Photo portrait tips

Mike McCarty · 06-27-2002, 12:35 PM

I shall speak as if I know what I am talking about. This post is for those who struggle to get good photo resource material and have accepted photographs as a part of their portrait process.

I love photography. I love the immediate gratification. I hear about those who shoot rolls of film and then never get around to taking them to the developer. For me, I am in the car and heading that way ASAP. Pacing in the parking lot looking at my watch.

I give myself credit for being able to take an acceptable portrait photo. I would, however, not be a good source of technical information. I just don't care about all that. I want to know what it takes to get the results I want. Then I want to look at my photos and imagine paintings, not admire and fondle my camera's switches.

If you look at a camera with all its buttons and dials, and glance at the thick manual, it's not hard to be intimidated. But I am of the opinion that if you can understand 5 or 6 basic principles you can take wonderful portrait photos. These principles, by the way, have little to do with the camera.

I think it comes down to these basic points:

It appears that this post has been corrupted in some way and the remainder of this post has been lost. MM

Renee Price · 06-27-2002, 01:32 PM

Mike,

Thank you for your post. As an unexperienced owner of a new Minolta SLR purchased solely for portraits, I appreciate the information. I've played with the doo-hickies (it's a technical term

) and have still had trouble getting the reference photos I want. Please post information about photographing subjects outside. In the meantime I will use your suggestions for interior photos.

Renee Price

Mari DeRuntz · 06-27-2002, 01:33 PM

Great post, Mike, I just have a couple specific questions.

1. Is that a north light window? Or another direction? I'm guessing north because the light in your photos appears to be the same temperature consistently. (An east or west exposure might be more dependent on kelvin temperature??) This is new information to me so I might be mixing up some of the basics.

What I'm getting at is your photos have a very specific, coolish/mauve color scheme that beautifully lights your subjects, gently enhancing rather than exaggerating flesh tones. The reds in your flesh tones are very subtle; the camera is not "grabbing" and over-emphasizing them.

This leads to my next question, 2. What specific film are you using? I don't know if you've followed any of Chris Saper's posts about her experience matching film type to kelvin temperatures? Or her observation that Kodak films tend to grab the reds?

I am wandering, but you've got something good going with your photography and I still don't have a grasp on it.

Marvin Mattelson · 06-27-2002, 03:57 PM

Mike,

Great post indeed. You aptly have pointed out that the most important tool for the photographer is also the tool that is most beneficial for the artist. The human eye connected to the human brain.

It

Mike McCarty · 06-27-2002, 05:05 PM

Renee,

I'm sure your Minolta has everything necessary to take wonderful pictures. My advice would be to find the program mode, put it on the portrait setting and go shoot pictures. I will try and give the outdoor setting some thought for a future post.

Mari,

It is a north facing window. However, I have taken pictures at windows facing in all directions. I don't want anyone to think that you must face north. If you have a north light that's fine but I think it's more about becoming familiar with whatever light you have available. The window light used for the baby photo's was an east facing light almost noon. And I'm not familiar with this guy Kelvin, is he a member? Just kidding of course, but I really don't know anything about temperatures or stuff like that. I have read Chris's posts regarding film type. I would concede to her on this matter. I use mostly Kodak film and I use the basic stuff from the Walgreens. I have on occasion used some professional film but frankly I don't see much difference. When I'm taking pictures as described in this post I use 400 speed ordinary Kodak film.

Marvin,

Thank you for your kind words. I have read your posts regarding photography and have learned from them. Not to mention your wonderful paintings. Thanks again, Mike

Sandy Barnes · 06-28-2002, 06:22 AM

Thank you Mike. You have given me great inspiration. I have a big box of film and am ready to tackle this again.

Chris Saper · 06-29-2002, 02:35 PM

Dear Mike,

Thank you for sharing your appraoch to photography in such a complete and thoughtful way! Your photos are so consistently beautiful, it makes me realize I need to do more to control my input from the start.

It's such a pleasure to continue seeing your finished work, as well as its inspiration.

Mike McCarty · 06-29-2002, 06:26 PM

Sandy,

Thank you and good luck. If I can take a good photos, anyone can.

Chris,

Thanks for that. I am going to ponder the mysteries of outdoor picture taking and try and come up with a post.

Lisa Strachan · 08-23-2002, 09:44 PM

Mike,

I only just read this post, and must say a big thanks for your detailed information. I am new to portrait work, but realize I must start taking reference photos to suit, and actually just this morning I went to a church fair down the road, and bought an old "projector screen", stand included, and in great condition. I thought it may come in handy as a reflector screen for photography down the track. Or a backdrop, or something. Not bad for $5- (US $2.50). Anyway, I am getting organized so I can create some wonderful reference photos, and your info has been a help.

Thanks!