Classical Portrait [2nd Revision]

 

 

 

So my friend came and visit me today. I decided to grab my camera, and shoot only these 3 shots.

 

Start time = 12.30pm

 

end time = 5.30

 

Yeap. 3 shots only. Because of the technique used in these photoshooting, It consumed a lot of time just for setting up. Please let me know if you like the picture outcome shown in this thread. Thank you

 

Regard,

Jonathan

Edited August 4, 2012 by Guest

Looks good to me! Cute girls and poses.

Hmm, I don't know for the time you invested into them it's really sad they look so dull (color and light) and that you didn't take care of a few things during post-processing.

For example the cracks on the wall (picture one very badly) or this black shadowy spot on the left side of the second picture, they distract a lot from your beautiful girls and in case of such simple pictures it's very important to take care of these little details.

 

The pictures itself are...very simple. Lovely and cute girls, but nothing overall spectacular (I must admit though I'm not really a fan of pictures where you can see the doll-stand, reminds me of sale pictures, put that's just my personal pet peeve).

 

What kind of technique did you use? I'm curious why it was so time consuming

Hmm, I don't know for the time you invested into them it's really sad they look so dull (color and light) and that you didn't take care of a few things during post-processing.

For example the cracks on the wall (picture one very badly) or this black shadowy spot on the left side of the second picture, they distract a lot from your beautiful girls and in case of such simple pictures it's very important to take care of these little details.

 

The pictures itself are...very simple. Lovely and cute girls, but nothing overall spectacular (I must admit though I'm not really a fan of pictures where you can see the doll-stand, reminds me of sale pictures, put that's just my personal pet peeve).

 

What kind of technique did you use? I'm curious why it was so time consuming

Thank you for the feedback. Because just now I was on a rush I didn't realized my output was set to a picture format other than sRGB. What about now? And I uploaded the wrong photo for the first picture which shows the wall's crack. My bad.

 

About the stand I cannot do much actually. My doll posing skill isn't as good as those people you see on the internet, and my photoshopping skill isn't as good either. The only theme I can come out with is "Classical Portrait" which shows only simple, easy pictures =) (In fact, I'm still trying to improve my doll posing skills too. If I don't get it right, there's no point for me to "One-Step-Ahead" my progress in improving either.)

 

Time consuming because I was trying out soft lighting. (One of them didn't incorporate the "softness" because I switched off the main light source. By your knowledge, you should be able to tell which picture it is)

 

When I read the start and stop times I figured that meant lots of studio light setup and metering and whatnot, but I didn't realize it meant quite so many lights.

 

I can see what Ara was saying with regards to the doll stands, however, I must say in your favor that they are well placed and do not draw unneeded attention away from the subject. No matter how good one's doll posing skills may be, the doll's don't stand on one foot on their own. I'm one of those who doesn't use stands for my girls in my pictures, and can attest to how difficult it can be to balance them for a shot.

Some of the more elaborate poses in this photo story of mine took more than 30 minutes per doll to set up.http://www.dollfiedreams.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=3950 The entire shoot for that story took approximately 7 and a half hours, all of which was either doll posing or setting up the camera and various stands (tripods, monopods, multipods) as I only used the available lighting in the room.

 

I didn't get to see the versions of the pictures that Ara mentioned, as you had already fixed the post. I like the pictures and as your thread title states, they have a classical feel to them. The colors and details are clean, yet slightly subdued, giving them a definite portrait look. The doll posing, in a different situation and setup, could give a candid photo appearance.

 

Two cat-thumbs up from me.

When I read the start and stop times I figured that meant lots of studio light setup and metering and whatnot, but I didn't realize it meant quite so many lights.

 

I can see what Ara was saying with regards to the doll stands, however, I must say in your favor that they are well placed and do not draw unneeded attention away from the subject. No matter how good one's doll posing skills may be, the doll's don't stand on one foot on their own. I'm one of those who doesn't use stands for my girls in my pictures, and can attest to how difficult it can be to balance them for a shot.

Some of the more elaborate poses in this photo story of mine took more than 30 minutes per doll to set up.http://www.dollfiedreams.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=3950 The entire shoot for that story took approximately 7 and a half hours, all of which was either doll posing or setting up the camera and various stands (tripods, monopods, multipods) as I only used the available lighting in the room.

 

I didn't get to see the versions of the pictures that Ara mentioned, as you had already fixed the post. I like the pictures and as your thread title states, they have a classical feel to them. The colors and details are clean, yet slightly subdued, giving them a definite portrait look. The doll posing, in a different situation and setup, could give a candid photo appearance.

 

Two cat-thumbs up from me.

Yeap. My lightmeter is malfunctioning also I don't know why, which it always gives me reading 2 stops below, and I was wondering wtf happened to my photos LOL So that add in quite sometimes of troubleshooting, in the end I set my camera compensation to 2 stops below.

 

I recently attended a light workshop, which a professional hasselblad master is teaching on told me that one light is just not enough. In fact, you need 5 at least. Lol. So I figure out I put this to practice. But yeah, normally those standing one one leg are really amazing doll poser. Up to now I am still figuring out how did they managed without letting them fall.

 

I'm starting to get used to long period settings up by now. Haha.

 

Now I am waiting for Ara's reply to see if my picture now is acceptable

Now I am waiting for Ara's reply to see if my picture now is acceptable

 

First: Sorry for the late reply, just got crazy the last two days and bought myself a new lens (Canon 100mm 2.8 L Macro) and was trying out the new backgrounds we had ordered and finally arrived.

Also a good tip: You can make classical portraits or simple shots shine with different backgrounds, be it a bigger photo background or just something nice and classy (I used one here -> http://i.imgur.com/vRkm3.jpg).

 

Second:

Great you changed the pictures, without the cracks and weird shadowy spot it's already easier to enjoy your pretty girls

 

About Photoshopping and posing...everything needs time and practice. I'm a big learning by doing fan and taught everything myself (and still do), and sometimes the only thing you need to be is being brave and try out something new.

Like with posing: I usually cheat in one way or another. Be it using putty to keep arms in place, thin threads I edit out later or support from a stand hidden by clothes.

 

I really enjoy the soft light in the last photo, gives the whole thing a studio-like look but they don't seem washed or burned out since you still managed to keep a soft shadow on their bodies. Also the vignette on the second one looks nice, it gives your girl a frame and makes her stick out more.

I actually envy you a bit, I wish I had so many light sources at home, or at least space to store them. Can they be folded etc.?

I think the poses are really adorable for each doll. I like that there is variety in the way they're standing and the angles from which they face the camera~

Now I am waiting for Ara's reply to see if my picture now is acceptable

 

First: Sorry for the late reply, just got crazy the last two days and bought myself a new lens (Canon 100mm 2.8 L Macro) and was trying out the new backgrounds we had ordered and finally arrived.

Also a good tip: You can make classical portraits or simple shots shine with different backgrounds, be it a bigger photo background or just something nice and classy (I used one here -> http://i.imgur.com/vRkm3.jpg).

 

Second:

Great you changed the pictures, without the cracks and weird shadowy spot it's already easier to enjoy your pretty girls

 

About Photoshopping and posing...everything needs time and practice. I'm a big learning by doing fan and taught everything myself (and still do), and sometimes the only thing you need to be is being brave and try out something new.

Like with posing: I usually cheat in one way or another. Be it using putty to keep arms in place, thin threads I edit out later or support from a stand hidden by clothes.

 

I really enjoy the soft light in the last photo, gives the whole thing a studio-like look but they don't seem washed or burned out since you still managed to keep a soft shadow on their bodies. Also the vignette on the second one looks nice, it gives your girl a frame and makes her stick out more.

I actually envy you a bit, I wish I had so many light sources at home, or at least space to store them. Can they be folded etc.?

mmm that's a nice lens indeed. Though I am not sure about Canon.

 

Initially I wanted to perform a "green screen" but then, I'm kinda lazy to set it up cause it will take another 2 hours just to set up and pack the screen. orz.

 

So I figure out I do it in the future hence practicing my doll posing skill first.

 

And yeah, I was in the rush actually. I composed my post first while waiting for the pictures to be uploaded so after I paste the link in, and make sure it is submitted I just ran away doing my own stuffs. Lol didn't know it turned out that bad (Not using my own computer. okayface.jpg)

 

I am teaching myself new things essentially like this post, I am trying out what light works and what light don't. I figure out of using thin threads too, like fishing string but then I leave that to my future practices when my friend comes in with his girls haha. Basically I don't have any girls cause I sold my only Mashiro (Remember?).

 

And yeap. That's the purpose of this post. I want to see how my photos turn out. To be honest I love how the BIGGGGG softbox effect turns out too. The light came out is just too soft and creamy . hence no harsh light. Technically I have 3 harsh lights but I use them to cancel whatever shadow I might encounter. Technically speaking, 4 lights aren't enough.

 

And yeah. I borrowed that space from my campus *Cough* Small house *Cough* so I need to basically, pack up everything as well. So setting up time includes packing up time. hah.

mmm that's a nice lens indeed. Though I am not sure about Canon.

 

Initially I wanted to perform a "green screen" but then, I'm kinda lazy to set it up cause it will take another 2 hours just to set up and pack the screen. orz.

 

So I figure out I do it in the future hence practicing my doll posing skill first.

 

And yeah, I was in the rush actually. I composed my post first while waiting for the pictures to be uploaded so after I paste the link in, and make sure it is submitted I just ran away doing my own stuffs. Lol didn't know it turned out that bad (Not using my own computer. okayface.jpg)

 

I am teaching myself new things essentially like this post, I am trying out what light works and what light don't. I figure out of using thin threads too, like fishing string but then I leave that to my future practices when my friend comes in with his girls haha. Basically I don't have any girls cause I sold my only Mashiro (Remember?).

 

And yeap. That's the purpose of this post. I want to see how my photos turn out. To be honest I love how the BIGGGGG softbox effect turns out too. The light came out is just too soft and creamy . hence no harsh light. Technically I have 3 harsh lights but I use them to cancel whatever shadow I might encounter. Technically speaking, 4 lights aren't enough.

 

And yeah. I borrowed that space from my campus *Cough* Small house *Cough* so I need to basically, pack up everything as well. So setting up time includes packing up time. hah.

 

Believe me, the lens is fantastic. It's so unbelievable sharp right out of the cam, even without stepping down and using f2.8; I'm digging through a thread right now with pictures and everything is so sharp and the bokeh is so wonderful smooth and pretty.

Can't wait to get the lens next week

 

And oh, I didn't know you had sold your Mashiro!

Anyway, then tell your friend he has wonderful girls

 

Harsh light is usually the reason why I avoid artificial light and prefer natural light. It just looks so unnatural and ach...but your method looks wonderful! So soft and creamy and hach

Maybe I should just give in, buy a bunch of lights and somehow find a place to store them. After I finally bought the flash I keep postponing for such a long time now.

Believe me, the lens is fantastic. It's so unbelievable sharp right out of the cam, even without stepping down and using f2.8; I'm digging through a thread right now with pictures and everything is so sharp and the bokeh is so wonderful smooth and pretty.

Can't wait to get the lens next week

 

And oh, I didn't know you had sold your Mashiro!

Anyway, then tell your friend he has wonderful girls

 

Harsh light is usually the reason why I avoid artificial light and prefer natural light. It just looks so unnatural and ach...but your method looks wonderful! So soft and creamy and hach

Maybe I should just give in, buy a bunch of lights and somehow find a place to store them. After I finally bought the flash I keep postponing for such a long time now.

so it's a cool lens alright.

 

Glad that you love that lens, Well you can't go wrong with a macro lens !

 

And yeah. I always tell him how his girls looks beautiful. Maybe I should buy back a Mashiro (Probably my own Mashiro) and start from the beginning again the ritual of getting to know your own girl and introducing you as her master, and the bonding moment... and etc.

 

Well actually I always have problem with lights. But I did learned something or 2 from the light workshop I attended, so that's why I ended up with a big softbox as well/. And believe me, it's not cheap too. Because the bigger the softbox, the softer the light.

 

There's a difference between flashguns and dedicated strobes though. I can't go into detail but I personally did experiment with it, and ended up liking the strobes better. Due to contrast and colour reason.

 

I guess, you get what you pay.