My Heart in Her Hands
I created this portrait for a school project, inspired by the works of Magritte, where the subject's face is obscured by an object...
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I created this portrait for a school project, inspired by the works of Magritte, where the subject's face is obscured by an object
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Jun, 2018Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Contest Finalist in Where Is The Face Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in In My Hand Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in People And Pastel Tones Photo Contest
Community Choice Award
People's Choice in Shooting Hands Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Shooting Hands Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on campus at the Academy of Art photo studios in San Francisco. I normally don't shoot indoors all that much, nor do I shoot a lot of portraiture, but this image was the rare exception.Time
I met with a fellow photographer (Josiah) and our model (Allie) around midday, but our photo shoot was indoors with no windows.Lighting
Funny story, a fellow photographer, and classmate of mine, actually made the studio reservation. When we arrived for our timeslot we were both surprised to find that we had the still-life studio and not one of the larger rooms. Small room, big lighting and modifiers. But we made do with what we had. It definitely was a tight fit with the light stands and large softboxes all assembled. I used a simple 1 light set-up on my friend Allie's right side (camera left) while my classmate held a small white fill card on the other side to lessen the shadows on Allie's hand. Simple yet effective.Equipment
I was using my Canon Rebel SL1 with a standard 18-55mm lens. I normally shoot freehand unless I am capturing long exposures. The Academy of Art photo equipment room has a bunch of Profoto light kits for use since I do not yet have my own. I do own some my own light modifiers and I used one of my 2x3 softboxes to diffuse the lighting.Inspiration
This image was inspired by the works of surrealist painter, Rene Magritte. His iconic imagery of a subject's face obscured by an object was the idea I was attempting to "recreate". The heart-shaped jewelry box in itself was another form of inspiration. Once I came across that object I knew I could have my model form a heart shape with her hands while cupping it, creating deeper symbolism and possibly a stronger narrative.Editing
This particular image was used for an assignment in a lighting class. Our professor was adamant that we were to create our best image in-camera without the use of major post-processing. So I used Lightroom to make very slight adjustments to the highlights/whites and shadows/blacks. I always have a tendency to boost clarity with vibrancy as well. I don't work with models or stylists very often, so I did use Photoshop to clean up some stray, frizzy hairs around my model's head.In my camera bag
My Canon Rebel SL1 came packaged with a 18-55mm and a 75-300mm lens. I have since added both a 50mm and 10-18mm lens. Each lens is fitted with a KUVRD universal lens cap. I grew frustrated with having to keep track of different size lens caps when switching lenses. I also have "shoot bag" with my light modifiers such as; softboxes, umbrella, 5-in-1 reflector, clamps, gaffer's tape, etc. And of course, extra batteries and SD cards just in case.Feedback
Don't be afraid to step outside the box or your comfort zone and definitely do not shy away from an opportunity to try something new. I don't consider myself a portrait photographer but in this instance, I created one of my best images. Also, don't overthink the process. As I mentioned I only used a 1 light set-up with a fill card. Sometimes less is more. And most importantly, just have fun with it. This entire shoot was enjoyable because I was working with friends who I have a great relationship with. Making art is supposed to be fun, so never lose sight of that.
