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Archive 2008 · Natasha

  
 
revhappy
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p.1 #1 · Natasha


Hey guys, I'm not much of a poster here, I just lurk around every now and then. Anyways, I was invited the other day by a photog friend of mine to shoot a couple shots of a friend of his. Portraits are definitely something I'm not comfortable doing, I'm mainly an automotive type of guy (see digitalremix.net).

Anywhooos, lucky for me, this model knew exactly what she was doing and struck a new pose for me every time I pointed my lens at her. This left me with just having to move my lighting around and mess around with my camera settings. Lighting wise, I used a single light source in many of these pics, which was a 24x36" softbox I picked up off of ebay for approx $30~, but also used a bare flash in a couple as a rim light, and if not a rim light, then it was used to light up the garage door. To attach my flash to the softbox, I haven't made a custom bracket for it yet so I ghetto rigged it with some rubber bands as seen here http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/ghettobox.jpg

The lens I used in the majority of these shots was the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8. I've only done a few portrait shots in the past and never really been too satisfied with them until this one. I hope I'm not including too many photo's, but I figure I'd throw a bunch out there to get an overall idea of what I'm doing wrong/right.

Less talking, more pics!


1
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4486.jpg

2
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4495.jpg

3
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4513.jpg

4
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4515.jpg

5
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4529.jpg

6
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4531.jpg

7
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4540.jpg

8
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4544.jpg

9
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4546.jpg

10
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4553.jpg

11
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4561.jpg

12
http://digitalremix.net/upload/uploads/1/natasha_4584.jpg



Nov 27, 2008 at 02:33 AM
shutterhappy
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p.1 #2 · Natasha


Beautiful.


Nov 27, 2008 at 02:48 AM
khanhfat
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p.1 #3 · Natasha


Yea I'm the one who shot with him. revhappy did a nice job i was amazed how his picture turned out. After seeing his image on D300, i felt that my 30D is not up to the competition after 2 years of using it. .

It was a great shoot and the model is awesome
1


2


3


4


5
[/QUOTE]


6


7


8


I think my Cactus triggers misync on this one .
9


10


11


12



Nov 27, 2008 at 02:53 AM
mttran
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p.1 #4 · Natasha


30D images look more natural than D300


Nov 27, 2008 at 02:59 AM
khanhfat
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p.1 #5 · Natasha


mttran wrote:
30D images look more natural than D300



ahhaah cause Revhappy likes his pics alot more colorful than usual



Nov 27, 2008 at 03:07 AM
Matt Cope
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p.1 #6 · Natasha


30D images look more natural than D300
Maybe...but the first few from the 30D at least also look a lot softer?



Nov 27, 2008 at 05:16 AM
Steady Hand
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p.1 #7 · Natasha


Hello.

My comments or suggestions below are not a criticism of you, your model, your talent or skill. I offer them in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you with a second POV and set of eyes. If you read sincere questions and simple suggestions as "criticism" of you, then you will miss how I am trying to help you.

Of course this may be your own "style" or your own "vision" and I suppose we can assume that the images look just like they do because that is exactly how you like them. That is OK too. It just shows that there are differences of "opinion" on what looks good. IF these are exactly what you want and like, then by all means continue making your images look like that and have fun doing it. As I always say: "Follow your own muse."

This is a particularly interesting post because it shows the same model photographed by two different photographers but using the same poses (as one would see from a workshop or joint shoot). This should "help" the photographers see clearly how their own style of "seeing" things may differ even if they were both photographing the same model at the same time.

I can see a difference.

And the difference is significant in my opinion. So much so that one photographer produced images that "fit" the description of what i would have tried to recommend (in writing). Here we have the different images that allow a quick visual comparison. I think if the right attitude is taken, BOTH of the photographers could learn something by seeing the images "together." And while the second photographer captured some images that are "better" than the first photographer, the second photographer also missed a few important things too. So, BOTH can learn by looking at the images together.

But...it may be a bit hard to do that "objectively." So I will offer a few "objective" observations below to draw attention to a few things that caught my eye immediately. Remember, this is offered to help you and is not a criticism of one photographer.

When I first saw the images originally posted by revhappy, a few things caught my eye:

1. In 9 of the images, the model appears to be missing an arm or hand or both (arms or hands).

2. In one image #4, the model is missing her feet (or it appears that way).

3. There is the use of the "Tilt" effect (camera angle) that caused me to think "Why?" and wonder what "benefit" the photographer thought the Tilt added to a photo of a woman sitting with her back against a wall. Compare that same "pose" with the second photographer's "level" shot and see. Here is what I see: The "Tilt" is unnecessary and draws attention to itself (not the model) and it looks "unnatural" with a static subject.

I was about to start typing some tips when I saw the second set of images (by another photographer Khan). Those images had several of the same "pose" and shot, but with some clear differences that "solved" the problems seen in the same "shot/pose" posted by the first photographer (revhappy).

Overall, the second photographer captured the model with both arms or hands showing in more images. This is a significant difference to me when looking at the visual harmony of the figure in the compositions/shots.

My Simple Suggestions:

1. Avoid the Tilt on static subjects

2. Avoid taking the shot if the hands or feet are not showing. Wait until they are showing or change your POV or the model's pose.

3. Rotate the camera to a "vertical" or "portrait" orientation to prevent cutting off a foot or leg (see khanhfat's image #10). Conversely, rotate to horizontal or "landscape" orientation to avoid the same mistake. Look at Khan's #8 image to see why. In short, "frame" the model using either camera orientation to avoid cutting off the head/arms/hands/feet. Simple, but important to notice prior to pressing the shutter release.

4. Avoid the use of a long white scarf as shown in most of the photos here. It is an "awkward" photo element that if not properly used causes the figure to look like an "octopus" or the woman to look "bound" and...it is "overexposed" in several of the shots, causing an exposure weakness in the images. In short, see the problem with the wardrobe accessory and remove it prior to going forward with the photo session.

5. Look for the strengths of the model and USE them. IF the model has long slender legs and arms, then use them effectively and so they don't look "crossed" "missing" or "awkward."

6. Avoid the "Girl hugs pole/post/tree pose."

7. IF the girl is slender and wearing a form fitting garment, then don't let it get wrinkled because of poses (see several images including Khan's #10 image).

8. Avoid "gratuitous" or "fake" poses that are unnatural. Take a look at Khan's #4 image. That is the classic "Bend down and pretend to tie your shoe" pose. But....she is wearing boots that have no laces. Try to avoid that "mismatch" or unnatural looking pose.

Like I said, I hope these comments, observations and tips or suggestions help you both (and others here too).

I hope you will help me too. If we help each other, the world would be a nicer place. I took some time to write the above and I hope you will take just a few minutes to help in return.

I have a Global Impressions Project underway and could use another comment from your part of the world. In fact, at this time I do not have any "impressions" comments from Vietnam, so you would be the first and that would help me reach my goal of an impression from each of the 194 countries around the world.

I am not asking for an image "technical critique." Instead, I am asking for your "Impressions" or how any image affects you or moves you or what emotions you see in the face of the person in the image. You don't need to comment on anything technical as I am more interested in how you respond to the emotions, expressions, and 'art' rather than the technical side of photographs. Just pick one of the 62 "Impressions" threads I have started here. They are easy to find by typing "impressions" in the search field/box on the main page of this forum. Find one or more images you like and share your impression.



Edited on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:45 AM · View previous versions



Nov 27, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Jim Rickards
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p.1 #8 · Natasha


As Steady says, it's good to see two photographers shoot the same model/poses and then post together.

Ist group - revhappy - costas.
My first impressions were similar to Steady's. The lack of arms in #3, the tilted shots, and some blown highlight in #6 had my eye going to those areas rather than the face of the model.

2nd group. Khanh.
I found this group to be more conventional, but at the same time he included some ideas -
the colouration of #3 ,
some B&W shots
the 'extreme' colour of #10 (sorry, I didn't care for that one. But it's a taste not a talent comment.)
the "feature" in the background of #11.

You both presented some good work. Do you have plans to shoot together again?



Nov 27, 2008 at 08:12 AM
paulhodson
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p.1 #9 · Natasha


Damned perceptive that Steady guy!

I too prefer the second set - though I liked the first set when I saw them - and much prefer the PP in the second set too.

And the fact that IMHO she is one of the prettiest models to grace this forum did not do any harm.



Nov 27, 2008 at 08:37 AM
DBPhotography
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p.1 #10 · Natasha


Both sets are very good, but I find that I like the poses of the first set a lot better. Great pictures from both sets though.

Scott



Nov 27, 2008 at 09:31 AM
disboifan
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p.1 #11 · Natasha


*takes notes from everyone here*


Nov 27, 2008 at 10:14 AM
revhappy
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p.1 #12 · Natasha


Wow, tons and tons of great criticism offered here. Thank you Steady Hand, Jim Rickards, paulhodson, and DBPhotography.

To be honest, I never knew how vital it was to make sure all body parts were visible. I actually tried during this session to make sure they're not cut off or anything, but they still managed to get hidden by the grass, scarf, or just due tot he placement of them. I'll definitely pay even closer attention to that next time.

As for the tilted shots, I like offering a variety of styles when doing a shoot, with different post processing in some and different angles in others. To me, those stood out more than the ones with no sort of angle, but then again, that could be coming from my automotive side where angles like this are fairly common in shoots. I now realize that the same doesn't apply to portraits of people, so that will have to be toned down as well next time.

Thanks again! and many thanks to Khanh for inviting me to this



Nov 27, 2008 at 12:31 PM
zzziippyyy
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p.1 #13 · Natasha


The only other large difference that I immediately noticed other than what has been mentioned already is the bokeh of the 2nd set. Far far superior than the first set. This is nothing against or for the nikon/canon brigade it is simply an observation. I prefer the smoothness of the 2nd set.

Nice post and thread we need more like this.



Nov 27, 2008 at 12:32 PM
khanhfat
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p.1 #14 · Natasha


disboifan wrote:
*takes notes from everyone here*



Same here... Post from Steady is very informative. I'll keep it in mind


The pic the model put her hands on the shoe , she's not pretend to tie the lace, cause she don't know where to put her hands, i forgot to tell her what to do.

I'll take your opinion on leaning on poles shots. Will a tree or wall work for you?

Yes, i learned not to tilt my camera from a previous posts in other forums, so i apply it from now on. Unless it's very tight crop on the model's body with more simple background i might tilt it . Thanks for alot of critque guys this is a good forum i'll start post more on here.



Nov 27, 2008 at 12:33 PM
JayDavis
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p.1 #15 · Natasha


I loved the lighting in the first set of shots. Very well done.



Nov 28, 2008 at 01:14 PM
bsirjani
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p.1 #16 · Natasha


I really liked number 3 in the first set, but 4-6 look way overexposed and not sharp enough. Plus looks like you kicked up vibrance a bit.

I like the posing, but it would have been cool to see some different facial expressions. She seems very posed and not as natural.

In the first set number 11 is quite creative and 12 looks rather inviting.

Great work, especially for only one light source!



Nov 28, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Andre Goli
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p.1 #17 · Natasha


Funny, same girl, differents photographer and 30D versus D300.. No clear winner, both great works and different, although on my personal taste, prefer the color of the second one... Congrats both of you and thanks for posting


Nov 28, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Chris S.
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p.1 #18 · Natasha


I guess we all respond in different ways, but I have absolutely no problem that not every image shows every possible body part. Sure, some shots don't show a particular hand or foot. Some don't show a particular nostril or earlobe, either. Why, some don't show the nape of the model's neck, or the backs of her ankles. Do I have a problem with it? No. Otherwise, we might as well be doing mug shots.

Every time a photographer makes an image of a human being, he decides what to showcase and what to leave out. I'm not sure why a decision to leave out certain body parts causes some viewers to react negatively--but I myself don't have a problem with it.

Shot number three in the first set, for example, is to my eye the strongest among both groups. That was my immediate impression, and whenever I imagine the image with arms showing, it turns into a visual cliche for me. I think part of the image's power is that it differs from what we expect. When this model appears with arms largely hidden, she is confronting us visually in a way that makes us see her in a fresh and powerful way. I like it. My hat is off for that image.

Also, no problem for me with the white scarf. Sure, it's a prop--but I find it works to my eye. Others' mileage may vary, and obviously does.

Tilting cameras is a huge pet peeve of mine, but oddly, the tilts in the first set mostly work for me. Few tilted shots ever do. But I actually like them better than the similar, untilted shots in the second set. Here, the tilted shots seem dynamic, and the untilted ones, static. Most of the time, tilting seems like a gimmick, and draws me away from the photo. In this case, it draws me in. Strong photos are often made by successfully breaking rules.

Both sets strike me as nice work. The colors work better for me in the first set--but I'm betting that this is highly individual. Seems like in the first set, the photographer gets out of the way of the model--translates her seemingly effortlessly to the viewer. Second set, the photographer seems to impose himself more between us. Again, this is to my eye, and all viewers are different.

Very cool to see a model (and a superb one, at that) photographed by two competent photographers in similar poses and situations. Thanks to both posters.

And to those responders with whom I'm disagreeing, my sincere respects. We may see things differently, but your points are worth careful consideration. I just felt a need to offer a sincerely felt counterpoint.

Best,

--Chris




Nov 30, 2008 at 12:09 AM
XcepTion
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p.1 #19 · Natasha


Chris S. wrote:
I guess we all respond in different ways, but I have absolutely no problem that not every image shows every possible body part...

Every time a photographer makes an image of a human being, he decides what to showcase and what to leave out. I'm not sure why a decision to leave out certain body parts causes some viewers to react negatively--but I myself don't have a problem with it.

Shot number three in the first set, for example, is to my eye the strongest among both groups. That was my immediate impression, and whenever I imagine the image with
...Show more
My apologies for the long quote, but I agree wholeheartedly with Chris S. on this one. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. And in this case, the results were extraordinary. Great work to both photographers



Nov 30, 2008 at 11:37 AM
abam
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p.1 #20 · Natasha


i like #11 because it's a completely unnatural pose. it looks like she's auditioning for "cats" or something.


Nov 30, 2008 at 12:24 PM
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