I took my first serious portraits last Sunday at the Prop Theatre. These are “head shots” of the performers for Beast Womens summer series.
All in all, some of them aren’t too bad. I’m fairly pleased with a couple. Lessons learned include this Induro tripod isn’t improving with age (strap snapped off), the new Gitzo ballhead is plenty strong to hold up my gear, but the quick release plate that it uses is best suited for a point and shoot, and the hallway of the prop theater makes for some VERY cramped quarters when it comes to shooting portraits with lights and a background.
How cramped? Try
(If you click on the picture, that will take you to the flickr page that has some notes about whats going on.)
I have about 3 feet of working width for my models. Some of whom were very comfortable in front of the camera and some of whom weren’t. In reviewing all the pictures, it became apparent that skilled portraiture means having complete command of the gear and technique, so that I can concentrate on the little details of light highlights, costume/dress, elbow position, etc.
The next shoot is this coming Saturday, which is opening night. I can’t wait to see if I can improve from what I’ve learned on this go round.
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