Shooting Portraits in a Digital Age

[Rick Waldroup]

I have just recently gone completely digital. And I have been getting a little work here and there shooting some portraits and headshots. I have not done this type of work in over 20 years, and of course I was using film then. I did architectural photography for many years to make a living, so it has been a while since I have shot human beings . I am currently using PS Elements 2 and I am shooting these portraits with a Nikon D1X and primarily using an 85mm 1.8 lens. My lighting consists of a set of old Novatron studio flashes. I just recently got a set of Pocket Wizards to synch with my D1X. Any tips on how to use PS Elements.to get softer, more smoother looking skin would be much appreciated or any tips at all on shooting portraits digitally would be much appreciated. Thanks to all who have any tips. I have seen some really nice portrait work on this forum so thanks to anyone who can help. Rick.

[RandySmith]

Rick,

I suggest attending one of Scott Watters seminars. Also, as you know from architectural photography, proper exposure is key. How you want to manipulate shadows, is how you want to emphasize your subjects character. I personally like to think of controlling shadows more than controlling light ... but, I suppose it's all the same. I use photoshop CS2 exclusively, so can't offer any suggestions on using elements, the learning curve for the post-processing is equally as steep as the curve for learning composition, posing, lighting, etc., just another part of the equation to make the prints look like you want them to. I use novatrons as well, and have had wonderful luck with them.

Not sure this helps, but maybe some of the guru's here will chime in as well.

Randy

[Rick Waldroup]

Thanks Randy. Yes, the biggest problem I am having is with the learning curve on how to use the software, etc. I did buy a book on Elements and that has helped tremendously, but still, a book only goes so far. Practical tips from folks actually doing this type of photography is always a great resource. Shooting the cameras has not been a problem and getting back into the swing of things using my lights has been pretty easy so far. I just need a little more practice, it has been so long since I've shot stuff like this. You are right about the architectural stuff- proper exposure is the main element there and balancing different color tempratures and so on. Once again, thanks for the reply.

[RandySmith]

Rick -

Just another thought you might try, I learned a lot after I purchased one of the Adobe Classroom-in-a-book on Photoshop. Not sure if they have that book for elements or not, but suspect they might. It gives you step by step exercises to follow to learn some basic things that might get you jump started, however, I don't know your skill level, and if these books might be too fundamental for you. Another suggestion where I've learned a lot is at www.photoshopuser.com, you may need to register to become a member, but they have video tutorials, and lot's of things that might help you. I've never felt the annual fee was wasted. They also have a userforum where you can post specific photoshop/elements questions.

Leaving for Austin, yak at ya later.
Randy

[David_3]

Originally Posted by Rick Waldroup

Any tips on how to use PS Elements.to get softer, more smoother looking skin would be much appreciated or any tips at all on shooting portraits digitally would be much appreciated.

I use the Kodak GEM Digital Airbrush program (you can download it online here: http://www.asf.com/products/plugins/...uginAIRPRO.asp ) to get nice smooth looking skin. But if you don't want to spend the $100 for the program, try this method:

http://www.paulsportraits.com/skin/skin.htm

It works great!

[Rick Waldroup]

Wow, thanks David, that link to pauls portraits is exactly the type of thing I was looking for. I have not tried it yet but will do so tonight or tomorrow morning and see what I get. But that definately looks like something I can use and it looks fairly simple. Thanks once again.

[Bill]

Some of the old techniques still work, Rick. Soft filters, such as hosiery stretched over the lens, can do wonders. One benefit they have is you can shoot with and without the filter, then practice on the unfiltered shot with PS Elements. The filtered shot gives you something to mimic.

Although most filters and devices used for portraiture can be duplicated in software, you do not have to throw out mechanical intervention techniques. Use what works for you. That may be software if you did no portraits in the past.

Check out the People and the Weddings forums here. Lots of good info from the posts.

And not requiring digital but still great for portraits, Lensbabies! www.lensbabies.com

Bill

[Rick Waldroup]

Yes Bill, it had been so long since I had done any kind of photography like this that it has taken me a while to get back into the swing of things. In the past, I had used diffusion filters, sheer net hose like you mentioned, vaseline on filters, etc. The other day, for practice, I set my lights up and shot my daughter and her boyfriend. I found an old Cokin diffusion filter in a drawer (there is no telling how long it had been there), attached it to the lens, but the lens seemed to have a hard time autofocusing with it on. Also, the diffusion was a little too much for my tastes. I have now found a set of Nikon soft filters #1 and 2 on ebay. Just as in the days when I shot film, I had much rather get as much right in the camera and have less to do in the dark room (post-processing in today's world). Sometimes it seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I' ve actually shot a couple of headshots and a few family portraits here the last few weeks and everyone was very happy with the photos but I know that I can do much better and that is why I was asking for help. So I want to thank everyone who has replied and offered their advice. It is very much appreciated.

[CaptainTom]

I will use a noise reduction program like noise ninja to help smooth the skin...it has brushes to allow you to selectively smooth or unsmooth.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

OK with screw on filters you can do this trick, set the camera on auto focus without the filter let the camera focus then turn off the AF and be sure to note exactly where the lense is focused and gently screw on the filter and shoot.

[Bill]

Good point about the autofocus, Rick. If I try to focus manually on my D70 without the focus confirmation light coming on, I guarantee the skin will be smooth because I will miss the focus point by a mile. I congratulate myself then for paying homage to the Pictorialists. Lemons into lemonade, you know.

Bill

[vcrifici]

You might try using the "smart blur" filter on portraits. I use it all the time after I finish minor retouching on the face. Adjust the sliders very judiciously to prevent digital artifacts.
(BTW - I assume Elements 2 has the "smart blur" filter. I'm using PS 7.0)

[txphotog]

I second the use of noise ninja for smoothing out skin.