13: Portraiture and Studio Photography

Activity 1

Look through assorted media, magazines, internet and collect four portrait photographs. The environment should be a key feature in two of the four images. Describe the subject’s character in each of the images. What can you see within each image that leads you to these conclusions about the subjects’ character.

moodleshare.org

From this image I can deduce that this is a working class man. He doesn't seem very happy with what he's doing, given the fact that he isn't smiling and is lonely. 

gunnaconrad.com

From this image the woman seems very happy with her horse. She is brushing it's hair, which probably means she's responsible and loves animals.

aaronmartinezphotogrphy.wordpress.com

From this image I see an old man being goofy. This man probably doesn't let his age define him, so he acts goofy and silly.

artistinspireartist.org

This image is probably of a rocker. From his wild expression he is probably very extroverted and wild.

Activity 2

 
Find four portraits that demonstrate the different ways a photographer has framed the image to alter the design and content. Discuss the vantage point, depth of field and subject placement in all of the images.

leblogdesoniva.com

The subjects placement here makes the subject very interesting and gives nice movement towards the subject.

www.photographysites.com

The arms and scarf help frame the subjects face. Her eyes also grab your attention.

juxtapost.com

This bed/pillow shapes the body of the baby. The brown background helps focus on the baby who has very light skin. 

cutestuffbyjo.juliemayree.com

The baby's hat frames the baby's face and the lighting frames the baby's body. 

Activity 3

Collect four portrait images with two to five subjects.In at least one image the subject should have been placed in the foreground.Comment on the arrangement of the subjects in relation to the camera and the effectiveness of the design.

flickr.com

This arrangement of people gives off a very proper and sophisticated design.

junebugweddings.com

This arrangement automatically makes the viewer to go to the person in the middle. This is more relaxing and less proper.

scapephotography.com

Having the boy in the foreground, the teenage girls in the middle, and the parents in the back not only brings attention to the boy but represent generations.

ukate.net

This arrangement might look very proper but it also shows a lot of character especially from the kids.



Activity 4

Photograph the same subject varying both the depth of field and focal length of the lens. Discuss the visual effects of each image.

Jessica Castelan

Changing the depth of field changes how the viewer sees the subject of the photo. On the first photo the subject would be the artist while the second image would be the artist painting a picture of a sun.




Activity 5

Find one portrait image that has included significant or informative detail. Describe the importance of the additional information and how it is likely to be read by the viewer.

vi.sualize.us 

When the viewer observes this image they will read the years and experience in this model's face. The wrinkles are like the core of a tree; the rings or in this case wrinkles represent every year this person has been alive.




Activity 6

Connect with someone new and create three environmental portraits.
At least one image should demonstrate how you have directed them towards a relaxed expression and body posture. Discuss the process of direction.

Jesse Castelan

These pictures were taken randomly. The person had no idea that i was taking a picture. When i take a picture of someone randomly, rather than setting them up,  it looks more realistic and natural in my opinion.

Jesse Castelan

This image was also a random shot of people. Yes i know i'm a stalker.

Jesse Castelan

In this image i wanted my brother to be in a place where he is most relaxed (in the park). I also wanted him to do something that he loves to do which is listening to and playing music. I found a spot on a tree that wasn't very difficult for him to keep his balance and also asked to have his eyes close like most musicians do when playing to get that relaxed look.