Thinking about doing my daughters senior portraits

[tinksdad]

Thanks everyone.

I was hoping to not have anyone go but myself and my oldest DD but it sounds like maybe I should get some kind of filter and I will need someone to hold it? Does anyone have suggestions on an inexpensive filter I can buy or make?

When you say filter are you thinking of using some sort of light panel? Which would be a great way of filtering the sun from the subject. A lightweight ripstop white nylon is VERY effective in those conditions. Gauze works too, but nylon as a very "even" look to it.

 

[DVC Jen]

When you say filter are you thinking of using some sort of light panel? Which would be a great way of filtering the sun from the subject. A lightweight ripstop white nylon is VERY effective in those conditions. Gauze works too, but nylon as a very "even" look to it.

Yes - I meant reflector not filter. Sorry. Ever have one of those days when you are just off - totally off? That is me today.

 

[DVC Jen]

I knew everyone here would have some great advice for me.

0bli0 I have checked out quite a few sites with galleries of senior portraits and I see what you mean about the hands. I have seen a few though that I LOVED where it was a very close up of the face. Knowing my daughter though - she won't like that.


There was one photo that was taken with what looked like a fairly wide angle lens. The wall behind her was a reddish-wine color. She was off to the side of the shot and the rest was of that red wall. Very striking. Maybe I could do something like that in our backyard by the pool and landscaping - with the background slightly out of focus but not so much you can't tell what it is.

fairestoneofall thank you - that does make sense to me. Seems so easy the way you explain it and makes perfect sense when I look at that adorable photo of your daughter - now - I just have to make it work for me. LOL

Lachesis00 - great link and chart. That will be very helpfull for me.

One good thing though - I have 4 more years to get better before my youngest graduates.

My oldest on the other hand - she is an early grad and has exactly 3 days of school left (will attend the graduation ceremony in May with her classmates however). This Mom is having a hard time with that. It is going to be one emotional week for me.

 

[manning]

Overcast/cloudy days are good for portraits, the soft even light is very flattering. The light is also somewhat blue, take the photos in RAW so you can correct the color cast later.

A medium length lens gives a good subject/camera distance to make the perspective look right, maybe a 50mm or 85mm on a 1.6 camera. Use the widest aperture available to help blur the background. Speaking of background, look "into" the background to see if any distracting elements are in the frame (trees, poles, traffic lights).

Any large areas of color nearby can add a color cast to the image, especially in the shadows. Stay clear of lots of bright foliage or brightly painted surfaces.

Late afternoon sunlight adds a nice warmth to portraits but position your subjects where they won't be squinting. A reflector helps to reduce shadows.

Having done that in the good old days professionally I agree.

If it is a sunny day get into the shade. This will help, hold your arm straight out upward sideways at a 45 degree angle and have her look at your hand. You don't want her to look into the camera. Take shoulder,three quarter (knee up) and full length shots. Also take lots of pictures.

 

[fairestoneofall]

Yes - I meant reflector not filter. Sorry. Ever have one of those days when you are just off - totally off? That is me today.

For a cheapie reflector, you can pick up a piece of white foam board. It works, and it's cheap! You may not even need it though.

Good luck! You'll be great! And what a wonderful thing to do for your DD!

(and thank you for the compliment on my DD. she is definitely something special )

 

[manning]

forgot, focus on the eyes.