BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Traditional Film Photography

Photography Question 

William Jacobs
 

outdoor portrait film


99% of my work has been technical photography. I have a chance to do some work for a friend. It involves outdoor portraits and I am not sure what film I should start with.
These will be day time images.
Any suggestions?
Thanks Much
BJ
Any other graduates from the Maine Photo Workshops out there?


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March 21, 2006

 

Justin G.
  For daytime images keep your speed slow.

If you want well rendered skin tones and soft, realistic colors I would go with Kodak 160NC or Fuji Pro 160S. For higher contrast and punchier colors but maintaining decent skin tones try Kodak 160VC or Fuji Pro 160C. If you like slide film you could try Fuji Astia 100F for low-contrast and fine fine grained film. Haven't used these but I hear Kodak's E100G and E100GX are good films.


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March 21, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  Take your shots in open shade. That's like in the shadow of a building. You need to watch that the exposures won't be too "bluish."

Avoid any setting in which skin tones might be affected by surroundings. Green leaves, for example, can give a greenish cast to your subjects face.

If you're in a bright sun situation, make sure the subject isn't facing the sun - that will produce squinting etes and flat faces. try to have the subject face at a 45 degree angle to the sun to start. Try back lighted shots if possible, trying to avoid shooting at noon. [Best times: mornings til about 10:00, afternoons after 3:00.]

As Justin said, use slow films [ISO 100]to minimize grain. I've had lots of success using Fuji Superia at up to ISO 800.

I'd stay away from slide film unless it's required for a magazine setting. That's because, unless you use a great processor [slide to print] the print results won't be as good as those from print film. Note: The Slideprinter out of Denver, CO [www.slideprinter.com]is terrific.

Take lots of shots. You're trying for one or two excellent images. Film is cheap.


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March 24, 2006

 

William Jacobs
  THANKS,
I really appreciate the input.
BillJ


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March 24, 2006

 
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