I have a potential gig shooting some head shots for a woman who is an opera singer, and I have a question I don't think has been asked here in the past. She is blind. Now, usually, one of the main factors to consider in portraits and head shots is the eyes. But how do you handle someone who's eyes are not the main focus? And may in fact need to be de-emphasized to avoid an unflattering image? Anyone have any experience with this type of situation? If so, how did you handle it?
A challenging question, Greg.
Formal portraiture isn't part of my repertoire- but here's a thought: discuss the matter briefly with the woman. Don't ask from the view that you're feeling your way through it, but from the view that she might have preferences- likes or dislikes.
As to the larger question about the eyes: there is the old saw that "The eyes are the window to the soul." Maybe yes or maybe no.
But to me a better indicator of someone's personality is the expression on their mouth; it often REALLY tells the world what they're like.
Just $.02 .
Charlie
Dec 30, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Charlie Shugart Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
This is a great question. I would love to have this assignment. I agree with Charlie; I would discuss it directly with her. I think it may also depend on how the photos are to be used. If it's a thumbnail for a printed program, I might opt for a more straightforward approach. But if it's for publicity, or a magazine profile, it presents an opportunity to really present who she is as a performer and a blind person. Thoughtful, interpretive portraiture is a real skill. It requires the photographer to really understand the person and the story she and you want to tell. So you need to know two things: what's the purpose of the shot, and what story does she want to tell (if any) with these images.
For inspiration, I'd take a look at some photographers who are very, very good at this sort of thing: Joe McNally, David Hobby, Greg Heisler, and Joey L (Joey Lawrence) come easily to mind.
No need for her to be looking at the camera. Being an opera singer, create some dramatic, artistic "portraits" where she is looking down and away. We see it all the time in portraiture work. "Opera" is classical, emotional, not "headshotty".....
Rich dark background with rim lighting to separate. Have her wear dark colors or black.
Thanks for all the input! This gives me a lot to consider, but I like the idea of having her looking away from the camera, perhaps as she would look as she performs. I'll post one if she's willing and I get the job, and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity!
Speak with your potential client about her point of view. After all, this will be her photograph and she should have input into how she is portrayed. I'm sure she will understand your concerns and have ideas on how best to portray her image.
Talk with her and work through some different looks.
If it were me, I'd want to still try to get a "head shot" but I'd have her close her eyes, and get a softer posed head shot; something that looks thoughtful and tender, yet still serves as a more traditional head shot.
Treat it more as a tender portrait but in the framing of a head shot.
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