 Michelle Ross |
Several Questions? Portraits Informal and Formal I have always heard to use a 100 or 200 speed film when photography people because of the grain . . . but I struggle with lighting and don't have a set up yet for lights. I've tried adjusting aperature and shutter speeds but I sometimes still get a yellow cast or it is fuzzy because my camera has a hard time focusing even in manual mode. Also I know there are filters that soften the facial features but what one would I need and what lens is best for taking people pictures? Is there a recommended aperature and shutter speed for taking portraits? Also alot of companies offer packages with 3 x 5 size in the package. . . but if I just go somewhere to get them taken they are always the 4 x 6. How does getting them processed in 31/2 x 5 differ from 4 x 6. I just use film that I can get at Walmart or whatever now .. .I have seen the Portra film and was wondering if I should get some of that to use and if it will really make a difference. I've also seen that the Kodak Ultracolor will be available in discount stores now it said. . . I have a Minolta Maxxum camera, with a 35-70 lens and a 70-300 lens. I only have on camera flash but want to get an off camera one? Any suggestions? sorry this is so jumbled up . . . I was just typing as things popped into my head. . .
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Kim Helmick |
Lens is a good place to start. Most portrait lenses fall in the 80-105mm area. This will allow you to fill the frame with your subject from 4-5 feet away and not give too much distortion to facial features. I'm guessing you are getting the yellow cast from using indoor lighting and film balanced for daylight (most all color negative film). Do you have a north facing window in your home? This would be the best place to get terrific, diffused daylight for natural light portraits. Just watch your background and keep it as simple as possible. 100-200 speed film is best, as you've said....unless you're intentionally going for a grainy look for artistic reasons. If you've not tried using a reflector board, this would also help to fill in some of the shadows. Also if you have a tripod and cable release, be sure to use them as this will help increase sharpness as well! Hope this helps! I have some images on my home system I could share if needed (shot using Kodak High Definition 200 speed film)....I'm at work right now. Let me know!
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Michelle Ross |
I would love to see anything you might have! Please send them to me and thank you for your answer. I do not hae a north window. . . On the film do you just use normal 100 or 200 speed film? or do you buy that special portra type film?
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Kim Helmick |
Here's are a couple I did with Kodak HD 200 speed film using only natural light and a reflector board. I'm also sending a couple of my 6 month old niece taken on 800 speed film. Sometimes faster film is necessary if you're shooting kids/babies. I wasn't sure how else to send them to you as I am new here. I did not save these at their highest resolution because they were intended for another website with smaller file size limits. I looked at your gallery by the way....terrific work in there!!
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Kim Helmick |
Sorry, forgot to mention that I do have Portra film as well, but I just got it (had to special order) so I haven't shot anything with it yet. I hope to do so for my assignment in portraiture for school (NYIP). Stay tuned! Kim
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Michelle Ross |
Are you using any flash at all? and if so is it an add on flash or on camera flash? when you say reflector board where exactly are you putting it? Thanks Michelle PS and you can email me at rossm@carrollsweb.com if you don't want to post here.
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