Portrait Studio Photography: Window Light Portrait Techniques
I didn’t even pay attention to those huge north facing windows when I first looked at our current studio space. It wasn’t until we downsized our studio and moved into a funky old building, that I really discovered the magic of window light portraits. These windows are about four feet wide and six feet high, and are always in the shade. Better yet, the sun hits the light beige buildings across the street and that sweet soft light kicks up the intensity of the light coming in the windows. Because the windows are so large, relative to the subject, the light has a very soft shadow edge with a nice gradation of tones from highlight to shadow. Because the windows are north facing, we never get direct sunlight. It’s a pretty consistant soft light, all day, year round. The images that have been favorites of mine, and of my clients, have been those taken with the light of these windows.
The cool thing is, this is not only the most beautiful light I can get for my indoor portraits, it is the easiest to use as well. The only piece of equipment I use besides my camera is a reflector…..when I’m not too lazy to go find it. I almost always shoot 90 degrees to the window, so I have a strong direction to the light, from the side. I can have a senior looking into the camera and get a dramatic “split” lighting, then have them look more toward the window, creating a ”short” style of lighting, as in the close up of the girl below.
A window light senior portrait
In both of these images right above and below this paragraph, I wanted a higher lighting ratio to contribute to the sense of feeling of the subjects and go along with the very directional lighting, or contribute to the emotion of the subject and the emotional impact of the image. So I chose not to fill the shadows with a bright reflector. Since this room is fairly small and the walls are all very light, there is a fair amount of ambient light already providing some fill for the shadows. If it was a huge room, I probably would have used at least a soft white reflector back from the subject to get this same lighting ratio.
Window light portrait photography techniques
I can move further into the room and reduce the contrast in the lighting if I want to. Because the light disperses as it gets further into the room, the intensity decreases. More of what was the “main” light, the light creating the highlight on the face has dispersed into shadow, actually increasing the value of the shadow side. The end result is a somewhat lower lighting ratio, as in the image below. Notice the shadow side of her face is lighter compared to the other images.
If you haven’t been doing it, try doing some nice window light portraits. I think you will be excited about the results. Don’t forget to plan for your background. Consider everything in the scene and make sure it works in the image. A distracting background will take impact away from a portrait. Also, don’t turn on room lights inside. If you need to lighten the shadows some, use a reflector. Finally, always “custom white balance” for the window light, using a grey card.
Until next time! Michael
For Portrait Inspiration, Look to Real Life Situations!
For great Portrait Inspiration: Look to Real Life Stories!
Got to spend some great time with my 19 month old Grandson Christophe this past week. In a brief moment of irrational thought I planned to spend some time alone doing some watercolor painting. Ah, this was gonna be great. Time by myself. Painting. How long had it been? Finally I sat down ready to put brush to water, and paint, and paper, etc. Within seconds I found all my plans in disarray. Water and paint and paper were everywhere as Christophe jumped in to join me in painting.
What started out to be my relaxing painting time turned out to be, instead, an inspired portrait concept!
Now! Before you say anything, I haven’t shot a finished portrait yet, the video was to record the idea. Notice that at many points, we could have captured a still shot that his Mom would have absolutely loved! That’s ”emotional impact”
I recognized the opportunity to create a real life portrait, or at least the inspiration for one. I gave him a brush about as long as he is tall, showed him how to dip it in water, then paint, and put it to paper. This little guy was ex-cited! Brush in the water, water all over the table, then to paint, then to paper. Those strokes! Oh My, what determined brush strokes a little 19 month old boy can make as he excitedly discovers……PAINT!
These unplanned moments are the real portrait moments of life. Moments when we see the process of living life acted out as uniquely real as we each are. They happen when we let kids, ( adult kids too! ) just be kids! I knew I had to capture this painting session idea. Wouldn’t you know it. My Canon DSLR decided not to work. Fortunately my Android phone did work. I started shooting stills and videos while Christophe painted his heart out. ..
Emotional impact is the magic ingredient that adds tremendous value to a portrait. It is the capturing of a real life magical moment as it unfolds that creates emotional impact and adds value that is priceless. To create great value in a portrait, capture great moments! Capture the magical moments! Moments that illustrate the emotional connection of the subject with what s(he) whatever he or she is focused on. Images like these are priceless. They have “emotional impact.” These portraits really do speak volumes. They are heart warming and soulful moments.
When I look at this video on my phone, I am moved emotionally because this is my grandson. I see numerous things that affect me emotionally. But, I want a print of this scene on my wall somewhere. I want to remember this moment and think of Christophe, my first grandchild, every day by seeing this print on my wall. Next, I will attempt to stage this scene again, shooting a technically better image that is lit well, with good tone control and a non distracting image. I want to re do it as a well designed image. He was wanting to paint with me on the morning they left to go home otherwise I would have a finished portrait image here for you to see. I will do a finished portrait of this idea soon and let you know when it is up here to view.
Have a happy new year!
Michael
The Secret to Capturing “Natural” Portraits
As I reflect on comments about why people choose to come to me for a portrait, the one I hear most often is that my portraits are natural, or “real.” I love that. I’ve always thought that a great portrait should “portray” an aspect of the true or “real” nature of the subject. That “real” nature, displayed through the characteristics of expression and mannerisms of the individual, facilitates the emotional connection between viewer and subject. When a Mom looks at an image and recognizes that particular look. that is so special to her, she becomes emotionally connected to photograph. Images like that are priceless. The goal of every session I do, is to create portraits that reflect some facet of the “real” nature of my subject.
Sixteen
The key to facilitating these natural portraits, is to create an environment where the subject can be relaxed, comfortable and expressive. To that end, I start by keeping a friendly relaxed studio environment, and let my client know that he or she doesn’t have to do anything at all except relax and have a good time. From the minute they walk into the studio, everything is all about them. The second part is about having my technique down to where I can work without having to think about lighting, f stops, and exposure. Oh, I’m constantly aware of them, and in control of every aspect of every shot. But to the client I am completely focused on them.
Though I may be adjusting equipment, moving props and lights , or taking exposure readings, I am engaging the subject in significant conversation, asking leading questions and actively listening to what they have to say. It’s important that the conversation is significant to them, even if I can’t relate to the content, I must validate this person, in this moment in time, as an individual who is important in our world. Her or his thoughts on any subject matter to me. I find that after some time, when someone is engrossed in a subject that is important to them, they just naturally stand, sit, lean, place their arms and hands, etc., in ways that are the most natural to them and that fit their current mood and expressions. It’s common to see quite a range of wonderful expressions and poses happen without any direction required from me what so ever. Usually I will have been photographing them the entire time and they are barely aware of my camera. If things aren’t flowing quite well enough or seem a little stiff, I can usually make a simple suggestion to “sit here” or “lean on this ” as I go on conversing with them, and it will help loosen up the flow.
Portrait of a Musician
To facilitate good conversations, ask questions that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no.” Don’t ask, “did you have a
good summer?” say, ”Tell me about your summer. What did you do? They will go with that, just keep asking questions that encourage them to tell you about something very meaningful. You will have no shortage of moments where this person’s real self comes through.
Everything should be done to create confidence and relaxation in the individual. I don’t have fixed rules as to whether someone else can be in the session. It’s all up to the individual and their needs. Are they insecure? would they feel better if someone else is there? “You bet, what ever you are the most comfortable with” If Mom wants to be in a senior session and the senior is obviously stressed by her presence, then Mom is outta there! Of course I let her know that we will have more success with the natural style portraits that way.
It’s important to have your technique down very well, so you aren’t having to think very much about your camera settings, lighting, or posing. You must be able to think about the technical things and make changes without it being noticeable to the client. At the very least, make sure you look like you know what you are doing. Appearing flustered by difficult lighting or camera settings will really undermine the attempts to create a relaxed environment. Particularly for the senior portrait session where the client must feel like they are having an incredibly good session so in order to look their best in the images.
If you are looking for ways to help getting more effective results in your portrait photography, give these ideas a try. I believe these thoughts on working with people can have a very positive effect on your success! At least I hope so!
Have a great day!
Michael