Rory Lewis Photographer Salon Photography
Rory Lewis Photographer Salon Photography
Rory Lewis Photographer Salon Photography
Making any photograph look great is a task that is far more artistic than most people realize if they have never attempted serious photography. And within this, there are very few elements of photography more exact and artistic than headshots. Capturing the perfect headshot depends on a number of different factors that have to be precisely organized in advance. And of course, the perfect headshot can be nothing short of stunning, capturing all of a person’s best features in a single photo. With that in mind, here are a few specific tips for taking the perfect headshot.
When you’re arranging a headshot, you should always keep in mind that the eyes will end up being the primary focus of the photo. No matter how attractive or noticeable a person’s other features are, the eyes naturally draw the most attention in a headshot, which means you should focus on making them appear as clear and noticeable as possible. This can be done in a number of ways with regard to positioning and lighting. Additionally, if he or she typically wears glasses, consider persuading the subject of your photo to wear contact lenses so as to avoid glare and allow the eyes to show off a bit more.
To some extent, facial blemishes can be disguised or hidden by the use of makeup and other strategic elements. Indeed, this is something you may want to discuss with the subject of your photo in advance. However, you can also do your part to hide facial blemishes by way of lighting and angles. Clearly, if your photo is taken from a profile or even partial profile standpoint, you will want to focus more on the clearer side of the face. Additionally, however, you may want to consider making use of diffused light, which can properly illuminate facial lines and angles without shining bright light on the entire face and showing blemishes.
Many people falsely believe that a photographer’s job is entirely about directing lighting and choosing the right lens. However, particularly when it comes to headshots, it is also your job to extract the proper expressions from your subject. Be sure to find out in advance what the purpose of the headshot is. For example, is it going to be used in some manner of professional profile or website? Is it going to be placed on an invitation or party program? Depending on the purpose of the headshot, you can determine what sort of expression and attitude is needed. It will then be your job to achieve this expression, not merely by asking the subject to smile, or keep a straight face, but by directing conversation in a way that naturally brings out the right look. This is perhaps the most important factor in a good headshot.
Corporate portraits aren’t always about business people – a corporate portrait is about relating you and your business to the public. This week a new client Kevin Mulligan commissioned me to shoot a series of commercial images for his new company the Deal Devil.
It was my usual corporate portrait shooting style: discuss with the subject what they want to convey in the image, help the subject feel relaxed and comfortable with the concept, set up three basic shots and shoot till I’m happy with the body language.
Photographed on location in Liverpool I wanted to relay a devilish theme and this was done quite successfully with the luxury venue and clothing. If you are in need of good commercial/corporate photography for your business please get in touch. To view more information on my corporate services click here.
Sam Pacey Model
PORTRAITURE IS ALL ABOUT THE FACE, THE MODEL THE MUSE. The best models I have worked in the past have been confident actors. Actors who are able to work through a series of poses following the photographer’s descriptive direction or example imagery; WHILST having the confidence of adding there own thoughts and felling’s and ideas. In essence being on the same wavelength of the photographer almost psychically.
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen
When a photographer and model are on the same wavelength great things happen. This has occurs often in my portraiture photography. The capturing of a perfect portrait moment a split second when the model and photographer connect. You can only achieve this with the right model. As noted actor Allan Walsh says: Modelling is just another branch of acting.
Remember these moments are STAGED the model in my opinion has to be a gifted actor. This can’t be emphasised enough. Lets not forget studio portraiture is photographed in an artificial atmosphere with a specific theme and when everything slots together, the results can be stunning.
Professional models must have character and a photogenic consciousness, realising what looks good on camera and what does not. Whilst knowing how to use both in accordance with the direction of the photographer. As a photographer I don’t see or think like a normal person someone with good facial bone structure and looks is NOT necessarily a good model. Photographers must see everything creatively and search for models with character and confidence.
India Model
Take the time out to find your Muse your Model someone who has charisma, somebody who is confidant who can take direction and in doing so come up with their own ideas.
I teach a great deal of one-on-one sessions and workshops with photographers who are just starting out and find that their work is let down by one key factor, the face of the person they are photographing. Don’t get me wrong no one is perfect yet, this can severally affect the shots they are trying to achieve. If photographers are looking to achieve a high standard of studio work they must not only think about lighting and makeup, but the models they are shooting.
The question you must be asking is where can I find good models? And you are probably expecting me to say a good model agency. Well you may be right but you may be surprised. There are a number of creative social networking sites on the web where models and photographers can collaborate, so signup. Ive also found models in unusual places from bus stops to bistros, keep alert and don’t be frightened to ask if you even spot someone in the street, the worst they can say is no.
In terms of model agencies take the time out to contact your local model agency. You may be amazed as agencies have a great number of new faces in need of shots. You may not be paid, but you will have the opportunity to learn with models who have experience, confidence, acting skills and good characteristics. If you take the time to find a good model the level of work you are trying to achieve will improve ten fold.
Today is World Photography Day, which is all about celebrating photography and remembering how special a photograph can be. Portraiture being my favorite area of photography. I have posted another of Marie’s images recently retouched. Let me know what you think and make sure you celebrate World Photography Day, go out and shoot something.
Marie Smith Model/Actress
Quite recently I have been approached by several photographers seeking one-on-one tuition, particularity in the sphere of portraiture photography. I thought it would be interesting and helpful to post a handy guide to one of my most common lighting setups for portraiture.
If you are looking for one-to-one photography tuition or photography courses please check out my Courses Page and see what I have to offer.
Simple Portraiture Setup
Most of my portraits are shot with one light and I often use this simple setup to create some great shots. The photo of model Claire Leatherbarrow was taken with this handy one light setup.
Portraiture Lighting Setup
For this kind of portraiture I almost always use my favourite portrait lens, the Nikkor 50 mm/1.8. It gives me nice results every time, and the closer I go, the better it gets.
During this session I shot ordinary headshots, half-length portraits and everything in-between. Going further away than that, I think the lens loses a bit of its magic. And a portrait should be pretty close-up, I’m not that interested in knees or feet.
Using only one light is a great way to see how just the smallest adjustments can create a very different picture. Turn the head a little bit, change the angle of the camera or just take a step left. Try and have a crack at this one light setup and let me know how you get on!
Sometimes the task of a photographer is made easier when all of the elements come together and this was certainly the case when I photographed these beauty portraits of Kristie.
Despite being one of Boss’s new faces Kristie’s expressions where flawless and I am sure she will be snapped up by a London agency soon.
Kristie Test
Kristie Test
Kristie Test
Kristie Test
Kristie Test
Kristie Test
Wikipedia defines a headshot as: “A headshot is a photographic technique where the focus of the photograph is a person’s face”. Recently I found Marie on Starnow and have asked her to model for me a few times, she is very natural and photogenic.
This week I wanted to try out some close up portraiture ideas and arranged a test with Marie. Makeup & Hair was by Michelle Proctor and the results look amazing, Marie’s expressions are really fierce!
Quite recently I have been approached by photographers asking for advice and assisting opportunities and I thought I would post a little blurb on the importance of headhshots; and some tips on how to achieve the best results.
So here goes….
Headshots are a critical piece of many professionals. A dynamic headshot for models, actors, and other performance professionals will be the difference between acquiring the gig or not. Your clients can be no more excited than if they get a gig based on the power of their headshot – and of course, this means more jobs for you.
Marie Smith Actress/Model
Marie Smith Actress/Model
Follow these few tips to achieve the perfect headshot.
1. Focus on the eyes.
The eyes are said to be the window of the soul. Therefore, nothing is more important than achieving sharp, crisp eyes in your shot. Capturing the eyes in a powerful way will draw the viewer into the photo, establishing a strong connection that will speak volumes.
2. Watch your angles.
Remember that for close up shots, angles will affect the outcome look and feel. For women, make the eyes appear larger and the face more delicate by shooting down on them. For men, emphasize strength and achievement by shooting slightly up.
3. Use diffused light.
In close up shots, the skin is a central feature. It’s crucial to show the skin without blemishes. Achieve this by using diffused light to gently wrap around the skin, bringing definition along the lines of the face without highlighting blemishes.
4. Add a hair light
Detail is critical in head-shots and are no more dynamic than when created with a hair-light. A hair-light can be placed above or behind the subject [with a flash or the sun] to add depth to the shot, and pull the top of the head out of the background.
5. Use of Lens
Nothing is more disturbing than a near-dynamic headshot that fails simply because of lens distortion. Generally, avoid mid to wide angle lenses for close headshots. Instead, use a lens that will compress your image and slim your subjects face – typically 90mm and above.
6. Guide expression
The final most important element is an expression to match the purpose of the headshot. It’s your job as photographer to pull out the most natural looks from your subjects. Do so by guiding them through complimenting conversation; i.e. asking serious questions to pull out a thoughtful gaze, or cracking a joke to capture a natural smile.
I absolutely adore my latest acquisition a Nikon F/1.8 50mm lens. I couldn’t imagine life without it. Everyone who buys this lens is amazed by the quality and sharpness. I arranged a test shoot recently with Lisa Bostock from Boss and the results are stunning.
The F/1.8′s depth really shows it is the perfect lens for my passion of close up portraiture. It focuses very quickly even in low light and its extremely sharp even at F/1.8.
Lisa Bostock
Lisa Bostock
This afternoon I had a test with Claire from PHA Models. We shot the below image at Posh Pads in Liverpool. When I am photographing a model, or models look for subtle emotional reactions. If your model isn’t giving you anything, then make up a story and put your model in that story, give her or him a character and watch the magic happen!
I knew my model was going through some emotional turmoil. So I bravely brought it up. As I was shooting I was talking to her about the situation. She let me into her soul and THAT is when the electricity runs through my body and through hers and we start making amazing photos.
We are dealing with human beings who all have something going on in their lives. Work your way inside the soul of your model and look for the subtleties!
Claire Leatherbarrow