September 2013 Portraits

[Michael W]

From a small photo session I had at an old museum, had an small private wetplate "demo" for these guys, turned out quite nice =)

I like the pose & framing. This is very clean for wetplate.

[taulen]

I like the pose & framing. This is very clean for wetplate.

Oh sorry, this is a 4x5 film shot I took during the wet plate demo, I can see that was very badly formulated =/ The collodion image from the session is posted in the collodion thread.
And thanks regarding the pose/framing =)

[Michael W]

This was done as part of a class demo but I'm quite pleased with it.
Deardorff 8x10 with a Rodenstock Sironar 300mm at f/11, HP5 processed in Rodinal 1+25.

[mandoman7]

I couldn't resist taking a shot with my 4x5 as I watched my cohort struggling with the wind in the middle of the road.
Chamonix 45n1, 90 F8 Nikkor, FP4

[AtlantaTerry]

Doing a little more senior portrait work... 210mm trioplan at f8. 4x5 speed graphic pre-anniversary. tmy2 film in pyrocat hd. Photographed outdoors on a foggy/overcast day with the aid of a reflector.

May I suggest you investigate going in the other direction and instead of using a reflector, use a black card to absorb light. For more information on subtractive lighting research the teachings of the late photographer Leon Kennamer.

[D-tach]

Thanks Ken & JP!

[Vitali67]

I am learning to use large format, I didn't even shoot yet on sheet film (to avoid expensive waste) and use 6x9 rollfilm adapter. Trying various films, developing techniques and lenses.
This morning I have received CM Fujinon W 5.6/210 lens and put it to test
Here what I got. Cambo SC + Linhof 6x9, Fuji neopan 100 Across. Developed in T-Max and scanned on Epson V600


Portrait by Alpha Man 77, on Flickr

[Pfiltz]

May I suggest you investigate going in the other direction and instead of using a reflector, use a black card to absorb light. For more information on subtractive lighting research the teachings of the late photographer Leon Kennamer.

I have to respectively disagree with not using a reflector for that image and using a dark card. I know it's not a critique forum, but the subject needs light in those eyes.
Lifeless dead eyes are not what you want, in a senior image, unless your going for GOTH

imho...

[SergeiR]

I have to respectively disagree with not using a reflector for that image and using a dark card. I know it's not a critique forum, but the subject needs light in those eyes.
Lifeless dead eyes are not what you want, in a senior image, unless your going for GOTH

imho...

aye. specially considering how much darker he is than his clothing. Unless we building complex flagged solution - reflector. And more of it wouldnt hurt here.

[jp]

Very nice tones and light Vitali67!



I am always open to critique and like to discuss photography.

With regard to my senior portraits, the subject indeed has darker eyes than most people and I wanted to make sure the eyesockets were not shadowed. I also wanted the hair to stand out from the background a little bit. A tiny bit of extra light such as a reflector on a gray day, can make a big difference.

I do appreciate the suggestion to research subtractive lighting; it could be used for other situations. Black is one of the options in my 5-in-1 reflector kit.

Part of the risk of using a reflector is that it can make a face TOO evenly illuminated, reducing shape and definition if done carelessly. That's often OK in contemporary digital color, but shapes and shade is very important in B&W.