![]() ![]() Tripods help too, but most portrait photographers, including me, prefer the flexibility of not being tied to one. It is really hard to hand hold at a slow shutter speed. I often see photos with soft eyes with shutter speeds of 1/20. If you have an image stabilized lens, or an ultra steady hand, you may be able to modify this. If you are using an 85 1.8 lens, for example, you’d want you speed greater than 1/170 of a second. Check your shutter speed – ideally for a non-moving subject, you should be at 2x your focal length for speed.I do the latter and much prefer it as a way to achieve sharper eyes. Others prefer switch the focus points, positioning one right over the eye closest to the photographer. Move focus points versus focus and recompose – some photographers like to focus on the eyes and then recompose.You may not get quite that soft, artistic blur, but you also may get eyes that look sharp. The larger your number, the more that will be in focus. If you are wide open, consider stopping down a bit, maybe 2.2, 2.8 or even 4.0. If you notice your eyes are out of focus or even soft in your photos, check your aperture. There are some skilled photographers who can shoot at an aperture of 1.2 or 1.4 and get tack sharp eyes. When shooting wide open, you dictate what is most important. You get beautiful bokeh and background blur, as well as a softer skin. The role of depth of field – many portrait photographers love to shoot wide open.Getting the eyes both sharp and in focus is a key to getting what many photographers refer to as “eye pop” or “eye sparkle.” Sharp eyes will look better than soft ones every time. Though I much prefer natural light, those experienced using fill flash, can get great results.I do not use reflectors often, but with strong light, it can help fill in pockets and add light to the eyes. When shooting indoors, as long as there is a lot of light outside, have your subject get near the window and watch the light. Sometimes a few degrees makes all the difference. Have the subject tilt their head, up or down.As you see good light hit them, and bold catchlights, this is your golden spot. Watch how the light changes as they move. You can make a game of this with younger kids. Look in your subject’s eyes and have them turn in a circle, very slowly.The photo above of my daughter Jenna was taken at the edge of our garage. One of the best places to get open shade – your garage. On bright, sunny days look for shade created from buildings, a homes, trees, or any other overhang. Open shade is areas that are not directly in the sun. Full sun and thick, almost dark overcast are less ideal than thin, light clouds. They work like a giant soft box, diffusing the light. ![]() If you are doing a paid session, you may not have a choice on days, but for portraits of your family or kids, aim for days with thin, light clouds. ![]() When the sun is directly overhead, you often get deep shadows and pockets under the eye area.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |