Artist's portrait

[kelleyrie]

Someone has asked me to do a few portraits of them in exchange for one of their awesome paintings. The problem is, he wants the portrait to show in a non traditional way(not him in front of his painting or working on one) that he is an artist. Any help, ideas? puh-leeze

[RexK_Cozumel]

I have some ideas but it will require several lights and light stands. Perhaps if you can list what gear you have we will have a better idea of what you are working with and what you can or can't do.

[kelleyrie]

I have some homemade lights and a black backdrop, my canon xt or dad's 40d, several lenses, two flashes and gold, silver and clear diffusers. That's about all I got.

[takethislife5150]

Originally Posted by kelleyrie

I have some homemade lights and a black backdrop, my canon xt or dad's 40d, several lenses, two flashes and gold, silver and clear diffusers. That's about all I got.

there is a tutorial on DPS, i think, of photographing art "properly" you can take some ideas from there and apply it to what the guy wants.

[RexK_Cozumel]

I was thinking a dramatic looking portrait with the subject well lit in front of some painting darker, oof, in the background. Lighting scheme basically like this one but with out the 100days light painting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenpoff/2402666306/

Perhaps the guy can hold some paint brushes in his hand as well.

[Digidave]

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

I was thinking a dramatic looking portrait with the subject well lit in front of some painting darker, oof, in the background. Lighting scheme basically like this one but with out the 100days light painting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenpoff/2402666306/

Perhaps the guy can hold some paint brushes in his hand as well.

That's exactly what I was thinking also. The artist in front of 1 of their pieces hanging on a wall. You would have to have a way to convey that it is one of their pieces though. Them holding some brushes would be a very good idea.

[RexK_Cozumel]

yeah I was thinking either arms crossed with brushes in the fist and a dont f*** with me look to match the dramatic lighting or arms by his side with balled fists and brushes in hand and the same look on the face. At least for me the lighting scheme really shows a lot of power and you want a powerful look to match. Just would not look quite right if he was grinning ear to ear

[kelleyrie]

thanks y'all. I think dramatic lighting will help convey the right impression.

[RexK_Cozumel]

Let us know how it turns out and if you are having trouble with the lighting setup let us know. The effect can be achieved with a 2 light setup as long as you have wireless triggers and some ambient light to light the background a bit.

[Taallyn]

Have a brainstorming session with him. You both use light to a degree, see if there is some particular way he would like to be lit for the portrait.

Look through some books for ideas. A couple that come to mind are Face to Face by Rick Sammon that is all about taking people pictures, and The Moment It Clicks by Joe McNally that is just chock full of how he came up with or worked out creative photographs.

Maybe find out who inspired him to become an artist and try to photograph him in that style.

Light paint him with a flash light, or let him light paint himself or something else.

Anyway, have some fun with it.