Face and Hands?

Dianna Fish · 01-05-2003, 05:21 PM

Hello!

I am trying to take a picture of my son for my next pastel portrait. I want to do more than just his face - as I normally do, so I tried to put more of his body in the photo. This way he was comfortable (and not statue-like) was in the following position. I think the hands may take away from his face - since they're in front of him and at the same level.

I need some advice on taking a natural looking photo.

Thank you,
Dianna

Leslie Ficcaglia · 01-05-2003, 08:58 PM

Dianna, that's a very clear resource photo for his face. The problem I'm seeing with the hands and leg is that they are closer to the camera than his head, and therefore they look disproportionately larger. Because of this they also draw attention from his face.

What about having your son doing something more natural: working on a model or reading a book or playing with a toy of some sort? Allowing him to become somewhat engrossed in an activity and then calling his name just as you're ready to shoot, or telling him to look up, can be very effective.

An artist who had also done a lot of professional photography told me once that a more natural-looking expression can be captured if you have the subject looking down as you're setting up and focusing, and then have him look up just as you're shooting. Hope that helps!

Dianna Fish · 01-05-2003, 09:06 PM

Leslie,

Thank you for responding. Yes, that is what I was thinking about the hands. I guess I could just do his face, but I was trying to work on doing more than just faces. The problem with my house is that there is terrible lighting, except by two windows. He's a terrible model. If he knows I'm going to photograph him, he is very worried about not moving and looking right. I will take your advice, though. Maybe I can get him to play or read in front of the window on the floor.

Thanks again,
Dianna

Mike McCarty · 01-05-2003, 09:09 PM

Dianna,

I don't think you should ignore the clothing aspect of a portrait. I would go the extra step and have him put on a collared shirt and different pants. You can't say, well I'll just change that when I paint it, it's not that easy.

I would also give some thought to the background.

Dianna Fish · 01-05-2003, 09:16 PM

Mike,

Thank you for your input. Also, thanks for responding to my other portrait (Brianna). That one is my best yet. Yes, I thought he was a little underdressed, but I didn't want it to look like he was just "posing" for a photo. Maybe he could wear a polo-type shirt instead.

I was also worried about the lighting, but I think that part came out okay. I don't know if the lighting from the window (on the left) was too bright or not.

I'll get it all together one of these days. I really appeciate everyone's input. I'd be lost without it. It's hard to get advice in a town like this. Not much art going on here at all!

Thanks,
Dianna

Leslie Ficcaglia · 01-05-2003, 09:18 PM

Dianna, teaching an artist's kid to be a good model is an essential!

I get around some of that by first of all using a long lens (my workhorse is a 70-210) so that I'm not on top of the person and can allow them to relax a bit, and secondly making it very clear that the responsibility for a good photo is mine, not theirs, and I just need them to ignore me and go about their business. Not to say that I follow my subject around the house or yard, although I sometimes do that with small kids, but you can place the subject in a location with decent lighting and give him or her something to do and then just snap away. I take multiple shots, including closeups and more distant views so that I can get in all the information that I think I'll need. I also use fast film: Fuji Superia 400.

I agree with Mike about the clothing; it's easy to change colors and patterns but harder to change collars and sleeves and the way an article drapes.

I meant to tell you that you have a very handsome son and I don't blame you for wanting to paint him. I would, too!

Dianna Fish · 01-05-2003, 09:23 PM

Leslie,

Thank you for the compliment about my son. He's 11 and at that age where everything looks "stupid" -- especially his photos.

I'll try with him again in different clothing and a different chair and background.

Great advice!

Thanks,
Dianna

Mike McCarty · 01-05-2003, 11:52 PM

Dianna,

Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Linda Brandon's web site. She has a couple of exceptional compositions of a boy about your son's age.

http://www.lindatraceybrandon.com/

P.S. Do I remember right that Big Springs is in west Texas?

Chris Saper · 01-05-2003, 11:56 PM

Hi, Dianna,

You are doing a great job with the lighting. I wanted to echo Leslie's comments...you need a different lens to avoid the distortion in your focal length. You need a zoom that allows you to back away and then zoom in for the crop or compostion you want.

I've had excellent experience with http://bhphotovideo.com for both new and used equipment. Check it out.

Karin Wells · 01-06-2003, 09:24 AM

Ditto Leslie's comments. I use a zoom lens and stand farther back to avoid obvious distortion.

Also, you need to be aware of background elements and props. It helps me to think in terms of a stage. I design the set with lighting and props and after that I bring in the "actor" (in costume).