john_b_ckman Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 Hello! My next project in photography is to take portraits of male friends and I want them to be very detailed. I want to se everything in the face. The film that I intend to use is Ilford Pan+. Now I would like to get recomendations concerning lighting. What kind of light, direction etc. Will hopefully post the results when the project gets started. / John Bäckman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_bibow1 Posted December 25, 2002 Share Posted December 25, 2002 Doesnt seem that anyone wants to answer this ..so i'll give it a go... Im doing something simliar right now... nd from what Ive seen is direct lighting, harsh even will produce alot of detail... as will using a quality macro lens... a super sharp lens will have it so u can see each seperate eye lash. Hope this helps some Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted December 26, 2002 Share Posted December 26, 2002 James is right. Lighting will have as great or greater effect on the results you are looking for than the lens you choose (with the exception of a soft focus portrait lens). The more you cross light the subject the more the minute detail will be shown in detailed relief. But be prepared for every pore and capulary to show up in vivid detail.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted December 26, 2002 Share Posted December 26, 2002 John, here's another way to approach the lighting to bring out the detail in a dramatic manner. 2 strip lights were used, placed just off camera and positioned to spill around to high-light the important portions of the subjects' face. Hope it helps some to see different approaches.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_b_ckman Posted December 27, 2002 Author Share Posted December 27, 2002 Thank you for good answers. Speaking about lenses, I will use either the Hasselblad C 150:4 T* that I have or trade my Hassy for Mamiya and then get a RB with C 180. I just have one question to follow up with. Could you explain cross lighting for me. Again, thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james___ Posted December 31, 2002 Share Posted December 31, 2002 And try using a green filter or ortho film. The response of ortho film makes the skin blemishes very prominent. The razor stubble stands out very well. Using a green filter will acomplish somewhat the same thing though not as much. Pan F+ is a red sensitive film and will suppress the male complexion. Use an ortho film. But by far the best way to bring out the male face is with good hard lighting like shown in these examples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick_gray Posted January 2, 2003 Share Posted January 2, 2003 I am a simpleton. I am a huge fan of natural light for portrait stuff moving the subject closer to the light source (i.e.large north window)for harshness or further away for more diffuse, soft lighting while bouncing/reflecting light by various means where appropriate; always using a razor sharp lens and varying the background. Part of the sheer fun is searching for the right light, playing with it until you get exactly what you want. And then, yes, the utter joy of the darkroom experience. Good luck and Happy New Year! Rick Gray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin2 Posted January 11, 2003 Share Posted January 11, 2003 John...try getting your hands on a Linhof 4X5 camera, a good quality Schneider lens,20 pound tripod, TMAX film, XTOL developer, JOBO processor and good natural lighting or soft-box. Patience and an expresive face should result something interesting after many trys..... and failures. Don't give up. Here's one I like. You may not however.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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