Playing with portraits

[Mikael]

I'm trying to get a better feeling for portrait photography. It's hard to get the right light and focus, and a the same time make the subject act naturally while you're hiding behind the camera. Comments are very welcome.

[jiminyClickit]

Mikael,

Lighting and focus are as good as most, not a problem. But centering and the left arm position seem to be unnatural and uncomfortable. As a part of trying all kinds of different shots, this is a step. Were there many other versions of this? Maybe one with the mouthpiece in a less awkward position?

[KagoGrl]

Excellent shot. Good light, focus, etc. As for positions, did you try others? Have you considered having him sit with the tuba across his lap and his arms folded on top of it? That make give it a slightly more relaxed look.

As for the arm that dangles in the background right now I've read that one rule of portrait photography is: if it bends, bend it... meaning don't leave arms dangling.

All in all though, a great shot!

[Mikael]

Originally Posted by KagoGrl

Excellent shot. Good light, focus, etc. As for positions, did you try others? Have you considered having him sit with the tuba across his lap and his arms folded on top of it? That make give it a slightly more relaxed look.

As for the arm that dangles in the background right now I've read that one rule of portrait photography is: if it bends, bend it... meaning don't leave arms dangling.

All in all though, a great shot!

Thanks for your feedback Jimmy and KagoGrl. I do have other versions but somehow he looks even less natural on those, mainly because of his face expressions. The baritone is so big so it's hard to make him hold it in his lap without covering him completely. I'll hope to practice more on this shot, but I have to convince him to do that, which is not that easy... :-)

[KagoGrl]

Sorry for calling it a tuba and not a baritone (I'm flute player myself but couldn't tell the size :P )

Also, you say it's too big not to cover him completely but what about having it rest on a stool or chair in front of him? Would that work? Just a thought for some other time - just tossing out ideas. Baritones are hard because of their size, and the size of the player, but with the help of a chair/stool it might work.

Very nice as is though