Dreamer
I love the softness in this closeup. The warm colours and peaceful eyes are really beautiful. Model - Tanya Wright
I love the softness in this closeup. The warm colours and peaceful eyes are really beautiful. Model - Tanya Wright
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Dec, 2017Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in my studio in Preston, Lancashire. It was group night photography with few photographers and models. I was planning for a long time to try a close-up portrait photography and this photo was the turnaround point for me.Time
I was just chatting with the model at the time of this shot. We had a lovely conversation about the plans for future shots and just general talk about photography and modelling. I wanted to let the model relaxing and stop thinking about the shooting. I love how this captures the natural dreamy look on her face and eyes. This was taken at 20:56:24 on 25 October 2017 exact time.Lighting
As much I want to get fancy here and list some complicate lighting the reality is much more simple. I use only speed modelling light with white round softbox. That's all. Because I wanted to be more natural look and not involving posing I just used whatever was set for the shot to follow.Equipment
This image was shot on Canon 60D and Sigma 24-105mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM Art Lens.Inspiration
I've seen some amazing natural portraits of other photographers and wanted to start experimenting with close-up portraiture. I really like close-up so I needed to know if I can do it. However, many models coming always with makeup done on group shoots and I am not a big fan of makeup, especially not used properly. So you can imagine the joy when the model turn up with no makeup at all. I loved the fact she was natural and had this fire curly hair and lovely freckles. So, I said to my self - now is the time to start making this close up portraits happening.Editing
I did some post-processing. Overall, the original image is fantastic but I wanted to give a little be more warm and dreamy look. So believe it or not I use some of the futures in PortraitPro and then finish in Photoshop. Really not much done. I think all retouching was done in less than 30 minutes as far I can remember. I did clean the lips, brighten the eyes to pop the colour more and give overall the image a nice warm lighting and feeling.In my camera bag
I always have my Youngnuo 50mm 1.8 lens in my bag no matter where I go. For lens costing less than 50$ this lens perform really well. really light and easy to use Is the one lens I can't go out without it. I also have my Canon 85mm because is really great for portraits and perform amazingly in low lights. I have my mini tripod and the regular one all the time. Few remote triggers, batteries and filters. Really don't like to have a heavy bag. Also, I love to work with whatever I have at the moment. Sometimes I limit myself on purpose so I can explore more the gear I have available.Feedback
If you looking for similar work or capture this type of close-up I'll say the first things is to stop and take a little step back. Relax and have a chat with your model. Forget about the shooting for a moment. Many professional models will pose for you without any problems but to pull the natural from them is best to make the shooting more of fun and relax and not a job. Hope this makes sense. Set your camera, lights and just leave it when you have a chat. You'll feel when things go relaxing and this is the moment to pick the camera and just go for it. Most important, enjoy and leave the shot to find you.
