Senior Portait Article Notes

Tips to keep in mind:

• sunlight can be used to portray warmth and emotion
• take photos of the model that showcase their personality
• be creative, don't only take generic portraits; make them interesting
• use different lighting effects and various angles
• use props to describe the model through the photos
• listen to the model's ideas*
• incorporate new trends in pop culture and fashion
• teens tend to want shots that look like they could be featured in a magazine
•  natural lighting is key
• use social media to market photos
• contrast what the model is wearing to the location (big trend right now)

Portrait Examples

photo by Jen Baltgalvis



expression: smile

I liked this photo because it incorporates props that describe the model.  I can easily tell what the model enjoys doing, which I think is important to showcase.

 

photo by Jen Baltgavis

expression: smile

I liked this photo because of the different shades of blue.  I think the repetition of blues creates a more interesting image to look at.

 

 

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: serious
I chose this photo because I liked the pose that was used.  I also liked the select focus and composition.

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: smile
I chose this photo because I liked how the blue dress contrasts with the all green background.  Also, I liked how the bushes lead your eye to the model.

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: smile
I liked this photo because of the unique angle used. Her outfit and the background bring out her eyes which is nice as well.

photo by Jen Baltgavis

expression: smile
I chose this photo because I really liked the backdrop and the select focus.  The color of the models shirt makes him stand out too.

photo by Elaine Gates

expression: smile
I chose this photo because I liked the angle used.  I also liked how her dress matches small parts of the background.

Photo by Elaine Gates

Expression: smile
I chose this photo because of the flattering higher angle that was used.  The background and her outfit makes her eyes stand out too.

photo by Elaine Gates

Expression: candid
I liked this photo because of the genuine smile that the model has.  This smile looks much nicer than a forced one.

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: serious
I liked this photo because even though there is a sun spot, I think that the lighting made for a more interesting photo.  I also liked the black and white because it makes the texture of the background more distinguished.

Portrait Contact Sheet

I really enjoyed taking pictures of Lucy for my project.  She was a good model because she would do everything I asked.  I liked being able to pick out different locations and clothing options because it made the project more fun to do.  I would definitely take portrait shots again.

Elaine Gates Recap

I thought listening to Elaine Gates was very beneficial.  I learned many new techniques on how to take portraits that I had never heard of before.  For example, I liked how she said that she will model the pose that she wants the subject to do for them, instead of just telling them to do it.  Elaine said that the pose will turn out less awkward if it is demonstrated first.  Also, I learned what times are the best to take portraits outside.  Elaine further explained that you can get the best lighting when the subject has the sun directly behind their head.  Another technique I learned is that you should photograph someone who is actually interested in getting their picture taken.  If you take pictures of someone who doesn't, then you will be able to tell within the pictures that they don't want to be there.  My favorite thing that she taught us was that if you want someone to give you their real smile, then just ask for a serious face, and most of the time they will burst out laughing.  Overall I really enjoyed listening to what she had to say and will definitely use the advice she gave us when taking portraits.

HDR Final Project

asymmetrical balance

ISO 400 f/22 1/50, 1/200, 1/13

 I chose to shoot here because Chic is a family owned business and I grew up spending a lot of time here.

framing

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

 I shot at Hershey Stadium, because going to concerts in the summer is my favorite thing to do.

symmetrical balance

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

 I chose Hershey Park because during the summer I go there a bunch of times with my friends.

vertical/leading lines

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

 I took photos at the pergola in front of my house because I take my photos before every dance here.

different perspective

ISO 400 f/22 5s, 1.3s, 20s

I picked this location because the music room in my house is very special to my family.  My mom always plays the piano and I practice my violin.

repetition/pattern

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

I picked the ride "Skyview" because I have made many memories on it.

HDR is my favorite type of photography that I have explored so far.  I love how it adds a ton of detail to a shot.  I also like how you can choose from different filters and make the photos look less realistic.

These images don't exactly tell a story, but they do all have a sentimental value.  They are all locations that mean something to me.  The images I created partially changed the relationship of what I like to photograph, because I found that I enjoy taking pictures of things that have meaning to me.

The lighting affected the photographs because for HDR, each image is created using 3 photos (each with different lighting).  When the layers are combined, it creates an immensely detailed photograph.