Challenges of Being a Large Format Portrait Subject (Portraiture)

[Andre Noble]

Hello, how do YOU prepare a novice LF portrait subject for the unique challenges of posing and holding still for a LF portrait?

Assume typical setup of 3/4 length portrait using 210 mm lens on 4x5, GG viewing, dark cloth focusing, closing lens down, inserting DDS.

Do you find it a frustrating experience?

As the photographer, an special tips to insure a natural pose and sharp negative?

[DrTang]

tell them not to move


or

tie a string to the tripod and a knot where it is in focus and just before ehitting the shutter - run over and double check with the string

[Vaughn]

Train 'em when they are young!

two minute exposure...(okay, I cheated -- they are a long way away...8x10 neg using 300mm lens)

[BrianShaw]

Yes, its frustrating. Some folks are naturally more cooperative than others, especially with LF. I try to match my subject's disposition and the working environment to different equipment types... and use the gear that will most likely result in a decent portrait.

[Terry Christian]

Instead of using a string to get the focus down before the subject poses, try a lightstand. The shiny stud on top can be placed exactly where you like and the brightness makes it easy to focus on.

[DrTang]

you use the string while they are sitting there though

or standing




Instead of using a string to get the focus down before the subject poses, try a lightstand. The shiny stud on top can be placed exactly where you like and the brightness makes it easy to focus on.

[AtlantaTerry]

I use a quiet tone of voice in a slow rhythm to get them settled down, calm and thinking slow. Then I explain that what we are about to do is quite similar to what people like President Abraham Lincoln endured - a five or ten second exposure. Which is usually a lie because my actual exposure might be 1/2 second. But I want to get into their minds the idea that they will have to hold still.

I have usually placed the subject sitting in or leaning against a solid object. I tell them why - it is to keep them stable otherwise it is very natural for a person's body to drift about. Also, I get them thinking about something, which helps them to relax and get far away thoughts. While I'm talking slowly and quietly I then make my exposure. Not using a flash helps a lot.

Aside: where can I purchase one of those "U"-shaped devices to position behind the heads of subjects? For selfies I use a light stand with boom arm.

[Mark Sawyer]

Hello, how do YOU prepare a novice LF portrait subject for the unique challenges of posing and holding still for a LF portrait?

I threaten to pull her wings off if she moves...

[jcoldslabs]

I threaten to pull her wings off if she moves...

This is true. I've seen Mark's photos of just the wings. Ouch.

Jonathan

[Sinclairlyy]

The shiny stud on top can be placed exactly.

[Daniel Stone]

talk to them constantly, keep them engaged

-Dan

[Tobias Key]

I think it is a balancing act between being talkative and engaging your subject, and being quick to set up but not rushing. The big advantage is that your camera is a conversation piece in itself and most subjects find the process really interesting. The more you let them invest in the process the more enthusiastic and cooperative they will be.
Also be mindful that the operating window is somewhat narrower for large format portraiture than other formats. If it's a dull day or windy and you are shooting outside, consider rescheduling.

[Noah B]

When I did portraits without a flash I always tried to make small talk while I was focusing/composing. That makes the experience less awkward, you gotta baby them a little through the process, because odds are most subjects haven't had this kind of interaction before. Eventually you have to let them know the importance of the picture, either it be how much the picture costs to make or how important the image is to you. Then when you're about to take the picture just tell them to hold still. It's quite different as opposed to a hand camera, you have to be more of a director. The struggle is being demanding of your subject, but also making them feel comfortable in your presence. To make a great portrait you have to walk the tightrope between those two. Using a flash is a little easier, you don't have to rely on them holding still so much, but then you have to do more work (metering for the flash, setting it up etc.) It's definitely a production but well worth the effort!

[Harold_4074]

Then when you're about to take the picture just tell them to hold still

For 3/4 length and a 210mm this may not be a problem, but I once photographed a young lady who would instinctively "straighten up" when I said I was ready to make the exposure. The problem was that when she was relaxed and I was focusing, her eyes were a bit closer to the camera. Every picture was just slightly out of focus because her face moved back as she straightened her posture! I found that the solution was---as mentioned repeatedly above---to maintain a quiet monologue until after tripping the shutter. (With some gentle coaching, she eventually learned to hold her posture from focusing through exposure.)

[goamules]

I know a wetplater that would tell young subjects to look into the lens glass closely, and they might see something if they hold still. With 10 second wetplates, you have to be creative. I tell them they can blink, but don't let their head move around. A few cannot do it, so I use a head brace or let them put their head on their hand, etc.