A very senior citizen!

[gemyabut]

took this shot before noon, asked permission to have her photo taken, took different poses, and i found this one merit some discussion ... is this photo too red ? do you think i can improve on this lighting, it was taken outdoors with afternoon sun ?


, f/8, 1/125 iso 200 focal length 150 mm, no flash

[Bellalilyphoto]

I am by no means an educated photographer but my initial response to your lighting issue is that it makes sense to have faced the sun for this portrait since the squinting of her eyes is echoed by all the wrinkles in her face. If you don't need that for a future portrait and you're in direct sun like that, I tend to try to sit the subject toward the light, then have them look back at me over their shoulder...so that their face is now shaded. That has worked for me sometimes. Good luck!

[freezeframe03]

I don't think it is too red, and I do think the sunlight at that time and location is rather harsh. Looking at this photo I find myself asking a few questions. Like, how old is she?, she looks to be quite old to have black hair?, or is that a wig? and then ending with...is she real?, was she in costume for something?.........I'd be interested to know the situation surrounding the photo and how you met up with her.

[gemyabut]

Originally Posted by Bellalilyphoto

I am by no means an educated photographer but my initial response to your lighting issue is that it makes sense to have faced the sun for this portrait since the squinting of her eyes is echoed by all the wrinkles in her face. If you don't need that for a future portrait and you're in direct sun like that, I tend to try to sit the subject toward the light, then have them look back at me over their shoulder...so that their face is now shaded. That has worked for me sometimes. Good luck!

thanks for the feedback, bellalilyphoto. i didn't try that. next time, taking portrait with the face partly shaded do give a sense of drama in the photo. thanks!

[gemyabut]

Originally Posted by freezeframe03

I don't think it is too red, and I do think the sunlight at that time and location is rather harsh. Looking at this photo I find myself asking a few questions. Like, how old is she?, she looks to be quite old to have black hair?, or is that a wig? and then ending with...is she real?, was she in costume for something?.........I'd be interested to know the situation surrounding the photo and how you met up with her.

yes, it was taken around lunchtime. is there any way to compensate with the harsh lighting.

am not too sure how old she is, judging from the wrinkles, she is very mature and its very likely she dyed her hair black.

yup, she's wearing her native custome. igorot tribe from the cordillera mountains.

thanks for your feedback.

[low-wattage]

I think it works. Her ethnicity calls for a darker skin, there is a streak of gray in her hair, her costume adds a pop of color top and bottom. As for the shooting time, I would have gotten her under an awning or a patio, taken some of the light of of her. Not always possible to do in a street shooting situation. But I carry one of the pop-up Lastolite reflectors, and I'll hold it up over the subject blocking the sun off of them. Its hard to shoot when holding a reflector, trying to frame and compose. If you're there with someone, or if someone is standing near by, ask them =) Generally theyre willing and able.
I like the photo. She's kinda frightening, in a good way =)

[windrider86]

I must say I am quite jealous over your find here. I live for getting images like this. My humble opinion is there is too much color (just me) Since she is um, obviously older I would think an older looking effect might be called for here. Perhaps a black and white and enhance her wrinkles even more by using the burn tool. You could leave a tiny touch of red in the hat if you wanted to. A slight vingette to top it off.
I can show you what I mean if you like

[newPerspective]

Oh man, what a face! I would love to meet her and sit down and chat with her and get to know her.

The picture is a little too warm. And I do agree with Windrider, I think it will work very well in a B&W.

And I wanted to ask you this? Why do you have the ISO at 200? Is that the minimum setting on your camera?

You know what, you should use this image for the next assignment: Wisdom (through the years). It will work very well

[gemyabut]

Originally Posted by low-wattage

As for the shooting time, I would have gotten her under an awning or a patio, taken some of the light of of her. Not always possible to do in a street shooting situation. But I carry one of the pop-up Lastolite reflectors, and I'll hold it up over the subject blocking the sun off of them. Its hard to shoot when holding a reflector, trying to frame and compose. If you're there with someone, or if someone is standing near by, ask them =) Generally theyre willing and able.
I like the photo. She's kinda frightening, in a good way =)

thanks for the feedback. You are right, the lastolite reflectors can do the trick to address the lighting situation. And, ask someone standing by to help

[gemyabut]

Originally Posted by windrider86

Perhaps a black and white and enhance her wrinkles even more by using the burn tool.

thanks for the feedback, am pretty much interested your thoughts in enhancing the photograph in black and white. here's a straight picture in black and white without any processing.