Studio Portrait
Troutman
Assignment:
For the studio portrait, you will experiment with lighting to create a variety of effects. Set up a backdrop behind your model, and then place them on a stool or chair. Because of space limitations, you will be shooting only head shots, or head and torso shots. Be aware some of the lights get hot- be careful when adjusting the lights and be considerate of your model baking under the lights!
Consider:
Lighting:
-2 lights set up on either side of your model, each from a 45 degree angle -1 light at a 45 angle on one side, the umbrella on the other side OR a large piece of white foam core to reflect the light..adjust the angle and position of the board for the best effect.
-One light only shooting from the side of the model (creates shadow on one side of the face)
-Add a light coming from behind (and below) to create a glow or soft light around the model - Use the silver umbrella (or white board) to soften and bounce the light to PREVENT harsh shadows.
- raise and lower the lights to light from above, below or the side.
Position of the Model:
Have your model sit on a stool or chair depending on how high or low they should be. Experiment with having the model look directly at you, or tilt their head, or sit sideways for a profile…
Position of the Camera:
-you may set the camera on the tripod. Raise and lower the tripod to shoot up or down on the model, OR take the level with the models head.
- Consider a horizontal or vertical format-
- Decide how close or far to position yourself so your model fills the frame (or not…)- Be careful shooting from below- typically it may not be very flattering!
Consider what meaning each portrait will convey- what are you saying about the person? They may be holding a prop if they want….will they be laughing? Serious? Pensive?
Studio Portrait Assessment
Troutman
Select one studio portrait and answer:
Lighting: 1 pt
Describe the lighting in the shot. Where is the light coming from? How is it falling on the models face/head/body?Describe the shadows that are created in the photo.
Position of the Model: 1 pt
How is the model situated? Is the photo a head shot, or did you include more of the torso?Is the model facing the camera, looking to the side, tilting their head…
Position of the Camera/Composition: 2 pts
Did you take a horizontal or vertical photo?What was your point of view? Did you shoot from above, below, from the side or on an angle?How close or far were you from the model?
Impact/Expression: 1 pt
What does the lighting, position of model and expression on face communicate? What aspect of the model’s personality is being revealed in the portrait? (serious, humorous, sad, anxious…)
Compare and contrast: 3 pts
Compare the photo to another with a different impact/viewer response. How did you use different lighting, positioning or expression to communicate a different feeling?