Today’s Post by Blue Moon Staff
Communication is the most important aspect of any kind of portraiture but with glamour and intimate portraiture it’s even more critical. The process starts with the model (or client’s) initial contact with the photographer and then moves into direct communication with them during the photo session.
It helps if you are prepared before the shoot, so here a check list to help your subject look their best in your next portrait shoot:
Bring a variety of outfits—think classic, sexy, elegant, or glamorous whatever says you! Suggest that they bring several different outfits for clothing changes. You will help them select the best outfits for the portraits.
Wear solid colors—nothing detracts from a subject’s face more than clothes with busy patterns and prints. Wearing solid colors for the portrait session will keep the emphasis the their face.
Make sure the clothing fits. While this might seem obvious, ill-fitting clothes divert the attention of the viewer. Skin tight? Why not? They should wear clothing that emphasizes the subject’s best physical features.
Have fun with hairstyles—to provide variety in the portrait session, have the model change their hair slightly for each change of clothing during a shoot. Suggest that they bring flat irons, curling irons, styling products and hairspray to the shoot. Consider straight styles, soft waves, updos for variety and fun.
How I Made this Portrait
Today’s image is from my third portrait session with Maria Cedar. I photographed Maria standing alongside the french doors that open into my home’s guest bedroom using two 320 Watt-second monolights. The camera position is on the loft area that’s just outside the bedroom. One of the monolights was located on the loft directly behind my camera position mounted with a Paul C Buff white 51-inch PLM umbrella. A second monolight with its standard reflector attached was placed inside the guest room, behind Maria and at camera left giving her just the touch of a rim light.
The camera used was a Panasonic Lumix GH4 with a Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens at 45mm. The exposure was 1/125 sec at f/7.1 and ISO 200. I used Photoshop’s Transform>Skew command to straighten out the door edges. My OCD made me do it. My normal regime of retouching and enhancement tools was used to complete the images.
You can go from natural to glam with makeup—Have the subject change their makeup style and colors when changing hairstyles or outfits during the shoot. Consider applying asking them yo use false eyelashes to enhance their own and always suggest that they bring extra mascara and eyeliner to “wow” their look. Makeup tips for the model: Start subtle with eye, lip and cheek color and build more color during the session. Bring a red lipstick because it can create a surprisingly beautiful polished look in portraits on almost everyone.
Shoes and more shoes—wearing the right shoes can make as a much a difference as the right makeup even if they don’t show in the photographs. Ask the subject to bring several pairs of shoes and at least one pair that has the highest heels that they can walk in. Wearing high heels changes the way they stand, give them bit of height and adds to the overall drama of the portrait.
Remember expression. The expression on a subject’s face tells the story of who they are. If they only have one look, the portraits will appear monotonous. Work with the model during the session offerring suggestions to achieve different moods and looks during the portrait session.
