portrait advice

Experimenting some with casual portraits, making use of available light and - just as crucial! - available patience!

I am wondering about two things lately. First, how to deal with eyeglasses, avoiding glare. (Obvious answer: capture subject looking away from window, leading to second issue - shadow, especially around the eyes). So second, shadows and highlight spots on half of the person's face, hands, neck, etc.





In this case, I have fiddled (in iPhoto) with exposure and contrast and de-shadowing to keep the balance between blown highlights and overly shadowed face. Not enough contrast as a result?




Here, I think the directional light helps, drawing attention to the tattoo and accordian keys. What do you think? Is it effective to keep the rest of the image more shadowed?




Here, it's a question of composition for me - does this work? The problem with the way he plays the harmonica is that you can't see it!!

These were all shot with the kit 18-55, spot AF. And in fact, I had a number of rejects because of missed focus: would a matrix mode be more useful for this kind of situation, do you think?

Your help on these points, but also your general feedback welcome as usual.

Cheers!

The second one definitely works. I really like it.

Not knowing how the first one looked before you did your de-shadowing etc it's hard to comment. It looks a it flat, lifeless almost, to me. I would like to see more contrast to give it a bit of oomph.

The third one looks like he is taking his teeth out or something. I think I would stick to him with the accordian.

think reflectors.
and by reflectors I mean ANYTHING that reflects light. (a compact makeup mirror placed carefully might light up that harmonica...).
polarizers help with reflections and glare. Think both sources of light and lenses (not always possible....a polarized gel big enough to cover a window costs about $500.00 Cdn).

Gwyn: love the teeth comment - that's what I was afraid of!

Don: Helpful on reflectors, especially "found objects", because shots like this (I suppose as is obvious) are not prearranged portrait sessions, but more like me trying to capture something of the person in the moment. I don't often think of polarizers for indoors, but it certainly seems wise. Thanks.

Either of these look a little better? Or is the face simply too dark ... end of story? (What I really need is a Photoshop tool that allows me to turn his head to face the window, or me to travel in time!!)








And this is as shot:




Gratefully,

I think the first of the last 3 looks better. Better range and contrast.

Always hard to rescue blown highlights. The problem in this case is that the eye is drawn to the blown out parts.

Looking at the picture I wonder 1) what is he looking at 2) his neck.

Not sure what you want to tell with the picture - if it is him playing - I would have loved to see him looking down or at some notes.

Hope you get what I'm trying to tell.

I do get exactly what you mean. It's funny, when he plays - all by memory - he kind of stares at a place in the "middle distance", just as a way of concentrating I guess. Too bad he wasn't staring out the window, though! : )

Thanks for the feedback all ... back to the drawing board on this one, I think.

Cheers,

My OH has the same look when he plays guitar. Very hard to capture well, and he doesn't have glasses.
Maybe you could try a bit of dodging and burning?
I still think the close up of him playing is the best one.

Just a thought - did you take the photo in RAW? Have you tried the recovery slider in Photoshop Camera Raw for the blown highlights?
Or played with the levels/curves at all?

Thanks Gwyn - I'm pleased with the close-up, too.

Yes, I've been shooting everything in RAW, but to this point haven't had anything but the sliders in iPhoto to adjust. But now I'm about to enter a brand new software universe - just downloaded Silkypix, and have Elements for Mac en route, so I'll be able to tinker as you suggest - once I figure out how!

Can i recommend two books - the Missing manual for PSE6 by Barbara Burbridge and Scott Kelby's PSE 6 book.
I assume it is PSE 6 you have ordered? I have it and really like it.

Good tips ... I have the first one ordered in from the library, and I'll check on the other one too!

And MattMatic's guide to Silkypix looks so clear and helpful.

Will you do any photography over the weekend, Gwyn?

I'm off to Arizona and New Mexico on Sunday so there will be plenty of photos taken over the next three weeks. Mostly snapshots, but hopefully I'll get the chance for some real photography too. One of the reasons for staying at the rim of the Grand Canyon is to join all the other photographers at sunset/sunrise. We shall see if I manage it

Mind you given the lovely weather here I am almost reluctant to go!

Enjoy