Portrait Canon 85MM 1.2

Canon 85MM 1.2 @ F 1.8 1/500 sec Canon 580EX flash high speed sync

mode /w Joe Demb's Flip It! flash reflector.

I see that the ratings are way too stingy, this is a great image.

I agree with Steve.

 

The lighting in the portrait is perfect. You have captured a very unique shot. Well Done Sir.

Thanks for the comments. I don't put much weight on ratings. In fact, I rarely look at my photo ratings. Comments, questions and critiques are always enjoyable to read though.

 

Since Jill commented about the lighting, I'll be more specific. I tilted the Canon 580EX flash head so it was pointed at the white ceiling above. (bounce position) The flash reflector sits behind the flash and reflects some of the light forward.

 

The reflector provides softened lighting with a catch-light in the eyes and eliminates the shadows you'd get with straight and bounce flash.

 

The result is a flash-lit portrait without the flash-lit look.

 

If you own a hot-shoe flash with a tilting or tilt and swivel head, and... you enjoy portrait photography, I highly recommend Joe Demb's Flip-It! flash reflector. Tell Joe Jim Harrington sent you.

 

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

 

 

 

 

Very well-lit, Jim.

Very nice portrait and fantastic Out of focus background, but regarding the flash I see two catch lights in the eyes. 12:00 and 11:45. ? The shadows are missing? if you had no flash it would be nearly all be darker and a single light should leave a touch shadow that I don't see. I think about this and the 50mm 1.2 but I think this is better choice for portrait as the longer working distance allows for a better use of the lens wide open. What do think if you would choose between the two for FF. Regards Carl

Carl,

There were windows behind me which could explain the two catch-lights.

 

Lack of shadows is from flash bouncing off ceiling, as well as Joe Demb's Flip-it! flash reflector.

 

The 85 1.2 is renowned for it's creamy-smooth bokeh. I've never used a 50 1.2, but as you said the 85 gives a better working distance. There's at least one other portrait made with the 85 1.2 in this folder.

 

This particular shot was made at F 1.8.

 

Eris Sorensen is the master with the 85 1.2.

 

Check out his portraits here:

 

http://www.pbase.com/ericsorensen/duckpond2008