New portrait assignments

Candid & Studio Portrait assignments

Candid portrait due Feb 15
Studio portrait due March 8

These are similar to your family/friend portrait except this one should be of someone you don't know well. Friend of a friend perhaps. Part of the reason for this is to practice capturing the "story" of someone who you might not be comfortable with. Photojournalists have to do this every day.

One candid - this means NOT in the studio or in your back yard. It should be in an interesting location that means something to the subject. Your subject at work or home doing "what they do," in a candid, unrehearsed moment.
Make sure we can see their face.

One studio portrait - here is where you can show off your studio, posing, and lighting skills. Include props to help illustrate your subject's interests. (If you haven't used studio lights yet, Andy can give you a quick lesson)
You don't have to use the studio -- you can find an interesting location, but make sure you have "good" light -- sun low in the sky, overcast day, light coming in through a window. Use a fill flash outside if needed.
Unlike the candid shot, you have the ability to pose your subject.

Tips for the studio shot
• Use small talk or music to put the subjects at ease.
• Try using a remote shutter release or cable release to maintain a connection (and eye contact) with the subject.
• Lighting is key: Think about if you want high key (few shadows) or low key (moody, dark lighting), or something in between -- see our website for a link to lighting examples.
• You can use "glamour" or "butterfly" lighting with the light in direct line of sight of the subject and camera, raised slightly above eye level (this really only works with soft light, hard light with this method won't be flattering).
• Usually soft light is best, but also consider hard light.
• Be on the lookout for locations that have interesting lighting without having to do any setup
• Sometimes a reflector is called for to add some fill light. You can use anything from a white sheet of paper, foam core, aluminum foil, or a (real) store-bought reflector. Attach to a stand for added control.
• Avoid busy backgrounds; Use open apertures and/or telephoto lenses to blur the background (a 50mm f1.8 is a nice portrait lens)
• To make your background more out of focus, pull your subject away from it.