Thanks everyone for the positive comments + encouragement.
EXIF is included but for lazy folk, this was 5DII with 35L a little 24L and 200/2.0L IS.
I did a little spot healing, but my work probably had a net effect of zero, I hate the plastic skin look. I also was doing it late at night and didn't really pour my concentration or summon all my skills to perfect it. She really actually has good complexion save a couple of minor nits-- she also did not go all out with makeup (a good makeup job probably would've covered that up).
15, 19, 21 are stitched panoramas shot with a thin DOF lens. The original approach is to use a telephoto lens with a thin DOF (such as an 85/1.8 or 1.4 or 1.2) and stitch together a scene that resembles a 35mm in field of view. #18 is two vertically composed frames, which went into #19 (so take 18 and split it in half to get roughly the view of the 200mm lens I used). Here is what one of the 35/1.4 frames looked like for 21: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4590004547_f474c29e52_o.jpg
It takes time and patience to post process. Also helps I have experience stitching a lot of panos together. The automagic methods rarely work 100% accurately... and when shooting handheld like I did (with moving subjects on a windy day) there are parallax errors in some of the seams. Fortunately the thin DOF hides that (esp. in the 35L shot), and shooting telephoto also reduces the effect. She sat as still as possible for the shots, at least the parts she was in.
To PFiltz: thanks for the compliment on my watermark, I like it too. Any thoughts on the photos, or are they just average/competent work (neither good nor bad)? (not flame baiting, just want your honest opinion)
I also have mixed feelings about the IR. IT is a bit gimmicky, and it does make people look "odd".. but its "differentness" is what I like about it. But if it simply doesn't work it doesn't work, and I burned $500 on the mod + the filter At least the cam will be useful for astro, if it doesn't work for portraits.
@ Hatch- she already made #1 her facebook profile pic
Thanks Serg, any comment on the others? I know these are more "traditional" (plus this whole shoot wasn't really aimed at an organic connection with the subject, I only had an hour before I had to go home to help out with the kids). About the only spot where I had attempted real rapport was in the triptych, all the other shots I was concentrating on the technical aspects.
This thread just went into my "saved FM threads" folder on my favorites. Excellent images, and thanks for the stitching comments as well."
I happen to like the IR images, particuarly #17. IR has a way of "healing" red skin blemishes and blotches, and in this case it did your subject a flattering turn.
Really nice work, I think some of the best I've seen from you. If I had to pick a favorite, I think I'd go with 15. My least favorite is 4. I know you were going for a hard look here, but it just makes her forehead look a little freaky. Kinda Klingonish (<-- well a bit exaggerated, but that's all I could think of).
Great stuff, with fantastic light control, and good use of the sun as an accent. Probably the first good IR portraits I've seen in a long time as well.
10 doesn't completely work because her nose breaks past her cheek. Either a true 2/3 or full profile would probably be more flattering.
nice stuff here
you stepped up the game big time on these.
A couple of the vertical shots I could do without (bench one) and I would like 4 to be toned down a little bit (she looks nuked), other than that you are A+ from me.
Doug
great work, pretty model and nice pp, least fav #2 #3, head looks too big from lens distortion. like #17 except for her right arm at the vein. great set, congrats
No time for a full critique, but I wanted to say something.
While *some* of the effects are a bit strong for me (IE the post in 4), overall this set is some of the best work I've seen from you and a huge step forward. Congrats.
Thanks Doug, Mari, Brian, Evan (thanks for the high praise), Ross, etc. Practice makes perfect. I am glad I had the chance. Onto my next set with a guy to try similar things (to hone them so they're semi-automatic when at a 'real' shoot with a paying client).
I also agree on #10 re: her nose. I didn't notice it when shooting, but I'll take note next time to step over to the left a little (it would probably make the subject uncomfortable to have them turn their head 5 degrees, in most situations).
At least the cam will be useful for astro, if it doesn't work for portraits.
