For this project I intend to produce a minimum of 10 studio portraits. These will form a portfolio which can be used to illustrate my skills as a portrait photogapher and will offer a number of finishes available from high and low key to textured images and selective colouring. I can use these in printed form to advertise in magazines, newspapers, or on social network sites as well as my own website to help build a customer base.
Reasons for selection of the theme
I have been influenced by contemporary photographers using photo-sharing websites such as Flickr as well as collegues on the Level 4 course.
Flickr contact - Tracy Taylor
My influences also come from cinematic photography, fashion as well as artists using media other than photography such as Degas, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Degas
Rembrandt
Vermeer
Vermeer
Choosing studio portraiture has allowed me to draw all these influences together to form my own style of work.
Equipment and medium to be used
This will be my first foray into the studio, however, I will be using equipment which is familiar to me, my Canon 5D Mk2. I have completed some research into lenses and will use a 50mm F1.8 and 85mm F1.8. . These should allow me to get in close to take head and shoulder shots without having to lose most of the shot in cropping. I will also use continuous lighting since these would appear to be safer since they do not heat up with use and will allow a soft even light so I can use a shallow depth of field and focus on the eyes.
Techniques to be used/conveying the visual message
To create a dreamy and romantic feel a shallow depth of field can be used, F2.5, to soften features, with focus directed at the eyes in head and shoulder shots. This technique is generally more flattering to the sitter and will produce a more painterly portrait.
The Canon 5D has a portrait menu setting which slightly softens the shot and I can use aperture priority to control depth of field.
Textures will be added in post processing to add to the painterly feeling and give depth and expression to the portraits.
Controlling light quality
Continuous lighting will be used in the studio. This is as near to ambient light as a studio will allow so that a large aperture can be used for shallow dof for a dreamy portrait as opposed to studio flash which pushes out alot of light, for use with a narrow aperture and large dof. The light is usually mounted on a boom arm for positioning over the model with a reflector placed below to counteract any shadows and give the face a soft glow.
Risk and health and safety considerations
Since I intend to photography young children as well as adults, the children will not be invited into the studio without a chaperone, preferably a parent or guardian and this adult will be in sight of the child at all times.
On arrival at the studio, I will verbally go through the health and safety policy and point out the necessary fire exits and printed notices with safety procedures, as well as requesting that the children, when not being photographed, stay in the designated area which is free from hazards. I will advise that food and drink is not allowed in the studio and visitiors should be aware of trip hazards such as cables, lights and booms. I will be using continuous lighting which does not get hot and will not be using studio flash, but I will advise that these are not touched or interfered with in any way, and plugs should not be touched.
We will take regular breaks so that models are not fatigued, away from the studio.
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