actual printing costs for some of these charities.
Another option is to give discounts to your clients for bringing in donations for a local food bank. Your clients will tend to be very generous. With the need be even higher than usual this year, every little bit that people can do will help.
There are plenty of other ways you can use your photography business to help others. Be creative and find a way to do something extra this year for someone who needs a little extra.
We are all very lucky to have this amazing career as photographers. In today’s economy more and more people are facing very grim futures. So be sure to find a way to give to others through any way you can.
Orcatek Portrait Photography - Phoenix
Work with them to set-up a free portrait session for these families and give them a gift that will be able to treasure. I’ve done this in the past and the families are so very happy to get the photographs. A print package can be created that will not be too expensive for you to create.
In the past I have approached local labs and have gotten them to help with the actual printing costs for some of these charities.
Another option is to give discounts to your clients for bringing in donations for a local food bank. Your clients will tend to be very generous. With the need be even higher than usual this year, every little bit that people can do will help.
There are plenty of other ways you can use your photography business to help others. Be creative and find a way to do something extra this year for someone who needs a little extra.
We are all very lucky to have this amazing career as photographers. In today’s economy more and more people are facing very grim futures. So be sure to find a way to give to others through any way you can.
Orcatek Portrait Photography - Phoenix
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Environmental and Lifestyle Portraits
When choosing to get a portrait, there are many different styles to choose from. Environmental is a popular choice for higher end customers. An environmental portrait is also referred to as a lifestyle portrait. These portraits differ from the classic studio portrait as they show the real person, in the real world.
For example a family who loves boating might be photographed on their boat. The location for the photograph is chosen as it is one that reflects the people in it. It might be as simple as sitting around a kitchen to something as unique as skydiving. The important element is the people are place in a location that others would expect to find them.
What makes the difference between these portraits and a simple snapshot is where the professional photographer’s skill comes into play. A combination of posing and lighting will be used to bring the photograph to life. The photographer will place elements in the photograph to bring it to life.
The pose may be as simple as a basic placement of the people within the environment. Then allowing them to interact as to remove the “posed” looked from the shot. Props will often be carefully placed to fill out the scene and bring the story of the photograph together.
How a spoon is rotated on a table may not seem very important, but it is these small details that bring the photograph to life and make it much more than a family snapshot. Clients often wonder why I move something just a tiny bit, the end result is where it all that attention to detail is worth the effort.
Lifestyle portraits work especially well with children, as the locations are more comfortable for them. Children in a studio often react to the studio and become stiff. Their personality becomes hidden. But place them in their comfort zone and they can easily let themselves come through, resulting in a photograph that will be treasured by the parents.
Whereas shooting on location to create these wonderful photographs is more difficult for the photographer, the end results are well worth the extra effort.
Orcatek Portrait Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
For example a family who loves boating might be photographed on their boat. The location for the photograph is chosen as it is one that reflects the people in it. It might be as simple as sitting around a kitchen to something as unique as skydiving. The important element is the people are place in a location that others would expect to find them.
What makes the difference between these portraits and a simple snapshot is where the professional photographer’s skill comes into play. A combination of posing and lighting will be used to bring the photograph to life. The photographer will place elements in the photograph to bring it to life.
The pose may be as simple as a basic placement of the people within the environment. Then allowing them to interact as to remove the “posed” looked from the shot. Props will often be carefully placed to fill out the scene and bring the story of the photograph together.
How a spoon is rotated on a table may not seem very important, but it is these small details that bring the photograph to life and make it much more than a family snapshot. Clients often wonder why I move something just a tiny bit, the end result is where it all that attention to detail is worth the effort.
Lifestyle portraits work especially well with children, as the locations are more comfortable for them. Children in a studio often react to the studio and become stiff. Their personality becomes hidden. But place them in their comfort zone and they can easily let themselves come through, resulting in a photograph that will be treasured by the parents.
Whereas shooting on location to create these wonderful photographs is more difficult for the photographer, the end results are well worth the extra effort.
Orcatek Portrait Photography - Phoenix, Arizona
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Headshots in Black and White
With almost everything being in color in photography today, the fine art of a great black and white headshot is slipping away. It seems that photographers are usually reserving it for fine art photographs. Whereas I include it in my glamour and boudoir work, black and white also has a place in portraits and headshots.
The tonality of a black and white image adds a special depth to the images that just can't be done with a traditional color photograph. It is even more important that the photographer control the light with black and white to create those moods.
Color has become a crutch for some photographers, so worried the perfect red they overlook the other key elements to a photography. Black and white, with the constraints it poses, forces the use of all a photographer's skills to get a great image.
Digital photographers have it even tougher. A portrait / headshot shot in black and white digitally does not have the same available range as film. Some of the typical techniques to work around this in landscapes such as HDR, do not work practically with a person whose expression and eyes are key and move just the slightest bit between frames.
There are other techniques that a skilled digital photographer can use to work around this, but it is a skill that takes time to learn.
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