I don't have a lot of experience in portrait photography. It is something I would love to get more experience with. Any suggestions or ideas of how to get started would be great. Finding models is the key.
I don't have a lot of experience in portrait photography. It is something I would love to get more experience with. Any suggestions or ideas of how to get started would be great. Finding models is the key.
John,
I've gotten started though workshops organized on Meetup.com. You probably can find some in your area too. That way someone else handles all of the organization with the models and studio and such. Then you can schedule that into your busy life, which I found helped for me as well - and I see we're about the same age.
I've just started hiring models myself and have used ModelMayhem which seems pretty much the standard. Some of the younger folks use Instagram, but I've heard that the level of commitment from models found there is a lot lower than those who go to the effort to make a MM account. That said, I just had a model from MM last-minute-cancel on me today, so it's no guarantee.
-john
My only complaint about the ops on Meetup.com is cost. I’m not trying to sound cheap but I don’t wanna spend 50-$100 To take a couple shots.
To achieve stunning or even good results when taking portraits is much harder than one would imagine.
From trying to establish some rapport with the model to the moment when you select export is a complex journey with many pitfalls. If I were to offer any advice it would be to plan your shoots and have some clear idea of what you are aiming to achieve....and then exert control over the whole process. If possible meet the model or subject before hand so when they appear in your location or studio they are not a stranger. Ask them to bring a variety a tops to give you some options. Know your equipment intimately, it’s use should be transparent.
In relation to your first image;
From my point of view This could have had more impact if the model had taken off the checked shirt and just wore the blue T she has on underneath. I think the checked shirt is competing for attention as it is visually dominating.
Keep your lighting simple to start with. Get used to using one light. Use it to sculp the features get it in close and make it soft. The setup you used on this shot looks a wee bit confusing. Check out Joe Grimes on YouTube and how he uses one light.
Be careful in post and watch not to overdo things like eyes, keep it natural, and above all have fun and enjoy the journey.