video episode 26, outdoor portrait photography tips #2
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The gallery of images may be found here.
Today’s video is a direct continuation of last week’s video episode 25, outdoor portrait photography tips #1. In this video we look a bit more at the approach to portraits and attention to details.
These images were shot wide open at f4 on the relatively affordable Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens with the 5D. Shutter speed was around 1/80 of a sec at ISO 100 so a tripod was called in to duty.
White balance was set to daylight and I planned to do an overall RAW batch color correction in post, bringing up shadows and warming things up a bit. The very final image (using the white reflector to bounce back light from the gold reflector) was nice and warm, right where I wanted it, so these images are left uncorrected so you can see the difference in the progression. The legs on the reflector set allow it to be set up horizontally, also, as you can see in the video (once again, the Calumet 42×78″ Aluminum Frame with Translucent Fabric and Leg Set).
Some photographers may want to shoot a gray card in this setting and use it to balance overall color in post-production. That’s perfectly fine and on a commercial shoot where clothing color might be critical I would do that. For portraits I’m aiming for color that is aesthetically pleasing (warmer than neutral), not perfectly color-accurate, so I didn’t bring out the gray card.
Next week: outdoor portrait photography tips #3…
[...] Watch Video…(Part 2) [...]
thank you for a very informative video.
You have ALWAYS been an inspiration and this is just the time to let you know, you rock !
Really a nice video, Jim. I liked how you presented the progression in the shots and mentioned all the details you took care of on the way
But I still really like the photos because of the light and model’s pose. Have a good week 
Just one little thing about the photo which bugged me: I wouldn’t have cut off her feet
Cheers,
Martin
another great video! if only there was a way of me sneaking 2 massive reflectors on the bus!
Great video series thus far. I’m always amazed at how much difference those reflectors make.
How do you feel about the really bright area of grass behind the model in this set of images?
Wow. Good video. Lighting, posing, interaction, and shoot progression all in one easy to understand video. Nice job, Jim.
I’m smiling because I wondered how long before someone mentioned her feet being cut off and the bright grass in the background…not long!
Those are definitely personal decisions. Retaining detail in the grass would take some Photoshop work or maybe a lower angle or different location. While it’s obvious to other photographers I (personally) don’t think most portrait clients would be too concerned. I feel the same about the feet in this particular case. Widening the shot would create more empty space above her legs and I liked this basic composition.
That really is one of the fun things about photography. I can talk about how I approach photography and the tools and techniques used, but ultimately the aesthetic decisions are unique to each of us!
I hope it is a real smile and not one of those “I knew some [beeeep] would come along and mention that kind of smiles
We tend to nitpick ourselves (and each other) to death sometimes. I just went through that with a set of senior portraits that I about drove myself nuts over. . .
Hey Jim, welcome and, yes, it’s a genuine smile. Everything here is to hopefully provoke thought and learning and we all might make different decisions on certain things. Five different people might notice five different details and I actually think that’s pretty cool.
I’m just really happy people point things out and ask questions because it helps me think about my own process. I want to become a better photographer, too, that’s what keeps me in the game!
It never fails, as soon as I think one of your videos is my favorite, bam, you come up with
another one. Great Job Jim!!!
I can’t wait for the metering video you and Joe talked about. I was just about to send the exact comment, when the follow up notification buzzed my blackberry with Joe’s comment.
In this video, I love the fact that you got an excellent image, outdoors, under sunny conditions, with zero flash. Just goes to show great images don’t always require flash.
Lots of times I just can’t get an image right outdoors. Never occured to me that I didn’t need the flash. Ha Ha, was that an “Underlying Objective” Jim? Great work as usual you are truly the man.
tdisom
I need to get started on practicing! I like portrait photography and the lighting challenges that come up. I wish I had more equipment and time to practice this. These videos are quite helpful.
Just curious, do you have the f/2.8 version of the lens you used in this video? I’m seriously considering the f/2.8 stabilized version of that lens as my next lens.
Thanks for another great video Jim. I’ve been meaning to ask you: What kind of radio trigger are you using?
Really nice demonstration Jim. I’ve been forced on one occasion to work in deeper tree shadows than this- given your lens allows, would you normally reach to f2.8, or would you up the ISO and stick to f4?
Your videos are the best. Thanks for making time to produce and offer for free. I’ve learned much.
I’m starting to like those huge reflectors more and more. Might have to buy a couple shortly. As for the feet and grass, it’s the same as with slanted horizon. Sometimes it works, some times it doesn’t, as long as you intentionally did what you did and not as an after though. (By ‘you’ I mean any photographer, not Jim)
That’s my take on it.
Jim, you’re an excellent professional and excellent teacher. Your step-by-step shots helps really to understand on what each element brings to the final photo. Thanks.
Hi Jim!
Thanks for your very informative video! I especially like that you’ve shared your tips for using reflectors and the reasoning behind your posing. Very useful information.
Just found your site and I’ll look forward to catching up on your other posts!
p.s. I’ve tried leaving comments earlier but they just wouldn’t go through. This time I’ll submit without the email notifications checked. perhaps that’ll work!
nice!
Is that Dean Collins pvc light panels you got there? If so, where do you get “photographic” fabric from?
Highlight of the week! New video on prophotolife.com.
… and another keeper! Great video Jim. Great model too!
As others have said, you are a great inspiration and teacher.
…hey its almost next Monday…lol
Jan
Thanks for useful tips!
Lots of questions so I’ll keep answers to the point. Plenty of time for rambling later!
The frames are aluminum, sold by Calumet (there’s a link in the post below the video). They have a variety of fitted fabrics available.
I used to shoot sports at ISO 50 which meant carrying all heavy f2.8 lenses. For sports and weddings f2.8 comes in handy but now I just use the f4 (simple and light). Commercial work is much more calculated and planned so f4 works fine (we would rarely shoot at f2.8). For that reason I also think the 17-40mm f4 Canon L lens is a great value.
With the 5D I’m comfortable bumping the ISO up to 400 if it’s really necessary so I get by with f4. If you’re often in low light and like to shoot hand held then the extra bucks for the f2.8 are probably a good investment. I seem to get by with f4 just fine for what we do.
The triggers: Quantum IV or Calumet Lite Link.
Thanks for the tips on posing and the bit about “greener” light deeper in the shadows. The difference in posture between the first and second images is just huge!
Jim, great video! I wish I had seen this Saturday when I went and shot a family in Ault Park. BTW, it’s funny how you had a little trouble talking over the cicadas… lol
Hey Jim,
I was wondering if you would catch the “lobster” hand she had going on there, and you did! Just before the keeper you shot! Nice work
Thanks for posting the video. Keep ‘em coming, it’s nice to see how other’s are doing things.
Thanks Jim! There are definitely times when I could have benefited from the extra aperture and image stabilization. I have had to pass up too many shots of deer while driving around because my Sigma 70-300mm lens just can’t handle it. I’ll bet the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 with extension tubes would be a great lens for close up shots outside.
Hi Jim,
Another outstanding, instructive video!
Was your laptop hanging around out of frame? Do you always have your camera tethered on shoots? I really appreciate the ‘start with a basic exposure and go from there’ approach and I wonder how crucial the laptop is.
Is there enough detail in the camera’s little screen for “chimping” your way from starting exposure to the keeper? Any comments on issues with the screen’s representation of detail, esp. contrast?
I am looking at doing a similar shoot in the very near future for a couple who recently had twins using my 40D and the 50MM 1.8 – A couple of quick questions – 1) I only have one reflector, would you recommend fill flash? I have a 430EX and a diffuser. 2) This lens is really sharp, I want to make sure the whole family is in focus with a nice background blur, what aperture would you recommend? F4?
Thanks,
Bruce
Hey NormMonkey, I didn’t use the laptop on this particular series…because somebody “dropped the ball” and forgot to bring the charger for it and the battery died. Oh, that would be me.
I did use the camera’s LCD screen for this series but the main thing relied upon were watching the histogram and the overexposure warning. The visual image is used for composition but not for judging exposure.
I also used autofocus and always confirm with every shot that the focus spot is on the face and lighting up correctly. When there’s a break in the action I’ll zoom in 100% on a recent exposure to make sure focus looks good.
Whether shooting tethered or to the card I kind of build where the shoot is going, testing exposure and focus, letting the subject get comfortable and confirming to myself that the technical details are all in place. Then I let them know it’s “go time” and we’re taking actual exposures.
HI,Jim. I watch this hp from Japan. I found it very helpful and informative. Your explanation is easy and clear to understand for even non native speakers of English like me. I appreciate your effort to produce a new video everyweek.
Hello Jim!
By reading Kiyoshi’s comment I was convinced you might want to know that your instructive and informative videos are a great benefit to photographers (or advanced rookies like me) all around the world.
I watched your videos about portraits from Germany and recommend them to all my friends interested in photography, because they are real easy to understand – even for us here in Bavaria…
hello jim, nice video with the replector thinks… first time i see photo in magazine i thought they used so many studio lighting to made it, but when i see your video is open my eyes is very helpfull with minimalist buged we can made beautifull photo..
thank you for the tips
dewo – Hamburg
Hi Jim,
Well, after reading all the comments and your responses to them…all my questions that I had were answred!
I’ve just recently subscribed to your videos on Youtube, and thus far I have found them extremely helpful. I wanted to thank you for putting the time and effort into creating these videos.
If I decide to purchase some of those aluminum tube frames, I’ll follow the links from your blog.
Kevin
Hi Jim,
I notice that most photographers use a large lense like 70-200 and back away from their subject when taking pictures, portraits etc….
What is the advantage & disadvantages of using a 18-55 lense and getting closer to your subject.
Ken