Impromptu Portraits

[Barney]

Frequently when out and about I bump into people who after a brief chat and a laugh are quite prepared to pose for a snap,

Today's superstar



I often feel guilty about taking up too much of the persons time and inevitably end up rushing a shot and, later, I feel I did not get the best from the opportunity.

Any tips anyone?

 

[ancient_mariner]

I can't really advise on Street photography, but well done for just getting out there and taking pictures of strangers.

 

[Barney]

I can't really advise on Street photography, but well done for just getting out there and taking pictures of strangers.

It cant be helped, I am a people person. Everyone is interesting whether I like the look of them or not.

 

[sirch]

probably not the sort of tip you are looking for but it looks like the light is better on the other side of the river

 

[Barney]

probably not the sort of tip you are looking for but it looks like the light is better on the other side of the river

I know, but she grabbed me on this side. LOL

She haunted me last night this girl, so much sorrow in her eyes despite the smile, I wonder if she was reaching out for more than just directions. So brave.

 

[f/1.2]

probably not the sort of tip you are looking for but it looks like the light is better on the other side of the river

Didn’t even need to go to the other side just needed to turn the opposite direction into the light.

 

[Barney]

Didn’t even need to go to the other side just needed to turn the opposite direction into the light.

There was plenty light, I used balance fill flash at - 1/3 stop

 

[f/1.2]

There was plenty light, I used balance fill flash at - 1/3 stop

Why is the subject so badly under exposed then?

 

[sirch]

Without want to be overly critical or start a pile-on, ideally the subject should be the brightest part of the image.

 

[Barney]

Why is the subject so badly under exposed then?

Maybe my Auto PP, just looked and auto has reduced exposure by .7

Is the underexposure more gross than that?

 

[Barney]

Without want to be overly critical or start a pile-on, ideally the subject should be the brightest part of the image.

Thanks Sirch, thats what I was looking for,

a black girl in front glaring glass in bright sunlight is difficult if not impossible, for me, to make the brightest part of the image.

I will have to do more research on fill flash in that scenario.

 

[Barney]

Perhaps I did not fully appreciate the dynamic range of the scene, it was a quick snapshot with a stranger,.

Would +1 flash compensation have improved it?

 

[Peter123]

Ask her name. Have some cards printed with your details and tell her to get in touch if she wants a copy. Some people do.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I will have to do more research on fill flash in that scenario

Would +1 flash compensation have improved it?

The subject is already 'obviously' lit by on-camera fill flash, as seen from the bright reflections and lack of dynamic shadows. More flash compensation at say 1.5 or 2 stops would make her stand out more but not look good. Ideally you would move the flash off ccamera, but that won't give the spontaneity you want. The obvious thing is to manage in post, but it may be difficult to do well.

Street photography is always going to have some limitations.

 

[Barney]

Thanks for the tips,

Like I said originally, I know I didn't get the best from the shot, That's why I came here for advice.

I just liked that the red flash in the building matched the badge on her hat and her scarf.

Good idea Peter! Thanks for that.

 

[f/1.2]

Maybe my Auto PP, just looked and auto has reduced exposure by .7

Is the underexposure more gross than that?

I don't mean to sound harsh so hope it doesn't come across that way here. We have all taken photos that didn't work as planned. A simple rule when using flash is to expose for the background, adjust I.S.O, aperture and shutter speed for the background, then adjust flash power to properly expose for the subject.

Why are using auto settings in post? That is never going to work well. Auto settings will try and create an overall even exposure, it will not help expose for the subject.

You could save this image in post fairly easily using masks.

You had also said

a black girl in front glaring glass in bright sunlight is difficult if not impossible, for me, to make the brightest part of the image.

I will have to do more research on fill flash in that scenario.

Her skin tone doesn't matter at all.

You didn't need to use flash here, simply having her turn the opposite direction into the light would have meant being able to use natural light. it is hard to know without seeing the original file but from the edited image it looks like you have just created an even exposure and not exposed for the subject which means you needed more flash power. You would have needed your flash off camera to do this properly.

If you wanted her faced that way you would have needed to expose for the background, used off camera flash and gradually increased flash power manually to expose for the subject. It is not that difficult to shoot one handed and hold a flash in your other hand when out and about.

Without using O.C.F this was probably just one of those photos that just should not have been taken. Out and about if you don't want the hassle of setting up and using off camera flash make sure your subject is facing into the available light.

 

[Barney]

I don't mean to sound harsh so hope it doesn't come across that way here. We have all taken photos that didn't work as planned. A simple rule when using flash is to expose for the background, adjust I.S.O, aperture and shutter speed for the background, then adjust flash power to properly expose for the subject.

Why are using auto settings in post? That is never going to work well. Auto settings will try and create an overall even exposure, it will not help expose for the subject.

You could save this image in post fairly easily using masks.

You had also said

Her skin tone doesn't matter at all.

You didn't need to use flash here, simply having her turn the opposite direction into the light would have meant being able to use natural light. it is hard to know without seeing the original file but from the edited image it looks like you have just created an even exposure and not exposed for the subject which means you needed more flash power. You would have needed your flash off camera to do this properly.

If you wanted her faced that way you would have needed to expose for the background, used off camera flash and gradually increased flash power manually to expose for the subject. It is not that difficult to shoot one handed and hold a flash in your other hand when out and about.

Without using O.C.F this was probably just one of those photos that just should not have been taken. Out and about if you don't want the hassle of setting up and using off camera flash make sure your subject is facing into the available light.

Thanks for the constructive advice,

I have one of the flexible shoe cords, about a meter long, and more lights than Blackpool, sb20 and sb 24, an sb 600 and 700 and six Sb 800's

It would not be to much trouble to stick the cord and a flash in my pocket, I will have to, these situations arise at least 50% of the time I go into public areas, either that or I will have to stick to mountains, lakes and rivers, Where my photography skills are not much better!

 

[f/1.2]

Thanks for the constructive advice,

I have one of the flexible shoe cords, about a meter long, and more lights than Blackpool, sb20 and sb 24, an sb 600 and 700 and six Sb 800's

It would not be to much trouble to stick the cord and a flash in my pocket, I will have to, these situations arise at least 50% of the time I go into public areas, either that or I will have to stick to mountains, lakes and rivers, Where my photography skills are not much better!

I would suggest wireless triggers for what you are doing there would be easier and less cumbersome rather than using a cord.

 

[benc98]

I often feel guilty about taking up too much of the persons time and inevitably end up rushing a shot and, later, I feel I did not get the best from the opportunity.


Any tips anyone?

They’ve agreed to be photographed by you, give them instructions and ask them to move elsewhere. They’ll soon start to pull away when theyre ready to. You should worry about getting the best photo and let them worry about their time..

 

[Barney]

They’ve agreed to be photographed by you, give them instructions and ask them to move elsewhere. They’ll soon start to pull away when theyre ready to. You should worry about getting the best photo and let them worry about their time..

Of course you are entirely correct!

 

[Phil V]

Just to add to the above, and a general tip re photographing people.

You’re clearly a tall guy, and you need to understand viewpoint when photographing people. I’m a short guy and rarely shoot standing portraits from my eye level. I regularly bend at the knee to shoot people unless they’re taller than me. Portraiture is about connections.

Just have a try on a family member to see the difference camera height makes.

 

[Barney]

Just to add to the above, and a general tip re photographing people.

You’re clearly a tall guy, and you need to understand viewpoint when photographing people. I’m a short guy and rarely shoot standing portraits from my eye level. I regularly bend at the knee to shoot people unless they’re taller than me. Portraiture is about connections.

Just have a try on a family member to see the difference camera height makes.

I wish I had seen this this morning !

Had another go today, I had just come out of church and settings were all over the place (I found out later). Nevertheless I found two willing photogenic candidates at first attempt.

Again I didn't take a flipping flash, But I thought the photo was worth taking even if only to make two people feel good. Which is very important to me.

I used that old failsafe "can I take a picture of your burger love" Ha Ha



I then had the foresight to move round to the other side where the light was a bit better.




With Your tips and advice I will keep practicing! And hopefully improving.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I wish I had seen this this morning !

Had another go today, I had just come out of church and settings were all over the place (I found out later). Nevertheless I found two willing photogenic candidates at first attempt.

Again I didn't take a flipping flash, But I thought the photo was worth taking even if only to make two people feel good. Which is very important to me.

I used that old failsafe "can I take a picture of your burger love" Ha Ha

View attachment 468841

I then had the foresight to move round to the other side where the light was a bit better.

View attachment 468842


With Your tips and advice I will keep practicing! And hopefully improving.

TBH I like the first image the best - composition is more natural, the subject is making eye contact and there's a little mystery with her friend facing the other way. Also the colours are nicer and the whole thing has a pleasing sponteity about it. The other shot is just a couple of girls eating at a slightly wonk angle, and although they are punchier in the frame, as a subject they are less appealing. Not having a flash may have been a plus on this occasion.

 

[Barney]

TBH I like the first image the best - composition is more natural, the subject is making eye contact and there's a little mystery with her friend facing the other way. Also the colours are nicer and the whole thing has a pleasing sponteity about it. The other shot is just a couple of girls eating at a slightly wonk angle, and although they are punchier in the frame, as a subject they are less appealing. Not having a flash may have been a plus on this occasion.

Thanks Toni,

I agree the first is more natural, the second, now that you mention it is just plain lazy the colours are better SOOC, I just clicked auto because I have got in a bit of routine, this camera the raw files are more pastel and far better than "Auto"

Thanks again for your comments!

 

[Barney]

Removed all adjustments, straight RAW file, rotated to straighten.

 

[ancient_mariner]

The second version does look better but I still think the first is the better photo for the reasons I gave not related to processing.

 

[Barney]

The second version does look better but I still think the first is the better photo for the reasons I gave not related to processing.

They were a bit self conscious by then I should have rattled a dozen off and possibly got a big bite or a fork full of Yorkshire pudding.

 

[Barney]

I walked straight past this stall after taking a look as the girls had recommended it, I could hear the clamor in my head. He was desperate to have his photo taken, I walked on and although he was silent I could hear him shouting, louder, louder and louder still. I relented, turned back, and asked if he would like his photo taken.

He was overjoyed.

 

[benc98]

It looks like you're doing the hard part well, and that's interacting with people imo. I think it's more challenging to do that than learn to compose / light a photo...

One strategy that some people do is find a background first, and then hang around there until willing participant appears nearby. So, not sure if that would be helpful.

 

[ancient_mariner]

As Ben said, you're doing the bit most of us find hard, and not doing the processing that many of us find easier, to make the best of your photos.

 

[Barney]

It looks like you're doing the hard part well, and that's interacting with people imo. I think it's more challenging to do that than learn to compose / light a photo...

One strategy that some people do is find a background first, and then hang around there until willing participant appears nearby. So, not sure if that would be helpful.

Of course its helpful Ben,
And thanks for taking the trouble to provide that great tip, I don't go out specifically with a plan to take this kind of image, it sorta just happens when I am out. Your suggestion to have a plan and find a scene is brilliant. I may have to create a photo session with just this objective.

Thanks.

 

[Moey]

Frequently when out and about I bump into people who after a brief chat and a laugh are quite prepared to pose for a snap,

Today's superstar

View attachment 468302

I often feel guilty about taking up too much of the persons time and inevitably end up rushing a shot and, later, I feel I did not get the best from the opportunity.

Any tips anyone?

You did better than me at asking for a photo to be honest. Numerous times, I have wanted to take photos of strangers, but bottled it. I am a pretty confident person too, I'll spark up a conversation about anything with anyone, but just can't get over that line to ask if I can take a photo of them. That said, regarding this image, I would possibly have spot metered and exposed for the face to get the light right there, possibly turned her to face the other way and cropped in tighter to really see the eyes and expression, maybe from top of the hat down to just below mid section. That's just personal taste, I wouldn't be overly fussed about the environment here, hence the tighter crop. Still, as I mentioned, good on you for having the confidence to ask for the photo

 

[Barney]

You did better than me at asking for a photo to be honest. Numerous times, I have wanted to take photos of strangers, but bottled it. I am a pretty confident person too, I'll spark up a conversation about anything with anyone, but just can't get over that line to ask if I can take a photo of them. That said, regarding this image, I would possibly have spot metered and exposed for the face to get the light right there, possibly turned her to face the other way and cropped in tighter to really see the eyes and expression, maybe from top of the hat down to just below mid section. That's just personal taste, I wouldn't be overly fussed about the environment here, hence the tighter crop. Still, as I mentioned, good on you for having the confidence to ask for the photo

Thanks for kind words, tips and encouragement.

My motto is, whats the worst that can happen.....................they can only say no.

People are having their photo taken all the time on phones etc so are used to it........................I think when people see a big camera they just think you are better at it.........In my case, how wrong they are.