Tag Archives: Portraits

Kids

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Michael Willems

When shooting kids, it is important to shoot a lot of different ways, to see what will work. Take a lot, and see what works, then refine that. Best to use simple studio lighting. I try to engage the child … Continue reading →

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Faceless faces

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Michael Willems

Here’s an exercise for you. Capture expressions without visible faces. Huh? How? Is that even possible? Yes. Look at this silhouette from Monday’s class at Sheridan College: Now let’s make it slightly different: Now let’s make him into a sad Homer Simpson: Now.. can you tell what he … Continue reading →

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A simple chiaroscuro portrait or two

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Michael Willems

In the last few days I took two people’s portraits using just one off camera flash. Here’s Michelle and Adnan, respectively: How did I take those? First, I set the camera so that the ambient light looks dark. The room … Continue reading →

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Not too shallow

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Michael Willems

I hear people say sometimes that “you cannot shoot portraits at wide open apertures”. So then how this available light portrait, shot on a full frame camera with a 50mm lens at f/1.2 (yes, f/1.2!)? Well yes, it is shallow, … Continue reading →

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Look in my eyes

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Michael Willems

..or, do not! What I mean is this: for a character portrait, you do not necessarily need eye contact. In fact, often, there is more of a story – more intrigue, more for viewers to work out for themselves, i.e. … Continue reading →

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QTOTD: Music

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Michael Willems

Or “Quick Tip Of The Day”: I am setting up for a portrait shoot, and his reminds me to mention to you the following quick tip: Always have some music on the in the background when shooting a portrait. Age- … Continue reading →

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Posted in Technique | Tagged | 1 Comment

Angle

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Michael Willems

A word about a very important aspect of people photography: angle. When I make a portrait, one of my main tasks is to find the right angle. People have flattering angles, and less flattering angles. Angles that make them larger … Continue reading →

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Forbidden word

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Michael Willems

A forbidden word when doing portraits, especially of men: “SMILE!”. I say that for two reasons. First, you do not necessarily need a smile in every portrait. Art portraits, glamour: fashion, personality: there are many categories that do not need … Continue reading →

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Posted in Picture of the day, Technique | Tagged | 4 Comments

Glasses are not a problem

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Michael Willems

In a shot with glasses, avoid reflections – and it is easy. Move the lights (umbrellas, softboxes, whatever you use) 45 degrees to the subject’s side, and 45 degrees up. If you see a reflection, like this: ..then do the … Continue reading →

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The best camera…

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Michael Willems

…it is often said, is the camera you have on you. But you need to use it well. I shall share with you an example of an iPhone picture I took, to illustrate this. To do an iPhone picture is … Continue reading →

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