Saturday, June 25, 2011

Let's Talk Portrait Photography

Art Journal Page (Shooting Portraits)
One of my goals for this year has been to take more portraits. My photography in the past has focused on sports action, sports portraits and travel photography. I have always admired portrait photographers but have thought it was probably beyond my skills. Lately, as I've become more confident, I'm beginning to feel ready for the challenge. I don't want to get lights and have a portrait studio in my house. I'm more interested in location (especially outdoor) and "lifestyle" portraits. I particularly admire Tara Whitney's approach to photography. You can see some Tara-like shots I took in this post and my attempt at location portraits in this post. My favorite portrait shoot I've done was this one of special needs baseball players.  I just signed up for this portrait class, and I'm really excited about it.  Our first assignment was to do a self-portrait.  Here's my best shot:
It was a little difficult to get a really crisp focus. I learned a lot about trying to get a natural look on my face. It took me lots of expressions and poses before I got this one. I think that will be useful information next time I go to take someone else's portrait. It's in my studio. 
So, I'm interested in your thoughts on portrait photography. Do you do it? What's your style? Got any great resources to share? Any portrait photographers you admire?
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7 comments:

  1. SianJune 26, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    It's another thing on my list of things I'd like to do. I like taking pictures of really little things and I like taking pictures of people and I need to learn more about both.

    I really like this self portrait. It's happy, but it also has dignity about it.

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  2. debs14June 26, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    It's so hard to keep a natural look on your face when you are waiting for a self timer to go off isn't it? But you've succeeded really well here Rinda, it's a lovely self portrait.

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  3. AnonymousJune 26, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Expression is the hardest thing about a self-portrait. This is a lovely one, and I especially like that you included some of your art in the photo. I did a series of portraits of Sarah at the George Eastman House a few years back. They were the best I've ever done. I don't have much opportunity for that kind of photography.

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  4. MargiJune 26, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    I live vicariously through my daughter for photography. She does portrait photography and prefers the outside environment to do it but is working on getting her studio equipment as she is now getting requests for "traditional" photography.
    Enjoy the class, Krissy loves taking all of them.
    You can check her out at her web site if you like:
    http://kreationsphotography.com/

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  5. scrappyjackyJune 26, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    That's a great self portrait,Rinda....very natural looking....I find it impossible to ever look natural in a photo....which is probably why I avoid having them taken!!!

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  6. AlisonJune 26, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Great self-portrait...I'm like Jacky and avoid photographs when I can!
    Alison xx

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  7. LouJuly 2, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    your self portrait is great. I love portraits but tend to go for close up head shots rather than full length. Good luck with your classs xx

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