For Consideration

Sandy Barnes · 05-27-2002, 07:39 AM

I have chosen this photo for a portrait. I feel that the compostion is acceptable but am concerned about the darkness of shadow in the face. This was shot in late afternoon (about 4:30) I am not looking forward to another session with this child as it took 60+ shots to get only one that is a possibility. We started much earlier in the day when the light was more acceptable. As far a background, I will of course omit the monkeybars and other distractions, but is there any other additions I should make? Any suggestions will be helpful.

Tom Martinez · 05-27-2002, 08:55 AM

If you are conserned about the shadow side, have the photo reprinted underexposted. This would show what is happening in the shadows. I would also have it reprinted overexposed, this would indicate what is happening in the lighted side of the face. This reprinting can be done on your computer if you have a photo manipulating program such as Photoshop or Photoshop Delux. Scan your photo into the program and manipulate it to your satisfaction. It's a shame that you were unable to control the youngster to get good photos. Good luck.

Mari DeRuntz · 05-27-2002, 09:44 AM

Chris Saper has addressed many of the issues source photos have in common in her book "Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color & Light". To see what is really happening in these "value clumped" areas of shadow, she suggests back-lighting the photo, by taping it to a window or table lamp.

What medium do you intend to use? I like the photo you've chosen, you have achieved the coveted "single light source" and I think once you get in there and start working you'll find the values you need.

Sandy Barnes · 05-27-2002, 10:08 AM

Tom, You said it. The mother and sister were present and there was much pouting, hamming and general kidstuff. In the future a one on one session is in order. I have just acquired photoshop and will try to do the manipulating that you suggested.

Marie, I have Chris Sapers book and will definately re-read it. I must have missed that (or not retained it). Thanks. I plan to do it in oil with a verdaccio (sp) underpainting that will be my first. Although I think it may be better suited for a watercolor.

Cynthia Daniel · 05-27-2002, 11:56 AM

When I used to manage a portrait artist, I would mention to the mother ahead of the appointment that one-on-one time with the child and artist were necesssary. Often children will act very different with family around and usually it's not better.

Stanka Kordic · 05-27-2002, 05:17 PM

Sandy,

Regarding working with the child..I would go through your photos and narrow down the "almosts" and schedule a new sitting. Take note of time of day it was, bring an assistant (your friend, etc.) to hold a reflector, and keep the family out of it. Interact w/ the child first, talk to her, etc. and show her the previous shots, asking for her help. I've found children surprisingly cooperative when you involve them in the "project".

Then, mount your camera on a tripod and shoot from one direction for 15 or so shots. Keep the girl occupied in one place if you can, so you may have as little pose changes as possible. Go to another angle, shoot another 15 or so in that spot, and so on.. Basically, I'm advising to have a flurry of similar angles, similar lighting to choose from and put together. It's really unusual to find all you need in one shot.

You'll know when you hit the right pose. Then, take the close-ups of all you need. Lastly, DO NOT show the family all of the shots. Edit them yourself based on what you are confident will work. If need be, re-shoot. Believe me, its not unusual to do this, clients understand (usually).

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Sandy Barnes · 05-27-2002, 07:37 PM

Cynthia and Stanka, Thanks for the tips. I have just spoken with Sydney's mother and it looks like a new shoot may be possible in a few weeks. Funny thing is (funny now, not funny then) we couldn't keep the child from waving at the camera! Her mother explained that in nearly every family snapshot she is waving. Her mother kept chiding her for the wave and I'm sure the kid was very confused. In the meantime I will manipulate the picture in photoshop or get the exposures that Tom suggested.

I will have to get used to this as children are my main interest in portraiture.

Karin Wells · 05-27-2002, 09:16 PM

I agree with all that Stanka has said plus the following:

I meet with the child before we schedule the shoot. We plan the shot and make sure the child is dressed in "paintable" clothing that he or she agrees with. I always ask the child how they want to look...we're partners in this afterall.

I shoot indoors in my studio with a strobe...you don't get anything out-of-focus this way (and that can be tough with a wiggley kid). They are more apt to behave on your turf.

I place them on an elevated platform with a backdrop and tell them to pretend that they are on a stage. This clearly defines their area and keeps them from running around. It also saves my back on a long shoot. I got this idea a long time ago while watching a children's photographer at Sears...some of them get pretty good pictures, so why can't we?

Keep ice cream in your freezer for small and deserved breaks.

Sometimes I place a TV with a VCR behind my camera with a Disney-something videotape to keep 'em amused and looking in my direction.

When they wave or "mug" at the camera, I shoot with an empty camera until they forget to do it and relax. If I don't do this, the cost of wasting that much film dents the bank account.

I will reschedule the shoot as many times as necessary in order to get the shot I need.

If you settle for a poor photograph, you cannot produce a good painting. I am glad that you are willing to reshoot this one. Any chance you could do it indoors and get some control over your pose and lighting?

Sandy Barnes · 05-28-2002, 06:33 AM

Karin, Thanks for the reply. It sounds as though you have a lot of experience at this. Also being a mother yourself is a great benefit in this depatment

You know all of the tricks. Our goal was to get as "free" and "playful" a pose as possible. In fact, I did't want a pose at all. Even though I am new at this I like the suggestion of movement. I'm afraid that indoor activity will be limited to Barbie dolls and Candyland. We are just steps from the beach, possibly the water would make a good reflector? And what about clothing? I chose the white peasant T for a crisp, clean look. The girl has strawberry blond hair and striking hazel/green eyes. It is a shame to hide those beautiful eyes in all of that shadow.

Karin Wells · 05-28-2002, 09:52 AM

I find most children to be "free and playful" by nature, no matter what they are doing and where they are doing it.

I gather that we have a philosophical difference on how we intrepret "free and playful." I think that you are walking a fine line between "frenetic activity" and getting a paintable picture.

By all means try the beach...if you can find someone run after this child with a large reflector.

Or, maybe the parents could hire a professional photographer to work under your direction to get a decent shot so that you can paint a decent portrait?

I am curious...could you post a pix of a painted portrait - any portrait that you really like of a child, where there is movement, freedom, playfulness and "fresh-looking" clothing? I assure you that I am not boing sarcastic here...I really do not know what you envision your painting to be like. Here is the URL to a link with lots of professionally painted portraits of "girls outdoors": http://www.portraitartist.com/girlsoutdoors.htm Do any of these portraits have all the elements that you wish to portray?

We use so many words to describe visual things and these words mean different things to different people. It gets complicated sometimes...