A white background gives a contemporary setting for this young family. Once again, the Paul Buff PLM umbrellas let us flood the set with brilliant light, focused where the photographer wanted. And the expression of the front row girl? Did someone mention: ice-cream? You have to speak their language! It was fun!
Three generations of a loving, happy family. They wanted a formal look, as well as casual later in the session). The grey background was the standout color for the session. Using Paul C Buff PLM umbrellas and Einstein Studio Flashes for a full light spread.
What goes into a portrait photography session?
This is an in-home session. This small house had no background photographic opportunities. The photographer created one from a set of window blinds. Despite looking like it was shot at sunset this is a staged shot-manipulating the background. We created this effect by setting up tungsten lighting outside the window at night. Adjusting the window shades for the precise bounce of light gave the photographer the control he wanted. Using a handheld flash allowed for exactness in adding the highlights to face and hair. Every angle and tilt of camera complete the composition of the subject. Once softness and overall look was established to the photographer’s eye the session proceeds with multiple shots. Finishing touches are completed in Photoshop for facial tone and minor touch-up.
Read more on our website about backgrounds for portraits.
Beauty Dish Photography
This is a simple one light shot. White back drop, a beauty dish with an Einstein 640 flash, 1/4 power. Light was positioned to the extreme camera left approx. 45 degree angle over shoulder of man pointed at girl.
Canon 7D
lens: 70-200mm f/2.8
Aperture f8
Shutter Speed 1/250
White background turned grey since the couple was 8 feet in front. The skin tones varied dramatically, desaturation was the ideal solution.
Studio Portrait Composite
Professional Portrait
Both are one light (flash) portraits.
Einstein 640 @ 1/4 power
22″ beauty dish, diffused
ISO 100
Aperture f8
Shutter Speed 1/200
Daylight balanced
Canon 7 D 70-200 2.8
set to Neutral
It all begins with a well lit photo. The beauty dish was placed directly overhead of subject, just out of frame, using white foam core for fill bounce below at waist level.
Shot against a white backdrop brought in an artist to create Illustrator backgrounds with texture, and manipulated photo and backgrounds in Photoshop.