P1: Timed Portrait

"Available light means any light that is available!" - Arnold Newman

Project 1:  Timed Portrait 

assigned: 2/6/12
due: 2/13/12

Since a lot of location work is done on deadline (sometimes for magazines or similar clients) there is an excitement in showing up at a place and having to quickly figure out a way to turn an unfamiliar background into a pleasing backdrop for a portrait.

Today you will have an in-class shooting project that involves being assigned a professional who works in close proximity to campus.  You are to quickly pair up, gather your necessary gear, briefly research your assigned individual...if possible, and head out to take a nicely composed photograph of them in their work environment.  Finally, this assignment is under a deadline - you must be back on campus by 2:15pm latest, so accommodate for this to make the client/me happy.  ;)

Guidelines:

• Shoot digitally - RAW file format
• DEADLINE: Must be back on campus by 2:15pm latest!
• Produce 2 final edited (Photoshop/Lightroom manipulation if you would like) images at least 8"x10" @ 300dpi
• (1st image) Photograph a very quick, wide-angle photograph of the location upon arrival (or multiple photographs)
• (2nd image) Photograph the person(s) in their working environment
• Produce prints that are at least 8"x10" to be presented in class next week
• Send a thank you and a finished print to your model!

Tips to being successful:

• BE CREATIVE!
• Take more than you may need (speedlights, cords, stands, tripod, flexfill, etc.)
• Use props if it is appropriate and interesting
• Consider a unique angle (high/low camera angle, use reflections, shoot through windows, etc.)
• Scout the location for 5 to 10 minutes first.  Shoot some images without the model and without lighting in order to narrow down some interesting angles and compositions.  Then set up the lighting and test it on your teammate before calling the model over an taking their photograph.
• Photograph the background over and underexposed to see if it makes it more interesting.  Then adjust your foreground model lighting accordingly.
• Time permitting, try to shoot at least 2 different variations.  Choose to be graded on either variation.  (Each individual can be graded on their own shot, or you can be graded as a team based on one shot).
• Call me at 917-379-9735 should you have any major problems