Again, the question is not one of rules, but of tools. The ability to identify and differentiate broad and short light will assist you in selecting which is appropriate for a given application.
Yep knowledge of lighting is just another tool in the tool box and what is right would be what is right for the visual statement that you are trying to make.
I often have art directors do sketches that actually suggest things like broad or short light. Sometimes things like high or low key effect and even a complimentary or triadic color scheme. A lot that is problem solving. Being able to look at mock-ups and having the knowledge and skills to closely match that, The ability to be able to use those visual tools to consistently exceed the clients expectations can mean the difference between being successful or not.
airfrogusmc wrote:
First, thanks so much for your service to your community.
I think you are really on to something. Very few photographers think about what they are trying to say about their subject. Evan is certainly one that really trys to communicate and idea about his subject. Most just think WOW that looks cool and then takes a technique (often confuses that with a style) and blindly takes photos using a technique without any thought to WHY. Intent is huge. I think if you are trying, and you certainly looks like that is the case, to take your portraits to another level that the intent and some thought of what you are trying to say about your subject is a big step int he right direction. Keep up the good work......Show more →
Tanks airfro, i modestly think i have been a good honest cop throughout my career, i've served with some of the best officers and have learned a great deal from them. I never had to use my service weapon in my career but it came close a couple of times, namely once in an alley where i had to wrestle with a guy who was trying to disarm me. Didn't have to shoot him but he will bare a scar on his forehead for the rest of his life. Done by the business end of a Ruger 6in 357 (that's what was issued at the time).
But back to portraits, i have to say i would like to develop my own style over time, but it will all depend on what i do once i retire. If i start as a working portait photographer i suppose i'll have to be more flexible and be able to work with more than just one or twe techniques, ut on the other hand if i have time to do more personal projects, i just might be lucky enough to do meaningful series of portraits, who knows right ?
Ahhh Evan you never cease to amaze me, those portraits have haunted me for a good part of my life since i started this mad venture of photography. Especially Karshs' portraits.
While i was studying photography i was dating the daughter of one of Yousuf Karsh retoucher Mr. Doucet i forget his first name, don"t think i ever knew it. In 1979 he was already well in his 70's so he was born around 1908-09. He would talk about the "master" with such admiration it was really humbling, showing me original prints done by him and explaining the pains taking process of retouching original prints to perfection.
No wonder he was wearing such thick glasses. The man was also almost completely deaf so after a few weeks of visiting my girlfriend and talking with him after supper, i understood it was better to just listen to the man no matter how often he repeated the same stories. Looking at any of Karshs' portraits always brings back memories of that part of my life and they are precious memories i tell ya.
Although i agree these masters have often use broad light, one has to admit they had perfected the technique to an incredible level, they took pride in their work back in the day and in many aspects your recent work greatly revives this pride i must say.
I looked at a lot of portraits here from fellow photographers but i'll admit seeing yours really stopped me in my track and it gives me hope classic portraiture is still alive. At the other end of the spectrum i have also discovered Lisa Holloway's work and she is equally talented. Ending 2013 i have to say you guys are my greatest influence for studio and natural light portrait. It's a pleasure just to see your shots come up regularly. Please don't stop Evan and Lisa :-)
Hi Ray,
I know, this is an old thread. But I just now read the part about you retiring from the Police force at 55 years old. I've been a volunteer with the Eureka Police Dept for 18 1/2 years. I commend you for your service. I started my portrait business, specializing in canvas mounted wall portraiture shot mostly on location when I was also 55. That was 16 years ago. I suggest you study with as many successful portrait photographers as you can manage so that you can produce high quality work and charge appropriately for it. Your clients will be the most attractive people in the world and they will love you for making them look that way. I'm almost as excited for your new career as I was for mine. Good luck.
jackhopkins wrote:
Hi Ray,
I know, this is an old thread. But I just now read the part about you retiring from the Police force at 55 years old. I've been a volunteer with the Eureka Police Dept for 18 1/2 years. I commend you for your service. I started my portrait business, specializing in canvas mounted wall portraiture shot mostly on location when I was also 55. That was 16 years ago. I suggest you study with as many successful portrait photographers as you can manage so that you can produce high quality work and charge appropriately for it. Your clients will be the most attractive people in the world and they will love you for making them look that way. I'm almost as excited for your new career as I was for mine. Good luck....Show more →
Well that's awfully nice of you to take the time to drop a line jackhopkins, no matter if the thread is a bit old, no problem on the contrary. I must say i can't wait to retire but i still have between 2 and 3 years to go and i got a big blow from my zealous boss yesterday and i'll be going back on shift most probably having been re assigned (or my present assignation terminated rather). It will no doubt leave me with less time to prepare for my 2nd career (will work 3 weekends on 5) but then again i'm in the process of getting a medical "waiver" in order not to go back on night shifts at least. Too old for that now, i've done my share i think. :-)
