Portrait session anecdote... Keep it simple

Here is an interesting anecdote I saw on the LUG... Portrait session with minimal gear... R8 and 100mm f2.8... surprised sitter... and good results based on technique over equipment.

 

<p>

 

Go down to "Hi Gang," which is original post:

 

<p>

 

http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/v18/msg08358.html

It would be fun to see how much you can do with nothing but a camera and a tripod. No doubt we lug a lot of unnecessary gear we end up not using or using when not absolutely necessary. But what if there's no convenient window or not enough light outside? And what if the CEO doesn't look his/her best in highly directional light. I would certainly shoot the window shot, but I'd probably try to cover myself with a roll of shots using a strobe in an umbrella. I guess I don't feel ingenious enough to use ambient light cleverly and confidently.

My favorite is: M6 with 50mm 0r 35mm lens, Fast film (e.g. Tri-X),

and available light. With some good daylight coming from a nearby

window, I have my best chance of getting a natural shot with a

gentle, non-harsh light. Enough light on the eyes is really

important. Flash looks plastic and artificial to me. I don't think

Eisenstadt used a flash for his picture of Albert Einstein.

 

<p>

 

Just my thoughts on the subject

I completely agree with the others. The R8 and 100 macro like

described could be wonderful. Flash is usually so tacky. Available

light is by far the best if you can get away with it. I use my 50mm R

Summicron and 90 Elmarit for this kind of shot. Works most of the

time and I tend not to use a tripod for this kind of shot, so often

it is wide open. You just need enough light.

I love the photographer's attitude, but in this day and age where

everyone with a programmed camera calls themselves a "photographer",

how important is the "look" of being a photographer? Assuming that

nobody knows that the guy was holding a 5000 Dollar camera and lens,

he probably didn't look impressive for a first impression.

 

<p>

 

Some guy with a 100 Dollar Pentax K1000 and a couple of hundred

Dollars worth of lightstands and umbrellas would make a better first

impression for a potential new client. I know that the results are

all that count, but "the look" instills some confidence in the

uninitiated... the best doctor in the world meeting you in the

waiting room in jeans and a t-shirt would cause some second thoughts

about your choice. We have an idea about how a professional should

look for a given career field.

 

<p>

 

But for my personal photography... fast glass, fast film, big

window... I don't need anything else.

I don't mind that doctorswears jeans - it's that they're all 35 years younger than I am that sets me back.