Metallic human skin pictures

[hiroshi_sumiyama]

I am photographing with B&W film for one year.

I am trying to get metallic human skin pictures such as CHUCK CLOSE's portrait.

However, I could not get it.

Do I need special lighting technique to get metallic effect?

[pje]

Hmmm... Chuck Close's portraits are paintings not photographs.

[johnreef]

I think you might be refering to Close's daguerrotypes; a very old process where the emulsion is applied to a plate of tin. Google "daguerrotype, chuck close" and i think you will find some information.

[hiroshi_sumiyama]

how about this example

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00KPkK

 

I want to get this kind of effect (metallic skin) for my photo.

[johnreef]

Hiroshi,

 

The picture you have shown has been toned. Either sepia or brown toner. Could possible be copper toner. Search on B&W toners or find Tim Rudman's book on toning. Another effect that contributes to the photo is its luminosity which is achieved by being very careful with the printing of the mid tones.

[hiroshi_sumiyama]

John,

 

Thank you very much for providing your idea.

I'll try to find a book which you recommend.

[mpo]

John, that's a digital image (Minolta Dimage A1) so, it hasn't been toned (by chemical means at least) and possibly it has some kind of manipulation.

 

MP

[johnreef]

I assumed Hiroshi was providing a photographic example. On the conputer you have no way of knowing if it isn't. However, had it been a photograph, it would have been produced as I mentioned.

[isabel_arbelaez]

Another way to achieve a ruddier (metallic) complexion is to use an orthochromatic film

emulsion. Orthochromatic film has reduced sensitivity to the red end of the spectrum so

therefore yielding human skin ruddier than would be seen on most modern panchromatic

films. There is also orthopanchromatic film like Efke that may also be something to look into.

You can also use filters to achieve orthochromatic effects with purely panchromatic film. You

will have to just test the different films etc. to see if it gives you what you need.

[gnashings]

I found that strong, contrasty light with a contrast-prone film (like PanF, for example) developed in a high contrast developer gives an non-human, metallic look. A friend of mine got it with Tech Pan souped in Dektol, I got something like it with PanF through a red filter in Microphen. Not pretty, mind you, but definitely metallic looking - all the blood vessels became very visible due to the weird colour response, so the pictures are not of the flattering variety.

[hiroshi_sumiyama]

John is correct. It was just photographic example.

 

Isabel and Peter, thank you for providing great ideas.

I'll try all of your ideas as soon as possible.

[david_elden]

Hiroshi,

In the example you provided the "metallic" look to the skin tones is due to a combination of the surface reflectivity of the skin (somewhat shiny) and the lighting type and direction (contrasty, backlit producing specular reflection in the camera direction).

Lighting is the main factor not film type, developer, printing let alone toning although you can emphasise the effect using those tools especially film & paper contrast.

Take a look at Close's portraits and analyse the lighting used from the shadows and reflections and try and duplicate it and you'll get a similar look.