Last week I told you about my headshot factory. I've used this sort of setup to photograph as many as 300 people in one day. Unfortunately, that's the easy part for me. Making a portrait with a person is great fun. What's less fun is retouching 300 portraits over the next week or so. Each picture needs a little something, and most of them need the same things: Contrast, skin retouching, and eye brightening. The best way to improve contrast, retouch skin and brighten eyes in portraits is to use Perfectly Clear Complete (PCC). It recognizes each … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Automation is your best friend, part one
portrait
Photographer of the Day: Kevin Kelleher
Category: Portrait Photographer: Kevin Kelleher Photo: "The Way We Were" The candid portrait is authentic. There are wrinkles in the jacket, the woman's hair is not perfect. The background is sea oats and sand. Yet, when put all in the same frame the photograph is a telling tale of emotion. The title suggests a happier, more contented time in the lives of the subject and possibly including the photographer. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Kevin Kelleher
Portrait Tips: Headshot factory
One of my favorite things to do for corporate clients is to make headshots at their annual meetings. Their employees live all around the country, so this is the only opportunity to make pictures for them all in one place. This is a challenging shoot, but it's a lot of fun — like a headshot factory that quickly turns out good portraits. My setup is simple and adaptive, and something similar could help you make a lot of portraits quickly. The space As you can see, I'm not allotted a whole lot of room. This is in the hallway outside the … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Headshot factory
Photographer of the Day: Mark Krajnak
Category: Portrait Photographer: Mark Krajnak Photo: "Untitled" Emotion. Raw. Expressive. Emotion. Photographer of the Day Mark Krajnak captures all of that and more in "Untitled." No one ever said that a portrait had to paint a pretty picture. This one certainly doesn't. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mark Krajnak
Weekly Wrap-Up: February 3-9, 2019
The Weekly Wrap-up compiles interesting articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we learned about finishing studio portraits in Perfectly Clear, a camera's exposure, traveling to Antarctica, cropping in Lightroom Classic, and found out some quick tips for nature photographers. … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: February 3-9, 2019
Photographer of the Day: Mark Meyer zur Heide
Category: Portrait Photographer: Mark Meyer zur Heide Photo: "The Face" A candid portrait often tells the most about its subject. Here, in "The Face," Photographer of the Day Mark Meyer zur Heide shows the simplicity of his subject leaning on her hand while appearing to rest against a brick column. The shadows of window mullions complete the composition. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mark Meyer zur Heide
Finishing a studio portrait after retouching
The purpose of working in a studio is control. This includes lighting for the most flattering result to go along with makeup, hair styling and camera angle. A photograph that has all of these advantages still has the finishing done in post-production. In the days of film and making prints, it was common to use darkroom techniques to lighten and darken areas of the print. For the most special subjects, the print would be airbrushed (why the term seem synonymous today with Photoshop) then re-photographed and printed for delivery to the … [Read more...] about Finishing a studio portrait after retouching
Quick Tip: Select the right prop to create a new look or mood
The right prop can change an entire look of a scene. As a sport and portrait photographer, I’ll use the athlete’s ball or stick in an image to complete the portrait. During a photo shoot in a desert, stock photographer Rick Ray showed how he can capture different looks by adding props. He began with the model sitting on the road, in complete despair. Next, he added a piece of luggage, then gas can. Each of the props told a different story. Rick was able to capture multiple moods from the same scene. Want to learn more? Check out this … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Select the right prop to create a new look or mood
Portrait Tips: A note for newborns
One of the best experiences you'll have as a portraitist is making pictures with brand new babies. There truly is something special about working with someone so new and pure, and it's a big responsibility to be entrusted with the opportunity. It's really a once-in-a-lifetime shoot, so be ready and take it seriously. And remember that it's not a picture of baskets and props. What is your purpose? We love pictures of babies snuggled into a blanket or wrapped in a peapod costume, and we dream of making that kind of picture, too. Swaddling a … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: A note for newborns
Photographer of the Day: Tommy Le
Category: Portrait Photographer: Tommy Le Photo: "Peek-a-Boo" This compelling portrait of a very young girl carrying her brother shows the power of focus. The girl in the foreground is totally blurred, out of focus, while the little boy on her back is sharp as a tack. The look on his face is that of wanting to understand what that man with that funny thing up to his eye is doing. A great portrait tells a story. What does this one say to you? Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Tommy Le
Photographer of the Day: thesrpspaintshop
Category: Portrait Photographer: thesrpspaintshop Photo: "Concentration" This aptly titled work exemplifies a portrait that stands up to its title and more. The light from the smartphone seems to add to the highlights on the man's face. His expression shows the intensity of his focus. A newspaper in the corner of the frame has other information. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: thesrpspaintshop
Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part two
The golden ratio or golden mean — have you already heard about it? It's a very popular composition rule in the photographic world. But did you know there is a golden ratio for a face's beauty as well? What are those ratios based on, and how do people look like with those perfect features? Here' what I found. I wrote part one of this series in a very serious vein. Now it's is time to have some fun. A revised and scientific procedure I must confess. I felt quite inaccurate once part one had been posted. I did my Photoshop transformation based … [Read more...] about Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part two
Portrait Tips: Build a scene with Lume Cubes & holiday lights
Holiday lights are so cool. If the tree didn't dry out and start dropping needles, I think I'd petition my wife to leave them set up all year. They just give such a terrific mood. It's because they have a warm tone and because they are so spread out they make a very soft light. Plus, when they are in the background of the photo, they make really cool bokeh bobbles. I wanted to utilize these lights in the background, so I needed to build the light in the foreground so that it wouldn't overpower the twinkle in the back. Here's how to do it. Use … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Build a scene with Lume Cubes & holiday lights
Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry
Category: Portrait Photographer: Ian Lewry Photo: "Sitting for a Street Artist in NYC" A portrait of a portraitist earns Ian Lewry the honor of Photographer of the Day. While the artist is not seen, this portrait has character, soul and hope as well. This composition tells its story completely without words. I ofter think "What will this photograph say if the photographer is not there to tell its story?" This work does not need Mr. Lewry's narration. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry
Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part one
In the past, retouching a model's face or body for magazines covers or ads has often been a source of ethical debate. Now in 2019, it seems like reshaping one's features have become globally adopted in photographs as in real life. What led to such a shift? Beauty enhancing vs. quest for youth Nowadays, botox, implants and injections are not only coveted by aging men and women. I became even more aware of this trend when I watched this widely viewed video called "I Got Surgery to Look Like My Snapchat and Facetune Selfies." It had been online … [Read more...] about Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part one
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Karen Kuehn | Photofocus Podcast January 11, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-karen-kuehn-photofocus-podcast-january-11-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat with photographer Karen Kuehn! We discuss: How Karen got her start in photography Challenges of being a female in the industry The role of relationship building, ask for help How much things have changed in the industry (art directors, how companies use your images) … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Karen Kuehn | Photofocus Podcast January 11, 2019
How to photograph sledding (comprehensive)
Wanna have some fun this winter? Go photograph kids sledding. When your subjects are having fun, you're sure to have fun, too. It's a great excuse to get out and make pictures and keep your eye sharp through the winter. As much fun as it is, there are some surprising challenges you'll need to overcome if you want to make epic sledding pictures. Let's talk about camera settings and shooting techniques so you can get great pictures quickly and focus on having fun. White balance Why is white balance at the top of the list? It's simple, but … [Read more...] about How to photograph sledding (comprehensive)
Photographer of the Day: Christian Meermann
Category: Portrait Photographer: Christian Meermann Photo: "Lion" The "King of the Jungle" or the "noblest beast" are descriptions that jump to mind on seeing "Lion" by Photographer of the Day Christian Meermann. This portrait is singular. Look at his eyes. See his expression. Feel the emotion this photograph evokes — hope? longing? sadness? No matter. This image engages anyone who sees it. Well done. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Christian Meermann
Portrait Tips: How to use V-flats to light a group
When you light a portrait, a good rule of thumb is that your light should be about the same size as your subject. That's easy for a single individual where any softbox will work, but what about lighting a group of people? A light that big is hard to find. V-flats offer an easy way to make a large light that gives soft, even coverage for your group. You can use them to make soft light on the whole group, but you can also move your subjects around for different effects. V-flat as a modifier The V-flat is two large sheets (typically 7 or 8 … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How to use V-flats to light a group
Photographer of the Day: Robertino Radovix
Category: Portrait Photographer: Robertino Radovix Photo: "Studentessa Indiana" It is said that "the eyes are the windows to the soul". These eyes are cautious, neutral and aware. The simple window light falls off to darkness in the background but not before revealing fingers holding the cloth covering the mouth and nose. This student is from Kashmir, India. The location adds to her story. Originally shared with the Photofocus Readers Flickr Group. Join the group and share your photo or submit yours via the Photofocus website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Robertino Radovix
Retouching portraits fast with Perfectly Clear Complete
Making a picture with your camera is the first step in making a portrait, but retouching it on the computer is when you truly finish it. If you're using tools like Photoshop to do your retouching, then it can be a complicated and time-consuming to give your picture the finish it needs. Personally, I like to shoot pictures more than I like to retouch them so I want to get it done as quickly as possible. Let me show you how I use Perfectly Clear Complete to retouch portraits simply and quickly. Brightness, color, eyes and texture The four main … [Read more...] about Retouching portraits fast with Perfectly Clear Complete
Portrait Tips: Retouch portraits in a batch
Batch retouching is the holy grail of portrait finishing. You've shot a lot of good pictures you want to share, but you know your client will only buy a few. How do you prepare all the best pictures without spending hours retouching pictures that won't be chosen? Let me show you how to do some things with Lightroom and then allow Perfectly Clear to finish them off automatically. Batching in Lightroom In Lightroom, you can adjust all the pictures at the same time very easily. Start by adjusting one of the pictures you want to work on. Make any … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Retouch portraits in a batch
Live webinar on the hour: Perfecting portraits & travel photos
Welcome to the webinar. We'll be learning how to perfect your portraits and travel images using Perfectly Clear, and we've got some door prizes to share as well. If you'd like to comment, ask questions, and be eligible for prizes, please click here to join us live on YouTube. This webinar is recorded so you can tune in later. We'll be live Monday, December 17 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Central, 10:00 a.m. Mountain, 9:00 a.m. Pacific, 12:30 p.m. in Newfoundland and 1:00 p.m. in the V.I. Thanks to Athentech, makers of the marvelous … [Read more...] about Live webinar on the hour: Perfecting portraits & travel photos
Webinar tomorrow, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
This episode has something for everyone. Levi Sim will be joined by two of our other authors, Erin Holmstead and Mike Hagen to help you learn how to make the most of your portraits and your travel photography. They'll teach techniques to make the most of your time shooting and then they'll demonstrate Perfectly Clear Complete to help make the most of your time finishing your photographs, too. There's something for everyone, so be sure to join us right here. We'll have some giveaways for live viewers, so be sure to join us live on … [Read more...] about Webinar tomorrow, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
Free Perfectly Clear Webinar Monday December 17, 2018
Join Levi Sim with guests Mike Hagen and Erin Holmstead as they show how they use Perfectly Clear Complete to streamline their post-production. Monday, December 17, 2018 Perfectly Clear webinar. It's free! Tune in live at 12:00 p.m. Eastern — 11:00 a.m. Central — 10:00 a.m. Mountain — 9:00 a.m. Pacific to win participate in giveaways and ask questions. The webinar will be recorded for those who can't join in live. We'll broadcast live right here on this page, but if you'd like to comment, ask questions, and be entered in our prize drawing … [Read more...] about Free Perfectly Clear Webinar Monday December 17, 2018
Webinar on Monday, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
That's right, portraits and travel all in one episode. Levi Sim will be joined by two of our other authors, Erin Holmstead, and Mike Hagen to help you learn how to make the most of your portraits and your travel photography. They'll teach techniques to make the most of your time shooting and then they'll demonstrate Perfectly Clear Complete to help make the most of your time finishing your photographs, too. There's something for everyone, so be sure to join us Monday. We'll have some giveaways for live viewers, so be sure to join us live on … [Read more...] about Webinar on Monday, 12/17: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen
Portrait Tips: Does your picture have the sweetness?
“Unless some sweetness at the bottom lie, Who cares for all the crinkling of the pie?” This line is from William King's Poem, "The Art of Cookery," and it applies perfectly to portraiture. Today's tip is quick, and it includes the challenge that you should memorize this line of poetry — it'll broaden your horizons ;) Does your portrait emote? I take this line to mean that no matter how good a pie looks if it doesn't taste good then it's a failure. For you and me, that means that no matter how much hairspray you've used, no matter how … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Does your picture have the sweetness?
Webinar: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen, December 17
Yup, this webinar is a doubleheader. Levi Sim will be joined by two of our other authors, Erin Holmstead and Mike Hagen to help you learn how to make the most of your portraits and your travel photography. They'll teach techniques to make the most of your time shooting and then they'll demonstrate Perfectly Clear Complete to help make the most of your time finishing your photographs, too. There's something for everyone, so be sure to join us right here. We'll have some giveaways for live viewers, so be sure to join us live on … [Read more...] about Webinar: Perfecting portraits & travel photos with Erin Holmstead & Mike Hagen, December 17
Portrait Tips: Have a conversation with your camera in hand
Having a conversation with your camera in hand doesn't mean you should talk to your camera — that's fine to do in private settings, but not recommended in public. I mean that you should have a conversation with your subject while your camera is doing the work. As you converse with your subject you'll discover subjects that bring their eyes to life and positions for their bodies that work best in the light. Here are a few ideas to help you camera-guided discussions. Don't look at the camera When folks are looking at your camera, there's very … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Have a conversation with your camera in hand
Book Review: “Steve McCurry: A Life In Pictures,” by Bonnie McCurry
Normally, I'd read the entire book before writing a review, but this can't wait. I've skipped around and read several sections and the writing is good and engaging — almost as engaging as the photographs. This is a book you should buy for every photographer you know and probably everyone else, too. But you should have it dropped shipped to the recipient because if you get your hands on it, you won't be able to put it down. An actually famous photographer There are almost no famous photographers, especially this century when photographs come … [Read more...] about Book Review: “Steve McCurry: A Life In Pictures,” by Bonnie McCurry
