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.