You know there's something powerful about a crit rack, when you bring it out…and it's empty, and then when you slowly set your images on it for other people…to critique and review. And in the educational context when we use crit rack…typically, the photographer's heart is pounding, because they think "Yes, I like…this image, but will other people like this photograph?"…When we look at our photos on the crit rack we have to ask ourselves the…larger question: what makes a portrait good?…It's a really essential and integral question.…
For example, let's say we look at a photo from prom in high school, one of my…old prom photos, and so what makes that photo good is that I was there, is that I…have a connection. I care about that image.…But here is the challenge.…When we create portraits, we have to create portraits that people care about…even though they're not there, even though they don't have a connection to…the subject matter.…So what makes a portrait good?…Well, I like what Jeff Lipsky once said.…
Author
Released
5/27/2011In this first installment, Chris lays the groundwork for the series. The course begins with a discussion of portraiture and the characteristics that make an effective, story-filled portrait. Chris then explains the importance of establishing a connection with a subject and identifying those details that will help tell his or her story. Next, he explores elements such as location, natural lighting, and composition. The course concludes with an exploration of gear: the creative options that various lenses and cameras provide, and techniques for shooting efficiently and unobtrusively.
- The elements of narrative portraiture
- Choosing locations and working with natural light
- Connecting with your subject to better tell a story
- Composition strategies
- Choosing lenses and selecting gear for a shoot
- Camera-handling tips
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
Related Courses
-
Narrative Portraiture: On Location in New York City
with Chris Orwig1h 30m Intermediate -
Narrative Portraiture: Portraits of Two Texas Artists
with Chris Orwig1h 29m Intermediate
-
Welcome
-
Welcome1m 32s
-
-
1. Looking at Portraiture
-
The power of portraits1m 34s
-
-
2. Stories and Subjects
-
Connecting with your subject7m 54s
-
Working with locations7m 6s
-
-
3. Lighting Considerations
-
Not all light is visible1m 7s
-
Seizing golden opportunities1m 47s
-
Shooting with window light1m 26s
-
4. Composition Considerations
-
Thinking about composition2m 18s
-
Composition and the story7m 23s
-
5. Gear Considerations
-
Understanding camera bodies6m 23s
-
Choosing lenses5m 18s
-
Camera handling tips3m 12s
-
-
Conclusion
-
Further resources3m 27s
-
Conclusion57s
-
- Mark as unwatched
- Mark all as unwatched
Are you sure you want to mark all the videos in this course as unwatched?
This will not affect your course history, your reports, or your certificates of completion for this course.
CancelTake notes with your new membership!
Type in the entry box, then click Enter to save your note.
1:30Press on any video thumbnail to jump immediately to the timecode shown.
Notes are saved with you account but can also be exported as plain text, MS Word, PDF, Google Doc, or Evernote.
Share this video
Embed this video
Video: The elements of effective portraits