UNIT 57 PHOTOGRAPHY- My Portrait examples

Introduction

During this task I had to use a model as well as a backdrop/surroundings in order to take some portrait photographs from three different distances. I was asked to take three long, medium and close up shots of my model from different angles and then put them into photoshop using black and white effects and putting red, blue and green filters on these and then a selective colour filter on another picture. 

What I initially like about the setting of where I decided to take the photographs was the way that the red, tinted windows stood out and that they almost have outlines around them already because of how they are built. Although the subject is the model at the centre the eye is almost drawn to the windows because of this. At the same time the colour of the trousers and the shirt that the model was wearing contrast the backdrop. His top is grey where the wall below is grey, on the flip side of that his trousers are red-ish whereas the windows above are red.

The blue filter on this image makes the scene a lot more depressing than it actually was despite the fact that the images were taken on a sunny day. The blue filter makes it hard to tell that there was any sunlight overhead and it makes the setting seem dark and overcast.

Using a selective colour effect I decided to make the model and the bottom part of the image black and white but left the rest of the image still in colour. The parts that are black and white contrast with the areas in colour especially because of how red the windows are. The black and white model almost looks out of place within this image and looks as if he should be in a different photo completely. In my opinion this image sort of shows how photography has evolved from it all being in black and white to now having colour photography instantly available.

What did I learn?

• I got an idea of how to take simple portrait photos
• I learnt how to use photoshop in order to enhance a photograph and make certain features stand out compared to others
• I also learnt the importance of taking pictures at different distances and angles
• One challenge I faced was making sure I had the correct equipment and forgot something that was essential to taking pictures (The SD Card)
• I also had to find an appropriate area to take the pictures due to the fact that it was an incredibly sunny day and therefore had to find somewhere that the light did not effect the pictures too much

How will this help me in the future?

• I now have experience using photoshop in order to enhance my images
• I have an idea of how to take portrait photos which will help me in the future with any portraiture that I have to make
• I will be able to take a variety of different photos in order broaden the quality of images that I take