Girl With Red Umbrella
Apr, 2015Views
927
Likes
Awards
Chatter Award
Top Shot Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Peer Award
All Star
Genius
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
PRO+
magnetoman
April 11, 2015
Enter this in as many contests as you can - it has to be a winner! Beautifully done.
Platinum
toddcollier
August 19, 2015
I am just an amateur photographer so I cannot explain exactly why this speaks to me but it does in so many ways.
Ultimate
clem
December 27, 2015
Just, makes you look at it, never had this before with a portrait. Best ever.
JoanLoBo
January 17, 2016
I love the lighting on this photo...and the way she comes out of the shadows.Nice color palette in this photo too.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in a studio set up for the purposes of shooting portraits and modelling portfolios.Time
The photo was taken around mid afternoon. This was a preferred time because in addition to studio lighting I used pure natural lighting coming through the windows of the building. I would increase or lower the natural light using blinds. This can be done to great affect. This particular shot utilized studio lighting only.Lighting
I utilized continuous halogen lighting in a darkened studio. Lighting was positioned to illuminate the subjects face with a warm yellow glow from the above right leaving the left side of the subject in partial shadow. This also created plenty of shadow at back of subject. The subject appears to emerge from the shadow enhanced by the black backdrop.Equipment
I used an Olympus C8080WZ Digital. A pretty basic camera that proved excellent for studio portraiture. I used a tripod and remote. Also black linen backdrop.Inspiration
The model arrived with a range of outfits that included a brightly colored vinyl raincoat. I had a red umbrella among my props. These colors suited the black backdrop. Most inspirational of all was the model. She was an excellent subject and natural model who was able to take instructions well, adopt a pose, and hold it. Her solemn, innocent expression was priceless.Editing
Minimal post processing was done with Adobe Photoshop. Simple tweaking of color balance, light and shade. I added a very fine texture and enhanced vignette effect already achieved. There was also some cropping.In my camera bag
I usually have an Cannon 7D. Lenses include Canon 70-200mm, Sigma 70-300mm, Sigma 17-70mm, and Sigma10-20mm. Included in my kit are lense hoods, remote, spare batteries, charger, camera cards, notebook and pen.The kit also includes a Nikon Coolpix AW110 when a small, robust, and waterproof camera is needed.Feedback
First and foremost is the subject, particularly when achieving portraiture with a child. This subject was around nine years of age. She was a pleasure to work with as she took the whole process very seriously. She was very well natured. Creating a comfortable context for a subject of any age is essential, especially with a child. Making it fun is a good approach. So take quite a few warm up shots before getting serious. Patiently and calmly instructing the child subject is also essential. Reward subject from time to time with allowing them a peek at some of the images. Backdrop, lighting, and props. Have plenty of bits an pieces in the studio to play with creatively. Experiment with lighting and know what it is capable of. Maintain an awareness of light and shade and use it creatively. Give your subject practice at adopting poses and expressions and holding them during some practice shots. If possible have an assistant help with poses allowing you to concentrate on getting the image. When shooting portraits I focus on the subjects eyes. I like to watch the subject thru the viewfinder on the camera as I take the shot. For me this creates greater intimacy with the subject. I will speak with the subject when doing so. When shooting portraits I focus by concentration on facial expression and most importantly the subjects eyes. They are the last things I see as I take the shot. The camera is also focused on the subjects eyes. During the course of a shoot I usually take a couple of shots then ask for another expression or a slight shift of the eyes or face. Working with the eyes is part of the art. Create a good setting. Be a little theatrical but keep it simple. Maintain a good balance, take your time, create a masterpiece.
