There is more to the shots than what a camera sees, it is actually how beautiful the model and scenario is to the photographer, and how beautifully they can capture what they see. Make people think that taking nice portrait shots makes them a professional photographer. What they do not realize is they make some mistakes, which can be avoided.
Here are some in detail:
Trying to be a One Man Show
Trying to be a One Man Show
Beauty shots are not a one man's show, and this is what amateur photographers do not realize. A photographer is not a photographer without a team. Many amateurs do not see the importance of their crew when they start their profession. Without models you have no one to shoot, and in order to get them, you need your friend, the agent to contact them.
How about setting the entire shoot? Not many people are artistic and experts at what they do. What about changing the scenes for different shots? The hair and makeup of the models? Being successful is a team effort and there is definitely no "I" in team.
Using the wrong lens
When someone does a beauty shoot, their entire purpose is to make the model stand out and look absolutely stunning, regardless of the backdrop used. Amateur photographers try to capture the surroundings as well and that too by using the wrong lenses. The idle lens used of a beauty shot is 70mm-100mm. For example, a professional knows that using any focus less than 70mm, will distort the facial length and the features will not be as prominent as needed.
Using Direct & Diffused Lights Incorrectly
Playing with lights is not easy; a professional knows that but not an amateur. Professionals play with direct and diffused lights. The difference between the two is the direct light creates a dark and hard edged shadow effect whereas diffused lights are used to get some light on to the model or subject. Newbies typically are unaware which lights they need to use at which time. This can change the entire look of the picture.
Not keeping the Proper Eye Level
Professional beauty photographers know that if they take a shot below the level of their model's eye level, the neck of the model will look a tad bit shorter. This is why when a model is sitting, a pro is on their knee or crouching down to make sure that the length of the neck is perfect. Amateur photographers make this common mistake often; they will just take the picture from the front without putting much thought into it.
Relying on Photoshop too much
Amateurs think Photoshop is a magical tool; it is, but it does not always help. A professional does not need to waste time on Photoshop since they make sure to take the perfect shots. A professional refers back to the monitor, finds the mistake, if any, and corrects it on the spot without wasting a single moment.
Source: Steve Jen@MazenAbusrour.com
I also realised that besides eye level, a tad lower than eye level is also good. Especially for people with short necks.
ReplyDeleteAnd I guess knowing which is the best beautiful angle of some ladies will help enhance the beauty.
For me, i don't look good from the sides, I always try to take photo full frontal face while a friend of mine has the best angle at around 30-45 degrees.
These are interesting information for a newbie in photography like me. I don't really plan to be full time in photography but I love to do it during my free time. :-) Helpful tips! Informative!
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to use 70mm-100mm lens then. So which one is the most important? Background, lens, or one-man-show model? Great post.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can definitely relate to trying to do one man show. I did that once and it was disastrous! It's team work and doing solo work is definitely no no!
ReplyDeleteI love taking pictures, thanks for this helpful tips.. Hopefully I will be able to improve my next shots =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this tips. I must agree with you that lights is very important in photography. I will learnt how to diffused lights correctly to create the natural look.
ReplyDeletePeople tend to rely more often on photo shop. So many many softwares.
ReplyDeleteI especially like how you talked about keeping eye level. I've seen so many photos where the model is placed in an unflattering angle. People also depend too much on Photoshop, good photographers know that most of the work is done through clicking the camera, and minimal editing.
ReplyDeleteI am not into photography but your tips are essential for those who are pursuing photography as hobby as well as career.
ReplyDeleteThe last tip is probably the most practical tip ever. Some photographers nowadays relies heavily on photo editing.
ReplyDeleteI agree photography takes team effort. It is also good to value the other people like the one handling the lights, the one doing the make up and others.
ReplyDeleteInteresting advice about the eye level. I think I should try out different eye levels in future photoshoots with my wife and family. I have been trying different angles lately.
ReplyDeleteThese are some great tips for anyone who is planning to take up photography professionally. It's good to have a good knowhow to excel.
ReplyDeleteI know I am an amateur because i do all those mistakes! I just enjoy photography. I still am not thinking about bringing it to the next level.
ReplyDeleteGood points on beauty shots. Photography is a skill that takes a lot of practice. Tips on getting the best shots are always helpful.
ReplyDeleteI don't like photoshop. It makes the photos look too glossy and polished. I like natural genuine pictures. The same is true for beauty photography. Awesome tips that we must follow.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big photography fan but these tips are great. My sister will love to read this blog post =)
ReplyDeleteIt's best to capture good pic without photoshop. Need lots of trial and error.
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ReplyDeletefantastic publish, very informative. I wonder why the opposite
experts of this sector don't notice this. You must proceed your writing.
I'm sure, you've a huge readers' base already!