tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12799506651845974612024-03-24T00:10:44.318-07:00MakeMePretty.PhotographyKathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-1833163183298642512024-03-21T05:55:00.000-07:002024-03-21T05:56:18.565-07:00How to get the glare out of glasses on video calls<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlPCiRSwZoo0JsTmqxxYjS8dR6OURek47Oz4w_Z9_2rAGEBf1JDVP0X_Sjh2kQzWVR2h115M5vKf_O34xMpsRUkTaYR2VyHVChDFovld0xgtalvW1tDt7ew2XuhOwLhHjfVBaNoe48R8qBgGfEgkNRSs36uum0HE4FpwJN6GRroKByC3JZZ68ksIH6V8/s1500/GlassesGlareVideoCallComparison%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1500" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlPCiRSwZoo0JsTmqxxYjS8dR6OURek47Oz4w_Z9_2rAGEBf1JDVP0X_Sjh2kQzWVR2h115M5vKf_O34xMpsRUkTaYR2VyHVChDFovld0xgtalvW1tDt7ew2XuhOwLhHjfVBaNoe48R8qBgGfEgkNRSs36uum0HE4FpwJN6GRroKByC3JZZ68ksIH6V8/w640-h517/GlassesGlareVideoCallComparison%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How many people wear reading glasses on video calls? More
and more it seems. How’s it working? Based on my observations, often not well.
So what’s the problem? The problem is that if there are noticeable reflections
in your glasses then people can’t see your eyes, at least not clearly. And
that’s a problem because for sighted people the eyes play a huge part in our
communication. Seeing eye to eye, literally, is key to achieving a sense of
connection. Video call technologies create so many barriers to clear and
effective communication and to true connection. We owe it to ourselves to
mitigate those barriers as well as we possibly can, so our message is not
compromised or lost. Eyeglass glare is one thing we can definitely fix. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">The main reason for the computer-screen-in-the-eyeglass
lenses-phenomenon is that the main source of illumination for your face is your
computer screen. In my sample screen grab I wore my husband’s huge glasses and
dimmed the light in the room to illustrate a worst case scenario, a scenario
unfortunately not all that uncommon. Maybe it’s after dark so you have no
available daylight, and the only light in the room is a ceiling fixture above
and behind you, or something like that. So the brightest light hitting your
face is coming from your computer screen. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Yes, your webcam can pick up your face with just the light
from your screen, but it’s</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">having to work really hard to make your face look properly
exposed, and sacrifices to image quality are inevitable. The less light on you
and your face the more grainy and blurry you look. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">What’s the solution? Light! And not just any light…it must
be brighter light than the light coming from your monitor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">In my diagram, I’m using an 18 inch ring light. You don’t
have to use a ring light. You do have to position whatever light you have above
your face shining down so the angle of reflection doesn’t include your glasses.
The advantage of a large ring light is that it still illuminates you evenly
when placed at a bit of a distance from your face. The smaller the light
source, the less flattering the light will look, and the less effective it will
be. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Notice how sharp the screen grab is with the ring light. The
web cam was happy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">For more tips on showing up powerfully on video calls
presence I invite you to check out the videos on my website. Or get in touch
for a private consult so I can see what you’re doing and help you make it
better. People want to see you!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">And of course, photography. Anyone who knows me knows that’s
what I really do. Let’s have a video call to chat about your next project…just
make sure to light up your lovely face!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">#corporatephotography, #corporateportraits, #authorportraits,
#profileportraits, #bookcovers, #portraitphotography</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com" target="_blank">hollinrake.com </a></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-21692587219582413632024-01-15T11:56:00.000-08:002024-01-15T13:05:41.009-08:00Make-up for profile portraits: make-up artist or AI?<p></p><br /> <p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUbomGXZgWovungYXKv1x4QLe7qj5fl5H1xDtZ3EKImEkPQ9zweTt7c2mjOfYMgkC2x3BqagoGgDnUJ_vSw4tW1YNahaH4ro8hWekDDS4x2OXqzslyf7ZE4IZewQdIJ-4Plaf_FWgCegC_-mbwmxclDQN9qeTv0KAWOncC2Qerhz07w52vpjIRIEl7_U/s2095/KathNoMU_wMU_wAI%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="2095" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUbomGXZgWovungYXKv1x4QLe7qj5fl5H1xDtZ3EKImEkPQ9zweTt7c2mjOfYMgkC2x3BqagoGgDnUJ_vSw4tW1YNahaH4ro8hWekDDS4x2OXqzslyf7ZE4IZewQdIJ-4Plaf_FWgCegC_-mbwmxclDQN9qeTv0KAWOncC2Qerhz07w52vpjIRIEl7_U/w640-h290/KathNoMU_wMU_wAI%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Left: no make-up, Middle: actual make-up done by me, Right: the no make-up photo with AI make-up</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">A little while ago I started using a new Photoshop portrait
retouching plug-in that uses AI and greatly enhances my ability to finish
portraits. It is getting so sophisticated with each update that I wondered if I
might now actually be able to do full make-up from scratch in retouching.
Photoshop has always made that possible but the time and skill required made it
prohibitively expensive in any practical sense. But now, I wondered, so I did a test. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Let’s compare my photos: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">#1 No make-up at all. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">#2 I did my make-up, maybe not as well as a make-up artist
would do it, but I’m comfortable doing my own make-up; as a photographer I know what
I need, so it’s fine for demo purposes. I would normally retouch a photo
at least somewhat, even with make-up done, so there are a few distracting spots
I would normally smooth out but I’m leaving them in for the purposes of this experiment.
(I will also mention that these days more and more clients, and I myself, are
desiring more authentic photos that show our “earned wrinkles”. There’s a
balance to strike.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">#3 AI. This is photo #1 with AI make-up only. I was careful
not to overdo it, trying to make it match the real make-up as closely as
possible, within the still somewhat limited choices it provides for each
element (ie, 8 eye shadow colours/shapes, 6 eye brow shapes...no colour
choices…just density control, etc.). One problem is that I was very slightly smiling in #2
so I think the deadpan expression in #1 makes it look creepier than it would.
Funnily enough I think the AI did a better job of the eye brows than I did! I
know one of my trusted make-up artists would have done better. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I notice the AI softens everything just a little so even keeping
it light it still looks slightly (over-?) retouched even though all I was
really trying to do was add make-up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">But to be honest I am pretty impressed. Nevertheless…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Would I soon be advising clients not to hire a Hair and
Make-up artist? To be clear, not all of my clients do anyway…many do their own
make-up if they wear make-up at all. But here’s what I realized…there is one HUGE benefit to hiring a
professional and that is that how you feel is going affect how you look. In
other words…if you look in the mirror and see the most well-rested, clear
skinned, healthy, vibrant version of yourself, you are half way to showing up
that way on camera. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> Think of actors who find and become their characters thanks
in part to their hair and make-up and wardrobe. See it and be it! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">And, with a make-up artist you can let them know in real
time if you are liking the look… bit more, bit less, darker, lighter, different
colour, etc., before and as you shoot. Whereas if you leave it to post-production,
the photographer/retoucher is going to have to guess what you’ll like. Imagine
going back and forth over multiple e-mails or calls trying to land in the right
place. That is not going to work for anyone. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">And of course, AI can’t do hair. Yet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">In summary, I recommend that you hire the make-up artist. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">BTW a little side note/bonus tip. Anyone who has seen my
portrait Tips posts will probably have seen me in this top before. Why do I
keep coming back to it for my business photo examples? It fits really well,
does not wrinkle or bunch, has a bit of a funky detail so it’s not totally
boring and hints at my artistic side, but is, overall, neutral and simple, so it
doesn’t distract viewers from the face which is what we want viewers to focus
on. And FYI I would never actually wear this thing anywhere because if you see
the whole garment on me it looks awful. It’s for photos only. So, remember to
consider wardrobe you may have that, from the waste up, would be photo perfect. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://corporateportraits.ca">corporateportraits.ca<br /></a></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><br /><br /><br />KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-90030204032323414852023-11-15T13:32:00.000-08:002023-11-16T05:58:26.845-08:00Revisiting Tip #19 from my tips on how to prepare for and get the most out of your next business portrait session: Glasses <p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9bl1dV_f1MH6CROsAzN1KwoCKnI6IZlkunAh4thIU8cSdzJZvopzKmchU1OaBbsVosZksaatjNTnIR_z8eYR4Yl8plizgM1DW2V778s7fmY6DjrCOXSktXZ2yYuIwQcy-dE0nXLnKTbbuNqpTJ6QaI-Ik3fRae7FjQZ5flQRt4xtaQSGEUuetxp5Qu0/s2643/KathrynIndirectGiantOcta10Nov2023_2Glasses%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2643" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9bl1dV_f1MH6CROsAzN1KwoCKnI6IZlkunAh4thIU8cSdzJZvopzKmchU1OaBbsVosZksaatjNTnIR_z8eYR4Yl8plizgM1DW2V778s7fmY6DjrCOXSktXZ2yYuIwQcy-dE0nXLnKTbbuNqpTJ6QaI-Ik3fRae7FjQZ5flQRt4xtaQSGEUuetxp5Qu0/w640-h336/KathrynIndirectGiantOcta10Nov2023_2Glasses%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Left: more reflective lenses, no good in this position. Right: less glare-prone glasses.</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I have been a glasses wearer for years and, as such, feel I
don’t really look like myself in a photo unless I am wearing glasses.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I am also seeing more and more people who wear glasses at
photo shoots, and just as I want to wear my glasses in my profile pics I expect
to photograph other wearers authentically bespectacled as well. However, as I’m
sure you know, glasses can cause problems with reflections in the lenses, some
more than others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Recently I lucked out and got a great deal on two new pairs.
Time for a new profile pic!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Right away I noticed that the lenses in one of them seemed
to catch the light all around me way more than the other ones. Every time I saw
myself in a mirror with pair #1 I could see lights reflecting in them. The other
ones didn’t seem to do that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Sure enough as soon as I went to photograph myself (I get to
do this; I’m a pro 😊 ) I confirmed that if I held my head a
certain way the lenses reflected the light, partially obscuring my eyes, and creating
a distracting retouching nightmare (if I were to actually shoot that way). This
is something we ALWAYS want to try to avoid. When this happens, we are, right away,
limited in terms of head position and to some extent full self-expression because
we have to angle away from the light. Photographers can also angle lights so
they are less prone to hit lenses, but that is limiting is other ways. (Note
that I lit these shots in my high-ceilinged studio to mitigate glare; I could never
have fit this set-up in an office downtown, and it didn’t fully solve the problem
anyway.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Of course, wouldn’t you know, of my two new pairs of specs
my favourite ones are the ones that are the bad reflectors. Another suboptimal-for-photos
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thing about them is that they tend to
sit low on the bridge of my nose, meaning it’s hard to achieve a flattering head-relative-to-
camera angle that doesn’t result in the upper part of the frame bisecting my
eyes. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">So I did try pair #2 (photo right), and they were much less reflective,
but I just don’t love them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">What is the upshot here? For me, with the luxury of having two
pairs of glasses to choose from, I can consider the pros and cons of each and
pick the lesser of two evils. (Some non-glare lenses don’t reflect light at all
which makes them a delight to shoot…if you never notice lights reflecting in them
you may have these and if so, yay you!). Of my two new pairs I really prefer
the ones that are harder to shoot, so those are my choice for my new profile
pics…too bad for the photographer and for the subject (ha-ha)…I understand the
draw backs, and I am willing to work with it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">My advice to you, my fellow glasses wearers, is to remember
that eye wear can impact photography, and to bring more than one pair to your
shoot if you have them, and see what happens. It may really help to have an option
or two. But don’t wear ones you hate, because then you’ll probably hate the photos.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">If you follow me you may have seen a version of this tip
before. Here's the link: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2022/04/30-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-your.html" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2022/04/30-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-your.html</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Hope this helps! </span> <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com" target="_blank">hollinrake.com </a></span><br /></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-49253334214192922932023-10-12T07:52:00.000-07:002023-10-12T07:52:09.583-07:00How do I know when it's time for a new profile pic?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvchjkvSbESmz-tBxSt2BV2uDE7TBPNSPZMLa0GH3C0pAwujYtrWHkjoe3mv3nxvnemX7RjGHTgU2mmuadsSStCLigTmVpe0HSV4nCuY5D0ce4NJNBRPRlJKimqzyr01Gm59DrolurSMXyW9r10dRf8tA18ksFMuwiNAqbkSDLwWH_IxAD7CDVcbzdN0/s1585/Kathryn2021vs2023%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1585" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvchjkvSbESmz-tBxSt2BV2uDE7TBPNSPZMLa0GH3C0pAwujYtrWHkjoe3mv3nxvnemX7RjGHTgU2mmuadsSStCLigTmVpe0HSV4nCuY5D0ce4NJNBRPRlJKimqzyr01Gm59DrolurSMXyW9r10dRf8tA18ksFMuwiNAqbkSDLwWH_IxAD7CDVcbzdN0/w640-h326/Kathryn2021vs2023%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #999999; font-family: arial;">When is it time to get a new profile portrait?</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> I answered this
question in the comments under a LinkedIn post just a few weeks ago but thought it may
be helpful to write a more considered response here. If you Google that question you'll see lots of answers from other photographers and branding gurus, so you don’t really need me, but I'm happy to chime in, and I can start with an example from personal experience. <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">In 2021 I did a personal branding self-portrait
(above) ostensibly of me shooting a portrait. About a year ago I changed my hair style to a much shorter one. I was also reminded every time I saw my profile pic not only how red my hair looks in photos (this is not uncommon with hair that has even a hint of red), but how much my natural red has actually faded. <br /></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I still really liked the concept of my photo which was still relevant, but it was jarring to see an
old self that no longer looked like me every time I logged onto LinkedIn. Beyond my hair losing some of its colour my face had also continued to age, as they do! If it was jarring for me I imagined how surprised people would be when
they saw me IRL, not a great way to start a business (or any other)
relationship.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">So I needed to redo this shot. For one thing, I felt that it would serve me to be more intentional about the background,
ie. to use one more in keeping with the environments in which I often
shoot (corporate offices). I also tend to photograph younger than I am (not just my hair) so I really had to hold back on the retouching and leave in some of the wrinkles that I've "earned", as a client recently put it when she wanted me to put back her wrinkles (which I'd slightly over-zealously softened). <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">So tip #1...if you feel jarred every time you see
your own photo it’s probably time for an update. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Here's is my possibly slightly repetitive 7 point list of reasons to get a new photo:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You look different now.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <br /></span></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your profile pic looks dated (last season's colour palette, or maybe your hair style or wardrobe scream "not current!"). The general recommendation is to update at intervals anywhere from 2 years to 3 to 5, with the caveat that any significant change
warrants a new profile pic ASAP.</span></span></li><li>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your current shot is not working for you – eg.
you’re trying to attract clients and your photo is not helping, maybe because it is not depicting the you
you want them to see, or that they want to see. You might look very pretty/cute
/handsome but not be exuding a “You can trust me in business” vibe.</span></span></li><li>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You just don’t like your current pic…I can hear
the chorus of “I never like myself in photos!” and I get it, but,
realistically, is your photo not showing you in your best light, so to speak?
<span class="comments-comment-itemmain-content"><span>Did you never really love that photo of yourself
in the first place, or you did, but you just don't look
like that anymore? Either way, time to refresh!</span></span>
</span></span><style><font style="font-family: arial;" size="4"><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);">@font-face
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your current pic does not reflect the
professional that you are…maybe you used a shot that was OK because you needed
SOMETHING, but it’s glaringly obviously not a professional quality photo, eg.
you’ve cropped your head out of a shot with other people in it, lighting is bad, wardrobe is inappropriate, expression
is inappropriate, photo is dark, blurry or grainy, etc., none of which suggests you care about how you show up (wherever you've posted that photo). <br /></span></span></li><li>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You are in a new phase of your professional
journey. <span class="comments-comment-itemmain-content">We are all
growing (hopefully) all the time, in business and life. A business portrait
broadcasts your brand to the world and should reflect and represent each new and improved iteration of yourself. </span></span></span></li><li>
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{page:WordSectio</span></font></style><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You need a consistent set of branding images for
multiple uses and you only have one (which you are so sick of using over and over again!), or ones that have been created in a
piecemeal way. </span></span></li></ul>
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{margin-bottom:0cm;}</span></style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">If you don't have an up-to-date, relevant, and appropriate professional looking profile portrait I'd ask you to consider what it might be costing you. Make sure you are not undermining yourself with your photo. Bolster your confidence, and support your professional self...look good (in your photo), feel good (knowing you've got a great full time first impression generator working for you)!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Let me know if I can help.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;" target="_blank">hollinrake.com </a><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-17790864187838347612023-08-17T06:33:00.002-07:002023-08-17T06:39:00.064-07:00Getting a quote for business profile portraits (aka headshots) - a checklist<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='446' height='371' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsS3VWXZLPEUwTXp4E98w5RebPlPfVlPaWHr9BhOVumWhQc26hhmhp4X_XjXkdwBhkSpL5wylAsO7Alpfo6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I’ve got to admit I used to hate it when companies started
running back to school ads not even half way through summer, and I didn’t want
to be that killjoy, so I’ve dawdled just long enough to still give you time to
start planning if you have to organize one or more profile portraits for the
fall get-back-to-serious-work-and gear-up-for-a-successful-fourth-quarter
season. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Regardless of the time of year, if you need to get a quote
for business profile portraits (aka headshots, a catch-all term which anyone
who knows me knows I avoid… this checklist is a big part of the reason for
that) there are some things it will help you and the quoting photographer(s)
to know in order for them to quote efficiently and accurately, because
photography is not a one size fits all proposition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>First off, just to get this out of the way, is
there a specific date or dates on which you need to shoot? If so this would be
the first point to cover as there’s no point getting an estimate from a photographer
who is not available when you need them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What is/are the photos for? For example, if for
a website is there a designer and/or layout into which the photos have to fit that
will be dictating the number, shape, size and look of the image(s)? Do the
images have to match a previously existing set of portraits? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>How many people are to be photographed? </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Do you need head and shoulders, torso or full
length shots? This could impact the time and space needed to achieve them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Is the subject or are the subjects executive
level or support staff level? This could affect the amount of time and the
budget you’ll want to dedicate to the shoot. For example, an executive portrait
might be scheduled for a 30 minute on-site session which would allow that executive time to review images and
make selects during the shoot (which, by the way, can be much more efficient and
less work for the organizer of multiple portraits who otherwise may be tasked
with managing the selection process<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-
ie. sending contacts to individuals, getting them to respond with selects, and forwarding
the list to the photographer, etc.). In another example, if there is a team of
support staff (which could involve anywhere from 5 to 100 or more people) requiring
photos the shoot and individual session duration, logistics, and cost, would necessarily
be very different.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Further to #5 how much time do you have for this
shoot, on an individual basis or for the whole shoot if it’s for multiple
individuals? Keep in mind that more time will generally be more conducive to
great photos. It’s not about a photographer being able to shoot fast, it’s
about making sure you put aside enough time to make the whole exercise worthwhile…a
more relaxed, not-rushed experience will generally result in better pictures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>If there are a number of individuals to be
photographed do you also need a group shot </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">or shots of them?</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>What kind of background do you want? For
example, do you want a fairly simple, clean seamless, or do you want an
environmental background? If environmental do you have somewhere suitable
(aesthetically pleasing, adequately spacious) for the shoot, or does an
off-site location need to be found and arranged? Or can we use digital backgrounds?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>In tandem with question 8, if shooting on
location is not a necessity for aesthetic or logistical reasons, would you prefer
the photographer to come to you, or for you or the subject(s) to come to the
photographer’s studio? In my case if we come to you, you save travel time but incur
additional costs such as that of an assistant (who I hire only for location
shoots). There are other considerations re shooting in studio vs. on location which
you can discuss with your photographer, as these will vary depending on the photographer
and your circumstances and needs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Will
you want a hair and make-up artist? Sometimes this is a very good idea and
sometimes it’s less necessary. It’s something to consider. (Talk to the
photographer.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>How
many final files do you want? Meaning, how many high res, retouched images?
Every photographer will do this a bit differently. In my case I have a flat
rate for a basic portrait retouch, per individual image and I only release high
res files once they are touched up, because having unretouched high res
portraits out in the world will serve nobody. (This issue of retouching,
whether to do it, how much to do it, etc. is for another post, but the thing
about high detail, professionally shot images is that they tend to render
detail to an extent beyond which the human eyes perceives those details IRL(not necessarily a good thing). So
in my opinion some level of retouching is a must.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">When you reach out to a photographer for a quote it will
help the process tremendously if you have an idea of the answers to these ten+
questions or are at least open to discussing them. Which brings me to one of my
biggest tips…talk to your (potential) photographer. They can help you figure
out the best way forward and I’d assert it’s way more efficient to have a
conversation than to e-mail back and forth at this initial stage, especially
when for many seeking quotes the language and logistics of photography are not
necessarily familiar. Professional photographers are problem solvers and we
have the experience to guide you through the whole process of organizing a
shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">As for the quotes you receive, keep in mind that if a photographer
seems really cheap or really expensive there’s going to be a reason for that.
They are doing, or not doing, something different. Assume photographers are not
charging wildly disparate rates for the exact same thing. And watch out for
false economies like quantity over quality. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Finally, a request on behalf of all providers of proposals,
assuming you did actually ask them to quote:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>get back to the quoters as to why they did or didn’t get the job. It’s the
nice, courteous, professional and right thing to do and it will better serve
everyone involved, in the long run. It’s impossible, for anyone, to function effectively
in a vacuum. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">(If you need more convincing that getting back to quoters is
the right thing to do there’s this: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kathrynhollinrake_why-ghosting-is-harmful-to-your-reputation-activity-7025967576300085248-EVI_/?originalSubdomain=mu">https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kathrynhollinrake_why-ghosting-is-harmful-to-your-reputation-activity-7025967576300085248-EVI_/?originalSubdomain=mu</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Good luck organizing your next shoot! Let me know if I can
help. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a> <br /></span></p>
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{margin-bottom:0cm;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-39253732133066207522023-07-27T05:51:00.000-07:002023-07-27T05:51:18.359-07:00How to get the most out of a "quickie" headshot<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='319' height='265' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwesgOJmxkZVxBPb2RGdNGVlqcBrLkKN_P65S_YObxdRBgJimDS7CnpgZZDYVHW6mNCDXIESAXbtn0FWmEqCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Here’s a scenario I know many people will relate to: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you go to a conference or event and as a bonus
for attendees there is a headshot booth or headshot photographer. This can be a
great opportunity to get an updated profile portrait for very little or even
zero cost. But how often are you really camera ready at an event?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few tips on how to get the most
out of a quickie headshot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">If you know in advance that this opportunity is going to
exist, dress appropriately: wear something appropriately professional that you
look and feel great in, with a flattering neckline in a fabric that doesn’t
wrinkle easily and isn’t too distracting (eg. no big patterns).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Remember that you will get more potentially winning shots if
you are nicely groomed and styled. You’ll want to take care of this before
stepping in front of the camera. Yes, sometimes (not always) the photographer or
assistant will be hands on and help in the moment, but this eats up valuable
shooting time, for you (more styling = less shooting and fewer photos) and for
the others in line behind you, so it’s best for everyone if you show up camera
ready, meaning: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teeth clean (if you
have just had a coffee break or lunch make sure there are no food bits stuck
between your teeth</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">- Hair styled. For very short hair cuts (eg. men) make sure
hair is behind the ears where it’s supposed to be (sometimes if a hair cut is past
due the hair comes down over the ears), and make sure your hairs are all
pointing in the directions you want them to. Long hair can be a challenge. Make
sure it actually is how you like it in photos…ie. forward on both sides,
forward on one side, back on the other, etc. and if you have access to hair
spray and have fly aways etc., use it. Long hair moves in real life so careful
positioning of tresses is less important, but in a still photo wherever hair
sits it’s locked in that position forever, including “mistakes” like strands
stuck under your collar, and fly aways straying across your neck. Yes, if
retouching is available that may be able to take care of distracting issues like
these, but why pay to fix something that could have been taken care of in
camera (if retouching is even an option)?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">-Eye brows good… sometimes eye brow hairs get a bit mussed
when we get dressed or whatever and we don’t notice. A quick once over with a
finger can brush them into shape.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">- Make-up touched up if you wear it. Pay careful attention
to lipstick, in particular, making sure it is carefully, consistently and
evenly applied across lip surfaces. Check for mascara blotches and other signs
of tired make-up and fix them. If your skin is shiny, blot or apply powder if
you can. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">- Eye glasses clean </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">- Lint and dust removed from clothing…if there’s no lint
roller available at least brush yourself off so pet hairs or whatever dust etc.
may have got on you don’t wreck your shots or make you pay for retouching (again,
if that’s an option).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Once you’ve got your self camera ready, step in front of the
camera when it’s your turn, take a deep breathe, exhale (and keep breathing),
set your shoulders back and down and shine!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">If you’re interested and missed my series of tips on how to
prepare for get the most out of your next business portrait please see below for a link to
my free ebook, and a link to my wardrobe blurb. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://hollinrake.com/pdfs">https://hollinrake.com/pdfs</a>
Business Portrait Tips by Kathryn Hollinrake</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/09/wardrobe-for-business-profile-portraits.html" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;" title="http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/09/wardrobe-for-business-profile-portraits.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/09/wardrobe-for-business-profile-portraits.html</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">#profileportraits, #portraitphotography, #headshots,
#notjustaheadshot, #corporatephotography, #authors, #authorportraits,
#bookcovers,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com" target="_blank">hollinrake.com </a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-57561399822146850382023-04-20T06:07:00.002-07:002023-09-07T07:14:39.863-07:00Overcast daylight in my studio<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="color: #999999;">My experiment succeeded and I'm not happy.</span></b></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #403f42; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #403f42; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #403f42; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDj28H6buxH3J-tEF2rntbA6jLSO-NcS6WwZeBAwOMoITFvH0jGrfpc9NszqnfEoQj3L75O9Y9FYJx2xtCwy64aGr2q7Tvl7bjolSyKs66-y70W9YwMYzyG6OMKRarLW5949p8zbIEKINkkHFu4XqwGgHQI6MrJG4q-IO1nNdTzGrayZkYHMN_Uw8/w640-h400/JamesGardens_19July2021_17KathLgStrip.jpg" width="640" /></div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #403f42; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #403f42; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">What was I trying to do and why? Well, Clients will sometimes
say to me during the planning phase of their portrait shoot that they think
they’d like to be outside. My initial response is always to ask how an outdoor
background will help tell their story. And then generally we move on to choosing
an indoor setting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">But, sometimes there is a good reason to appear to be outside (eg.
you are in environmental services or some other outdoors oriented business), so we need to be able to make that happen
without necessarily going outside where too many things will be out of our
control. Better to perfect the art of simulating outdoor light indoors, one of
the holy grails of professional photography. The other requirement for
successful imitation outdoor portraits is digital backgrounds, ideally shot
specifically for portraits (ie. more and less out of focus for different lens
focal lengths), which I have. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Some of these backgrounds were shot on sunny days, some in partial
sun, and some on overcast days mostly by accident because the sun disappeared.
The overcast ones I never really used because overcast light is not, to me,
great for portraits (and you want the lighting on the subject to at least somewhat
match the lighting in the background.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">But maybe I was wrong. (I wasn’t.) So after some thought I
bought a new light modifier, set it up above camera sort of like the sky, but
cheated a bit with the angle to avoid the dreaded “raccoon eyes” effect of
straight overcast light (you’ve seen this, when skylight shines straight down
causing eye socket shadows that make your eyes look like little caves), photographed myself and
did the appropriate post-production. And while I think I achieved my goal of
creating overcast light in studio, I’m not really sure I’ll ever want to do it
again. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">So what’s wrong with this photo? I love this background...that’s
why I wanted to figure out a way to use it. But it's not ALL about the background!
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">First of all, although I ironed my linen shirt it I still had to
retouch out a large, stubborn and unsightly wrinkle (annoying, and as you can see not the only one!). It’s also a bit
baggy, and not a flattering shape. So, bad choice of wardrobe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">But a bigger problem for me was that I couldn’t smile. Because in
this lighting I looked awful smiling. It was just not flattering at all and no
I am not going to show you. But I was reminded why I avoid shooting in this kind
of light. Unless it is understood and embraced that there will be no smiling, say
because the subject is the author of a book on climate change or some similarly
dire topic. Of course nobody HAS to smile, but as I often repeat, studies
suggest people appear more trustworthy when they are smiling. In order for a
business portrait to really serve you best, and do its job it should really do
the opposite of warning people that you are not friendly and not interested in
connecting. That certainly wouldn’t serve me as someone who works with people. (This
post will be the only time I ever use this photo.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">One more thought on the “smiling” thing. While some people are
not “smilers” or don’t view themselves as such, I’d encourage anyone having their
business photo taken to be open to possibilities. If you feel a smile coming on
during your shoot just let it happen. You don’t have to use that frame, but you
never know what magic the photographer might capture if you just let yourself shine
through unimpeded by self-censorship. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">On that note, thanks for reading. I look forward to not using
this lighting on you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://Hollinrake.com">Hollinrake.com</a></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-72579593513331125462023-02-27T06:36:00.012-08:002023-02-28T13:15:53.105-08:00Kathryn Hollinrake (Fake) Book Cover Project<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vgbU8_GgdsfUc7HkH4KTridXHX64GoKLpRQSqAY5SInbOX1S45hOooWb6UGysagiYTHpr9SSu0m-08E_s1IJPCGM8PmHiNXtVhoQ222zeF8F6uMyEdk4m5AneqxjXx9gO0nRP7mR58mL6boC0Rk66tHlYwHmQPqCMsv--mALh99NcvLeY3PAmYiE/s3200/Kathryn_GlynDewisStyle_16Jan2023_FakeBkCvr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2070" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vgbU8_GgdsfUc7HkH4KTridXHX64GoKLpRQSqAY5SInbOX1S45hOooWb6UGysagiYTHpr9SSu0m-08E_s1IJPCGM8PmHiNXtVhoQ222zeF8F6uMyEdk4m5AneqxjXx9gO0nRP7mR58mL6boC0Rk66tHlYwHmQPqCMsv--mALh99NcvLeY3PAmYiE/w414-h640/Kathryn_GlynDewisStyle_16Jan2023_FakeBkCvr.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks to British photographer Glynn Dewis for the portrait style inspiration.</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I will start this post by asking Graphic Designers to forgive
me. And by reminding readers that it’s important, as always, to have a sense of
humour. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">I have spent a lot of time over the past few years focusing
on messaging to corporate clients, in 2022 dressing up as a “business woman”
for my series of portrait Tips (see my previous post). Now, in a bit of a twist
I re-imagine myself as a bunch of imaginary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>authors, to illustrate some of the (sometimes)
more creative ways an author may want to show up on a book cover or jacket
flap. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Authors always need profile portraits. If you know one or
are one, I’d love to work with you. </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">And if you’d like to see some actual author portraits click <b><a href="https://hollinrake.com/portfolios/authorscelebrities" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORKdORRN-lqIJSEcvER4JIh5t2SSqh4uNm2ZxK45Bru8WRZXkwztjml3oCPlPO1YMCtsHmfHSFVeZ7A1EjbqCy7Wnji164SsNntr00COEcNA--6hY8X_15jfwX_CjX8qfIjE5JfaH4a5I6BQqXr6KADpYPeV-QP0Pn_3FvOXuGBE7dUmEqCEZp_jv/s1737/KathForInMyDreamsFakeBookCover_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1737" data-original-width="1110" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORKdORRN-lqIJSEcvER4JIh5t2SSqh4uNm2ZxK45Bru8WRZXkwztjml3oCPlPO1YMCtsHmfHSFVeZ7A1EjbqCy7Wnji164SsNntr00COEcNA--6hY8X_15jfwX_CjX8qfIjE5JfaH4a5I6BQqXr6KADpYPeV-QP0Pn_3FvOXuGBE7dUmEqCEZp_jv/w408-h640/KathForInMyDreamsFakeBookCover_copy.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skies May 2017, me in my studio January 2023</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Kl6O58LpnBFu84S4p3xERWV1Gw3kdeGwrnaKv_lt0TEeU7HWdHxlQYTCxF73GH7P7iG86m2lh9vzSk2kPSPCR7HJ0F6FXlaGdpnvHLMRaGseDUwlaOapQivmGd532sVRJOkpP6GCm60_Ip49iLz8ibtJE0ALj6aj3RTrAJm5oO7XNAF1b_Dt1M6o/s3260/KathForInMyGardenFakeBookJan23_Final%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3260" data-original-width="2109" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Kl6O58LpnBFu84S4p3xERWV1Gw3kdeGwrnaKv_lt0TEeU7HWdHxlQYTCxF73GH7P7iG86m2lh9vzSk2kPSPCR7HJ0F6FXlaGdpnvHLMRaGseDUwlaOapQivmGd532sVRJOkpP6GCm60_Ip49iLz8ibtJE0ALj6aj3RTrAJm5oO7XNAF1b_Dt1M6o/w414-h640/KathForInMyGardenFakeBookJan23_Final%20copy.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">James Gardens July 2021, me in my studio January 2023</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Had there been room the subtitle for this one would have been</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> “a
biography that is never going to be written because this is my son’s dog who is
now really my husband’s dog. He’s my dog, too, but my husband is the one for whom he wags his entire body.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">And yes I do have tricks to make dogs (not just ours) smile like this. </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ3C1pH-z_LqE5XfCUdOhuRD2l0gEKQsqecLKetYfO_UtLpYb9DBAjibyojNKWQHX1-jCEWhdkCkapmNWItKOob-tkgvcBmIaqCz-kfoGvPYh2pnx5WDEZ9SB1T1s2RfzLjJXFnUL2tAs4tNkp1FUNF8uldYqt_5AZmbtHfnZfnQl21g51ZVBB2Os/s2923/KathJag_MeAndMyDog_20Feb2023_067St2%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2923" data-original-width="1892" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ3C1pH-z_LqE5XfCUdOhuRD2l0gEKQsqecLKetYfO_UtLpYb9DBAjibyojNKWQHX1-jCEWhdkCkapmNWItKOob-tkgvcBmIaqCz-kfoGvPYh2pnx5WDEZ9SB1T1s2RfzLjJXFnUL2tAs4tNkp1FUNF8uldYqt_5AZmbtHfnZfnQl21g51ZVBB2Os/w414-h640/KathJag_MeAndMyDog_20Feb2023_067St2%20copy.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Rosetta McClain Gardens Aug 2021, Jagger and me in studio Feb. 2023</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Aging myself here but anyone remember the 1976 song by Mary MacGregor <i>Torn Between Two Lovers</i>? I can't not hear it when I see this:</span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVk7Q6ComYvgbFI6bYC00A6T0H857Gf4n-gpNTREQct5dic15CGFeYr3cnoTmIjWTPzekJrRcw9WotrdOJOVxoSzDeINs3je7cg8SZpUaayUGwFztdXPTSiyqR3cfHvVQbfm4EQ0VDNh4QoeIK19KAPOAd6C-C05eKbdjeijuN0p7qhNOw5pCZWWY/s2747/KathSeatedFullLengthBookCvr_030St2%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2747" data-original-width="1778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVk7Q6ComYvgbFI6bYC00A6T0H857Gf4n-gpNTREQct5dic15CGFeYr3cnoTmIjWTPzekJrRcw9WotrdOJOVxoSzDeINs3je7cg8SZpUaayUGwFztdXPTSiyqR3cfHvVQbfm4EQ0VDNh4QoeIK19KAPOAd6C-C05eKbdjeijuN0p7qhNOw5pCZWWY/w414-h640/KathSeatedFullLengthBookCvr_030St2%20copy.jpg" width="414" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdgv5DLPQFAXVv0NthHslVA_aVxoyLTCeEzq01JRBwiTfLsgcy5ZgSWcjBSLOq4yfLOBlCgNP4vw1NywJfaoiCLiKWJP5OKlNhfYt5Uay0GXDVUstNgniBt8sogIlw2d0d1Zdxn4Hq2XF6tkf5ahw080jQVIHdxQUW9A9h4WuHW921g53cSN-4264/s4002/KathLookingOutWindow23Feb2023_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="4002" data-original-width="2589" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdgv5DLPQFAXVv0NthHslVA_aVxoyLTCeEzq01JRBwiTfLsgcy5ZgSWcjBSLOq4yfLOBlCgNP4vw1NywJfaoiCLiKWJP5OKlNhfYt5Uay0GXDVUstNgniBt8sogIlw2d0d1Zdxn4Hq2XF6tkf5ahw080jQVIHdxQUW9A9h4WuHW921g53cSN-4264/w414-h640/KathLookingOutWindow23Feb2023_copy.jpg" width="414" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><br /> </span><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">As a detail
oriented portrait artist who is often focused on showing people in their best,
most professional light, I often don’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>get an opportunity to venture outside the lines. But sometimes, there’s
an author (or other client) who can stand to look a little less buttoned down. Even
I don’t want to look perfect all the time.</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-themecolor: text1;">😉</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZRcv6XTcOPzqDU5rxsnHCUYElN_iL7_KPavk0x6xk6pStngYq_30rsBMBbRmbepqw8NZ4mnlVuqMw8QaJQ_hkRve0uIR_tLuqvuNwZwslnZ6Z9SXEH22zOgj5SwVdPEyWSLvlL4WuapiShnupm4BCBWqe-e82-p-wYYQhHJvjRyaLNhIbDFDjvo0/s2603/KathLetsGetMessy23Feb2023_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2603" data-original-width="1684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZRcv6XTcOPzqDU5rxsnHCUYElN_iL7_KPavk0x6xk6pStngYq_30rsBMBbRmbepqw8NZ4mnlVuqMw8QaJQ_hkRve0uIR_tLuqvuNwZwslnZ6Z9SXEH22zOgj5SwVdPEyWSLvlL4WuapiShnupm4BCBWqe-e82-p-wYYQhHJvjRyaLNhIbDFDjvo0/w414-h640/KathLetsGetMessy23Feb2023_copy.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Does this next
cover remind you of another cover you may have seen? It may be a bit of a
stretch but here’s the back story…I hardly ever buy hard cover books but I
bought Alec Baldwin’s <i>Nevertheless</i> because I LOVED the cover shot by
Michael Tighe (check it out…he shot the front and back cover many, many years
apart), and design by Milan Bozic. I was inspired to do my version of their
cover, but I veered a little off course, first accidentally, then purposely running with making it a little more
my own than I’d planned to, thus the title. It should have been no surprise I couldn’t
exactly mirror AB’s familiar, intense expression as I am no AB! But when the
title popped into my head I thought “that’s not the only thing in my life that
wasn’t exactly what I expected”…so perfect title for a fake book (not) by me. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqPGYb7Q12M91JfEkcBpQU42IDdDwa3VHwEwZ3Bq0LCuT-CKenptXJXWXzxyLE-W5y-aSBn8668J6JRsyYk9DXdPzZ2gsNRN2sRI_G0OsPHRHOGndtGRh-Cs3EOA-34eU1SDimUrn7KXXRE3inwH-Wx7q-6PxL6VfxTKJVWWeNjg4YrhB77ltAnvF/s3747/KathLikeAlecBaldwin27Feb2023_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3747" data-original-width="2424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqPGYb7Q12M91JfEkcBpQU42IDdDwa3VHwEwZ3Bq0LCuT-CKenptXJXWXzxyLE-W5y-aSBn8668J6JRsyYk9DXdPzZ2gsNRN2sRI_G0OsPHRHOGndtGRh-Cs3EOA-34eU1SDimUrn7KXXRE3inwH-Wx7q-6PxL6VfxTKJVWWeNjg4YrhB77ltAnvF/w414-h640/KathLikeAlecBaldwin27Feb2023_copy.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">And that's what I've got for now. I might do more, might not. In the meantime, I look forward to collaborating with </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">you!<br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Get in touch: </span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com </span><br /></p><p></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-21249070087833511612022-04-28T06:10:00.065-07:002023-03-07T10:14:24.055-08:0030+ Tips to help you prepare for your professional portrait<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Feb. 22, 2023.</i> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">News flash! Instead of reading this very long blog post you can get all the tips below in my new ebook downloadable via my website at <a href="https://hollinrake.com/pdfs">holIinrake.com</a>. <i>In fact as of March 7, 2023 this blog no longer shows the complete set so now it really will be best if you download the ebook.</i> <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Or you can keep reading here (please excuse any typos...there may be a few): <br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> </i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>April 2022.</i> <br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting a few weeks ago I launched my one tip per week campaign on <b><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynhollinrake/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></b> to help
you prepare for and get the most out of a professional portrait session. And all I said was: There
are so many little things that can impact the success of a portrait. I hope
these help.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am going to expand a bit on that. I just want to add that
everything I suggest is a guideline I’m proposing for your consideration based
on things I’ve observed and encountered over many years as a photographer and
retoucher. I am sure I’ll suggest things that give people pause and that seem (and
in fact are) relevant only to some. I hope nobody feels excluded or offended.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I also anticipate some reacting with the assertion that many
things can be fixed in post-production/Photoshop. For the record it is true
that almost anything can be done in Photoshop, with the commensurate budget. But
not only is that budget rarely available for difficult problems (in corporate portrait-land),
it would just be a waste of time and money to fix something that could have
been avoided in the first place with some care and planning. Another way of putting
it is that there are ways to avoid putting you the client, and your photographer
in the position of having to deal with a compromised image that could have been
better, especially if the photographer can’t bear to let the image see the
light of day without fixing it whether she is getting paid to fix it or not. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another thing I want to mention, and this has
occurred to me over and over again across the years whenever I have stood in
for my own corporate photo examples, when I was hunting for clothes to wear for
my Tips photos I was reminded how tricky it can be to wear the right thing,
that looks good. I don’t know about you but I have tons of clothes that I think
may not fit absolutely perfectly but I think they fit well enough, until I see
them in my test shots. I may still wear them IRL, but I can’t wear them for the example
shots because there is a deal breaker in so many of the garments I own (you'll see what I mean as I add to the tips below)…mind you I am trying to look sort of corporate in these shots, while I'm not corporate, and like many photographers no matter who the client is I wear a lot of black, which I keep telling people not to do for photos. The point is I feel you. Take a deep breath. And if you are not sure bring options (if that's an option...time allowing etc.) for your shoot. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #999999; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't worry! Good luck! I know you will look great for your next shoot (especially if you follow all of my suggestions). </span><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just FYI, while I will create and post tips in no particular order on LinkedIn, I will add them here in order because...of course...</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #1</b> Breathe</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Once you arrive at your
photo session, breathe. Why would I say this? Because people filled with dread
hold their breaths. I work with people all the time who come to portrait shoots
geared up for what they anticipate will be a fairly short but painful nightmare,
“knowing” they are unphotogenic and they will probably hate the results. They
listen hard determined to get this thing over with and make it count! And they
stop breathing.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43SJGqL0DCmEurbvLikShy7_Xkvs2o1vK3yEdElApB-ayTuhtzK9OBpM_qyrRE7xnIHNnA2vr1O4absmMDaSfcRr1jt9fNdzBKcrUSoS75_NwH4DpLXD4d2iCd4ao9FIUkm99JocIFLtIMf0tVD-fSanMK-wklLmcch9HwAbM35bTkw9gSSqvuWz8/s975/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43SJGqL0DCmEurbvLikShy7_Xkvs2o1vK3yEdElApB-ayTuhtzK9OBpM_qyrRE7xnIHNnA2vr1O4absmMDaSfcRr1jt9fNdzBKcrUSoS75_NwH4DpLXD4d2iCd4ao9FIUkm99JocIFLtIMf0tVD-fSanMK-wklLmcch9HwAbM35bTkw9gSSqvuWz8/w558-h640/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip1.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">While I photograph people all the time who hate having their pictures
taken, I have literally spent an entire week, myself, at a retreat learning to
breathe, so I know that we are not alone, those of us who stop breathing when
concentrating and/or stressing.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">With the right photographer
I encourage you to embrace the idea that you are in good hands, take a deep
breath or twenty, and keep breathing. Slow down, listen and trust. When people
stop breathing they tend to tense up, their shoulders go up, their neck tendons
flex, and they positively, silently scream “uncomfortable!”. Nothing can suck the power out of a
portrait faster than the appearance of overwhelming and unmitigable discomfort.
</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Remember it’s your photographer’s job to help you find your way through
and past this first and very real obstacle. You can help by just breathing. Drop
those shoulders back down, and as numerous characters in the super fun TV show
<i>Jane the Virgin</i> say repeatedly “inhala... exhala...” (read with a Spanish
accent). </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> <br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #2</b> Avoid wrinkles. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We want smooth and
flat. Not you, not your hair, your <i>fabric</i>. (Unless it is textured fabric
which is fine, even good, for example ruched fabric which can be very
flattering and not easily wrinkled in a bad wrinkle way.) </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You may be thinking “Really? You think you
need to tell people not to wear wrinkled clothing?” Of course not, except, I
see this ALL the time…tops or shirts that have small tough to get out wrinkles,
shirts that were the victims of little ironing accidents, and lovely tops made
of notoriously wrinklable fabric, like silk, which practically wrinkles when
you look at it. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLmJ7QJ66jCE5IoS7ZqLt6BbUYahttUz6GuZhhK8VA7Jlxwgy0m_w4iK3P0CsK4_xRhA3PhB_JbWVU4LVdhJpjJIylNjhLqhHOrhMUihzuU9ZPeSq4pC3wDw5RMLksl54Rscbv61DxZDXNU0WD01JM_wANJiWfwYfST_voTZOq3Tjw91nZVQamqLe/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip2cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="851" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLmJ7QJ66jCE5IoS7ZqLt6BbUYahttUz6GuZhhK8VA7Jlxwgy0m_w4iK3P0CsK4_xRhA3PhB_JbWVU4LVdhJpjJIylNjhLqhHOrhMUihzuU9ZPeSq4pC3wDw5RMLksl54Rscbv61DxZDXNU0WD01JM_wANJiWfwYfST_voTZOq3Tjw91nZVQamqLe/w640-h386/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip2cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The thing is, little wrinkles that aren’t too
noticeable IRL can show up noticeably and distractingly (especially with certain
kinds of lighting) in photos where they are captured and frozen forever. Same
with bigger wrinkles caused by excess fabric and stress, ie. the bumps that happen
when fabric gets pulled out of shape at stress points, beside buttons for
example, around body curves, under arms, where tops tuck into pant waists, etc.
These are bumps that naturally appear and disappear as you move, but are frozen
in one position forever in a photo. Sometimes they can be retouched out but
sometimes they can’t. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Consider that the goal is to appear “tidy” in
general. Some fabrics and some tops are just not conducive to sitting tidily;
the crisper the fabric the more this can be an issue as it tries to sit flatly
on human beings’ unavoidably and uniquely not flat bodies. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whatever kind of wrinkle any particular piece
of wardrobe is prone to, be aware, and try to wear something that fits well,
and is nicely pressed, and if there’s just no way to mitigate the wrinkles and
bumps, consider putting a jacket over it. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #3. If you are wearing a shirt and
tie, try to wear a well fitted shirt. </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F5x8--arn39w0NLmln_Vrh_8wVbKnnRDvISaVf06CV079KA1gjMKoFuewk1bZevQ_53TaiD30ohivWJMACHNKZUhNmPXMi7lHQCMXT5snST0VNdEkBg8mJIxMiE2_ujQBGgYd-johsfQdJdHTKAzrlIdJGqy_CZjmgjsXuE2WV__vpgRonfGOFP2/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip3cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="851" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F5x8--arn39w0NLmln_Vrh_8wVbKnnRDvISaVf06CV079KA1gjMKoFuewk1bZevQ_53TaiD30ohivWJMACHNKZUhNmPXMi7lHQCMXT5snST0VNdEkBg8mJIxMiE2_ujQBGgYd-johsfQdJdHTKAzrlIdJGqy_CZjmgjsXuE2WV__vpgRonfGOFP2/w400-h260/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip3cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am trusting readers to have sense of humour
about my photo illustrations, so thank-you! The reality is that sometimes we
can mitigate these particular shirt wrinkles by tugging on the fabric, but
depending on the shirt and how much extra fabric there is those wrinkles can
reform pretty quickly and they just do not look good. Yes, sometimes there’s a
budget for retouching to take care of these eye sores, post-shoot, but
sometimes there isn’t. (I see these ALL the time in people’s business portraits
and they do not contribute to the message the subjects are meaning to broadcast
unless the message is that they don’t care about details.)</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I understand that business fashion trends are
changing and there is a move away from the long established shirt and tie
uniform. So maybe this will be less and less of a thing going forward. But
whether you wear a tie or not, if you have the choice of a shirt that sits
flat, wear that one!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style>@font-face
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</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #4. If you are wearing a shirt and
tie, wear a plain, not patterned shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once again, please view my
photo illustration with a grain of humour as I demonstrate this tip wearing my
husband’s clothes, again. The preamble for this one can be found in last
week’s Tip #3. The gist of last week’s tip was to avoid wearing shirts
that bunch around the tie and collar. But sometimes it is just not possible to
avoid some wrinklage and bunching that area. In which case, as long as there is
some retouching budget those wrinkles can be retouched out, UNLESS the shirt is
patterned in which case they will remain there in that photo FOREVER.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MgRAGNyW7T7zAN-Tvz2gMLYRCbpEvYeoFG18BepnuoVXWUe7HoPWV4DxvFCVhi9yKpLrjACwIkuw7LecWrHsMSpfbH0BsBfd0IxjxtVevBg_4FIUhd95E0bZ7eTfkUiaVlVCipTBl8UiQPq8GLLzXY8H4JyoBVYtXopOeLv1AqKbDO32nYCPPO8y/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip4cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="851" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MgRAGNyW7T7zAN-Tvz2gMLYRCbpEvYeoFG18BepnuoVXWUe7HoPWV4DxvFCVhi9yKpLrjACwIkuw7LecWrHsMSpfbH0BsBfd0IxjxtVevBg_4FIUhd95E0bZ7eTfkUiaVlVCipTBl8UiQPq8GLLzXY8H4JyoBVYtXopOeLv1AqKbDO32nYCPPO8y/w400-h258/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip4cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I cannot tell you how many
times I have found myself during a shoot struggling to flatten out a patterned
shirt and it is just not happening. Somehow the subject did not get the memo to
avoid patterned shirts or maybe they thought I was overstepping my bounds and
trying to dictate their style. Regardless, they end up with a portrait that
features a wrinkled shirt. I challenge you not to see these wrinkles now that
I’ve helped bring them to your attention! You may not even consciously realize
why a portrait feels just not quite excellent when you view it when all along
it’s those pesky wrinkles.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We can stop this! If you
want your shirt to be retouchable just wear a plain one. And BTW, when I say
plain I mean PLAIN, not a solid colour with a beautiful highly textured weave
because that is effectively a pattern, too. If there is one day in the year you
are willing and able to wear a plain white or coloured, tightly woven, texture free
shirt, make it your portrait day. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip # 5</b> <b>Wear a suit that fits. </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Again, I can just hear the sarcastic chorus
of “thanks for that obvious tidbit, Kathryn!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please bear with me. The thing is for many of
us, especially those of us with curvy bodies, it can be incredibly difficult to
find a jacket that fits properly and doesn’t somehow bunch and pull in various
spots. I have, for years now, photographed myself to illustrate blog posts and
articles and it seems like every single time I start with a jacket I was pretty
sure looked and fit fine only to discover it does something in a photograph
that I consider distracting and unacceptably imperfect. And then I go through
jacket after jacket finding the same thing. It can be one little area that no
matter what I do I cannot make sit smoothly on my body so I acknowledge, this
is not an easy ask. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Men’s suits do weird things, too, especially
when the wearer has changed shape since they bought their suit, or it was just
never a well fitted suit in the first place. So many lumpy suits I have seen. Even
if we can get all the bumps pretty much smoothed out, especially with an ill-fitting
or just not well made suit, as soon as the subject moves those unsightly bumps
appear again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVPS-xNy_OF0vyKHzrHbjwCuJRHspipSn_ct0o7UhVtJsEmLdTlL_y-qrkt3x8tYeMHINh2QNmLvzhtivL6Mrg2c3X4Vuu7eUS0o1A4WKWHB52NI0Y5o_nvcw6Nr6mzAI31_9AlZtIvXIKcEhXXosLjySjCGVIsaGgjrJfMJs8XVCw4uk5Rgz6gns/s1253/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip5cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVPS-xNy_OF0vyKHzrHbjwCuJRHspipSn_ct0o7UhVtJsEmLdTlL_y-qrkt3x8tYeMHINh2QNmLvzhtivL6Mrg2c3X4Vuu7eUS0o1A4WKWHB52NI0Y5o_nvcw6Nr6mzAI31_9AlZtIvXIKcEhXXosLjySjCGVIsaGgjrJfMJs8XVCw4uk5Rgz6gns/w434-h640/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip5cropped.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have tried every way of posing and pinning to mitigate the wrinkles in the two gray jackets and have found it impossible to get rid of them. You can't see their textures in these small photos but at any larger resolution they are apparent, and they make successful retouching too difficult and time consuming to be practical. <br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></span></span><p></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, I am a bit of a wrinkle-phobe. But I can
tell you that a portrait in which the suit fits perfectly will outshine a
portrait featuring a lumpy suit every time. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And yes, as always, if there is a retouching
budget some fixes may be possible, but often suit fabric is textured or
patterned which can make retouching of bumps and wrinkles difficult or
impossible. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, I’m just going to make brief mention of
another little thing now (this’ll be its own official tip later) as I am always
telling fair haired people like me to stay away from black if possible yet here
I am in my photo in a black jacket…the caveat is that if the best fitting
jacket you have is black, then fine, wear it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><b><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #6 Watch out for “baked” in
wrinkles.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uElopEjqV1gRsoo5y0YLfA9XnbBieiEV_j1xirjdGsTLYkSlFevHF9gi_3QoApWug89w1xfnbp9QL5B3vT6KFlLmsmOqB_pb9Z2aZJxnBeToO1SX6GQzlxBnOnp459k-Yp21rowht9KTH1Cwpu_OgpGIsuKG1SGvptPL-Tu-MjdGlia2j8kgkFTw/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip6cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="851" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uElopEjqV1gRsoo5y0YLfA9XnbBieiEV_j1xirjdGsTLYkSlFevHF9gi_3QoApWug89w1xfnbp9QL5B3vT6KFlLmsmOqB_pb9Z2aZJxnBeToO1SX6GQzlxBnOnp459k-Yp21rowht9KTH1Cwpu_OgpGIsuKG1SGvptPL-Tu-MjdGlia2j8kgkFTw/w640-h413/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip6cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /> </b></span></span>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know in my small photo they may not be super obvious but
these pesky upper arm wrinkles are something I see all the time and which I
think often don’t register for people as wrinkles to worry about. But they will
show up in your photo and they will not look good. These are the wrinkles that
form over time (ie. during repeated wearings) on the upper arms of suit jackets
as a result of reaching forward, ie. being alive!</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Most jacket fabrics have some kind of texture or pattern and
these wrinkles can become quite deep and defined, making them next to
impossible to retouch out. They are also generally strong enough to resist to
simply being steamed out, so my advice is to check the jacket you plan to wear
for your portrait well before your shoot and if you’ve got them, have your
jacket professionally cleaned. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1</style><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #7</b></span></span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you are wearing a jacket
make sure you can comfortably do up a button. There are a number of reasons for
this:</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Optima;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>You will feel
more confident if you are comfortable.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>You will feel
more confident if you know you look good (look good feel good!).</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Especially if
your portrait will be cropped as a head and shoulders image your face will be
nicely framed by the ‘v’ of the neckline.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>You will look
more polished and pulled together with a neatly closed jacket. Ideally you want
the fabric to sit smooth and flat, no stress pulling or buckling which can be
difficult to impossible to retouch.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeGgYuNU9x6op_qLTcF6-uO0AvPGw_dzbqkoZZU2WK7ff7CmU5mJICtcjDETCjYWjtNJu4kZvm-bYVcradddZLfbp3mYmapJ9o1Wq5ZV7KSkKY9Eo2j1jZtNgbahh1R51_dIgpH-GthcWH9_1FzfkiS3WQRv5XniEvZwceWeVID0KY3lSsrXzcTYz/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip7cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="851" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeGgYuNU9x6op_qLTcF6-uO0AvPGw_dzbqkoZZU2WK7ff7CmU5mJICtcjDETCjYWjtNJu4kZvm-bYVcradddZLfbp3mYmapJ9o1Wq5ZV7KSkKY9Eo2j1jZtNgbahh1R51_dIgpH-GthcWH9_1FzfkiS3WQRv5XniEvZwceWeVID0KY3lSsrXzcTYz/w640-h414/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip7cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">In case I haven’t made it
clear enough in the photos the idea is that I needed to replace my pre-pandemic
jacket with one that fits the new me. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #8 Choose a jacket over a sweater.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnVB3EQ7KkUeSNwGZk5m3urIu7SUBU29s8T6D21XYP9sAvWrC8MlF6J4jCxpyC2CQq5pmuJNkmUh1Ie-K0RaR3H-vssqev9emqyLo0eD0XTB1B4wx-N7NepVSMxI85Nq0gyg_3FNjkUsISEDzaskQ5AqQ5UYepdd6A4aPoqT5NfNILwyuCwuHOiko/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip8cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="851" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnVB3EQ7KkUeSNwGZk5m3urIu7SUBU29s8T6D21XYP9sAvWrC8MlF6J4jCxpyC2CQq5pmuJNkmUh1Ie-K0RaR3H-vssqev9emqyLo0eD0XTB1B4wx-N7NepVSMxI85Nq0gyg_3FNjkUsISEDzaskQ5AqQ5UYepdd6A4aPoqT5NfNILwyuCwuHOiko/w400-h260/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip8cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe you don’t typically wear a jacket to work,
or you mix it up depending on what’s happening on a given day. My advice: on
photo day go with a jacket. In fact even if you never wear a jacket you may
want to consider wearing a jacket for your business photo. I know there has
been and continues to be a partially pandemic inspired move towards more casual
wear at work, but as mentioned in Tip#2 jackets smooth over and hide all kinds
of potential distractions in a photo, and a jacket will just always look more professional
than a sweater no matter how nice the sweater. </span></span></span></span>
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</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #9. Higher necklines are always the
safer option.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_8ljoh4zgeagQnxlagx9_sfx2diRzEGlIyzczx_ZRk3RzmzMcElZwCMRDgG3xBUWiS6pXkbbTAwdrrh5DlWMKr3GohjmzbHZohJMlWlwFiXoRehp3_aI-U9YVsLCqK6b5Rqtcvz37humJFpwZIPgRNAtdfRAHhtWmjGtxJnJA0tu4ROt0hmv0Qfk/s2553/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip9cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="2553" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_8ljoh4zgeagQnxlagx9_sfx2diRzEGlIyzczx_ZRk3RzmzMcElZwCMRDgG3xBUWiS6pXkbbTAwdrrh5DlWMKr3GohjmzbHZohJMlWlwFiXoRehp3_aI-U9YVsLCqK6b5Rqtcvz37humJFpwZIPgRNAtdfRAHhtWmjGtxJnJA0tu4ROt0hmv0Qfk/w400-h259/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip9cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My example is a bit obvious<b> </b>but “bare”
with me. Get it?<b> </b>The point I want to illustrate is that ideally a
neckline will be fully contained within the frame of a portrait. This way your
wardrobe helps to frame your face and the viewers eyes aren’t pulled off the
edge of the frame. It is not terribly unusual to find that the neckline of a
top that seems business appropriate IRL disappears off the bottom edge of a
typical head and shoulders portrait crop. This can catch people by surprise, as
can the apparent disappearance of the top under a jacket when that jacket is
closed; we generally want the jacket closed to make a nice ‘v’ to frame the
face. </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My advice is to play it safe and opt for a
higher neckline, even if just for photo day. Nobody will ever be distracted by
your neckline being too high. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #10 When looking for a neckline
that works think beyond tops.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuG1n40kd0YoB9l6KMn6WIppBkahnkFgnbK4ggQc1u7J3nuMN8fbLFOACw0SBYc57fpwH17jW0ziZYoXBk486oTIBazZmbtycWjDiog2kWkJX-YaLafo2iPQ8UMYMGLj7IRAlSG5mBQJ7h7gFHNehRjXLIY1XGC8h9nVKS74mhMrQIPVsVe4ndyXJ/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip10cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="851" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuG1n40kd0YoB9l6KMn6WIppBkahnkFgnbK4ggQc1u7J3nuMN8fbLFOACw0SBYc57fpwH17jW0ziZYoXBk486oTIBazZmbtycWjDiog2kWkJX-YaLafo2iPQ8UMYMGLj7IRAlSG5mBQJ7h7gFHNehRjXLIY1XGC8h9nVKS74mhMrQIPVsVe4ndyXJ/w400-h288/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip10cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is another tip that refers specifically
to head and shoulders portraits. If you don’t have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a top with a suitable neckline but you have a
dress that does, even if it’s one you’d never wear to work, or with a jacket,
try wearing that. With a head and shoulders portrait nobody cares what’s going
on below the crop. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style>@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #11 Add a splash of colour with a scarf.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClzsaBP8cd_c9kJdMuYhSpanifxV0eyEIjXnf8iw61Crk4GiW1kc5kemmVUk2NLk4H-2MfFgeRLODMNveQ0dSInUhksohXwlfxIYKINstcG9F8W6I9KpU0pcHlrCSzYHHVDGZ8RoaCeFfm5Hj9RxX5CxL3DRsKIwBwC8h9NeOMlZd5DLtszzepDQG/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip11cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="851" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClzsaBP8cd_c9kJdMuYhSpanifxV0eyEIjXnf8iw61Crk4GiW1kc5kemmVUk2NLk4H-2MfFgeRLODMNveQ0dSInUhksohXwlfxIYKINstcG9F8W6I9KpU0pcHlrCSzYHHVDGZ8RoaCeFfm5Hj9RxX5CxL3DRsKIwBwC8h9NeOMlZd5DLtszzepDQG/w400-h258/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip11cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b></b><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A simple, colourful accessory like a light
scarf can brighten up an outfit, and can dress up a top that might otherwise
look a little overly casual and/or boring. A scarf may also provide you a way
to work with a neckline that is a little sub-optimally low. The only caveat is
that big, bulky scarves should be avoided. Most of us will not look better than
we already do with extra bulk, and your scarf shouldn’t make you look as if you
were in a freezing cold place for your portrait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #12 Avoid bulky wardrobe.</b></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMCM5KpwS85HV0drzd5hcZZPROj0WiEXxzXRHRF2A7ifiiwPP4NuGGL1ZBGZi7wI886If7oZGoUyMyCL182DojlG8Bgx0O9mRUqlUxUuNDdXR91awheo3hnyvSKk_nV_swOry_uVU9ukZeK0Pnp4jiZ3kOf__YHne2f3MkuDuSb14dEXj3KgurAF3/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip12cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="851" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMCM5KpwS85HV0drzd5hcZZPROj0WiEXxzXRHRF2A7ifiiwPP4NuGGL1ZBGZi7wI886If7oZGoUyMyCL182DojlG8Bgx0O9mRUqlUxUuNDdXR91awheo3hnyvSKk_nV_swOry_uVU9ukZeK0Pnp4jiZ3kOf__YHne2f3MkuDuSb14dEXj3KgurAF3/w400-h259/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip12cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In the only one of my tips so far to feature
a subject other than myself<b> </b>I<b> </b>shar<b>e </b>with<b> </b>my friend
Dennie’s generous permission two shots of her from an actual corporate portrait
shoot to which she, thankfully, brought wardrobe options. A distinctly creative
executive Dennie first tried a favourite knit jacket. As soon as we looked at
the computer we could see it did not look nearly as awesome as it does in real
life. The thick semi-structured bulky knit was just not flattering in a photo. Option
B, a similarly colourful but more structured, streamlined, tailored jacket was
much more photogenic. </span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> <br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #13 Avoid wearing white or black.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbGouRtJor3OdZIn00G5VYeU785UgdsZQtvoE-TrMCxUL3sY5x8hcpTctN9-UYcywWED-nSeCDlN1sLvN6YBgR1-rIWP7K2FFAq7A3XbKX79l_1tYf4Ce8-eyxCpOoz3mQxqvPYSctD0CoiRTQAT07ha6EwUtUEzprVTBbdauIsfBfBWO3b7XFCqz/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip13cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="851" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbGouRtJor3OdZIn00G5VYeU785UgdsZQtvoE-TrMCxUL3sY5x8hcpTctN9-UYcywWED-nSeCDlN1sLvN6YBgR1-rIWP7K2FFAq7A3XbKX79l_1tYf4Ce8-eyxCpOoz3mQxqvPYSctD0CoiRTQAT07ha6EwUtUEzprVTBbdauIsfBfBWO3b7XFCqz/w640-h330/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip13cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You’ve probably heard this instruction before
and may have wondered why. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As with most wardrobe guidelines this is not
a hard, fast rule, and it doesn’t mean NO white or black, it means try to limit
the amount of white or black so that instead of being the predominant colour
(or <i>not </i>colour) it constitutes more of an accent, for example a white
shirt under a darker jacket. The extent to which this guideline should be
followed can also depend on an individual’s colouring. We all know that our
colouring will affect what colours and tones will work best on us, but in
portraits there are specific technical and aesthetic reasons to avoid the
extremes of black and white.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Technically, white reflects so much light and
black sucks in so much light they can look either too light and washed out or too
dark and heavy when the rest of the image is exposed correctly. With
photography there are technical limits to the range of tones that can be
correctly, relatively rendered within an image. Generally, an exposure will be
set to correctly capture the average, or middle tones which can leave the ends
of the spectrum, ie. white and black, less optimally rendered.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Aesthetically, what we’re generally looking
for in a portrait is a pleasing balance and for the focus to be directed to the
subject’s face. Someone with dark features and hair may be able to wear black more
successfully than a very fair person, because at least there will be a balance
of tones, but it’s also possible the overall portrait could lack visually appealing
contrast if skin, hair and clothing are all dark, or conversely if skin, hair
and wardrobe are all very pale. On me, with my fair skin and hair, while
wearing black clothing does create contrast in my portrait, it’s too much; the black
clothing looks overly dark and heavy. At the other end of the spectrum, a bright
white shirt on almost anyone may draw the viewer’s eyes away from rather than
towards the face, while distractingly being the brightest part of the whole
image. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The colour and tone of the background can
also affect what colour and tone of wardrobe will work best, but in many cases
portrait subjects won’t know what the background is going to be until they get
to the shoot. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, in general, I suggest the safest bet is
to aim for mid-tones. Just about anyone can rock a mid-tone, and more often
than not a mid-tone will stand out from whatever kind of background one ends up
in front of.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #14</b> Avoid short sleeves (for head and shoulders portraits).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYZO8UUPkUBEJbS5dvlouzkn2nHPyfqqU_Y5eYqRIZGm_xhPbNew8trN9G1CTWT1ajHoNlOmU1RiY2JY-wnklDIPY0bVKPHd-bs6qK3_f7xRWW-0TAlX4--ismc9oRDzN5bqenEgCdGL8ovK3FokKhSMC4qckivJaHPqcMvxPGXiRUSoE0f8r_yaX/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip14cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="851" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYZO8UUPkUBEJbS5dvlouzkn2nHPyfqqU_Y5eYqRIZGm_xhPbNew8trN9G1CTWT1ajHoNlOmU1RiY2JY-wnklDIPY0bVKPHd-bs6qK3_f7xRWW-0TAlX4--ismc9oRDzN5bqenEgCdGL8ovK3FokKhSMC4qckivJaHPqcMvxPGXiRUSoE0f8r_yaX/w640-h413/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip14cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here’s a tip for anyone planning to wear a dress or
top (no jacket): avoid short sleeves for head and shoulders portraits. Why? The
crop is probably going to be somewhere above your elbow. As such, it can be a
bit distracting for viewers if the bottom left and right corners feature the
skin of your arms, especially if your skin is noticeably lighter or darker than
your clothing. Instead wear long sleeves. They will almost always be the most
flattering option. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Funnily enough I realized after I posted this that I didn't even acknowledge sleeveless dresses or tops. I apologize for the oversight. I think I neglected to mention them because it has been pretty universally advised for a long time that sleevelessness be avoided in business portraits. Some companies' corporate photo guidelines expressly forbid them. While setting up my next tips shot I was reminded of the huge number of sleeveless tops I own due to my being pretty high energy photographer (who gets hot when shooting), and the uselessness of those tops for portraits. Unless you are a fitness coach your sleeved arms will probably look better, and simply more professional than unsleeved arms. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #15</b> <b>Watch out for ill-fitting and/or visible undergarments.</b> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This may sound a bit personal and obvious but
I can tell you from experience that it’s worth mentioning because I know nobody
wants their underwear to show through in a professional portrait. And sometimes
it does. Can we fix it in Photoshop? Sometimes. Is there a sufficient retouching
budget? Sometimes. But why risk it? </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since we’re talking about something kind of
awkward I’ll share a somewhat relevant personal experience. Over the years I
have acted in the odd TV commercial and when it was time for wardrobe we had to
come prepared to don whatever clothing was selected for us. As such we were
supposed to be responsible regarding our undergarments. One day I showed up to a
shoot wearing my usual ‘acting bra’ …it was a utilitarian skin-toned thing that
fit OK, even though the elastic on the straps was a little past its best before
date. It got me through the auditions and the wardrobe call so I thought it
would be fine at the actual shoot. Unfortunately the wardrobe stylist did not
agree and lit into me about my lack of professionalism, saying she could not
even imagine what would possess a person to show up to a job wearing a bra that
didn’t fit perfectly. I couldn’t believe how hard she tried to make me feel bad
for having slightly sloppy straps that didn’t even show. But I got the point…underwear
matters. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkBKD-p4r9kTGib8zW1ppz8SHc5jOo1IllsvkQNgFPzpmZDJntkV0brc5MM-RBUyFJNsvU_V_D-HZ5qbUEST6Vx1GAbBnJSzQztXGRcyBKjJ8lB0HnCuNzyEqbRCLxLzZMxUuzaSMW-gwjEk81WsU7HKtKJHSWWCeDJZSNvwh5I2O9oOWUyG962V9/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip15cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="851" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkBKD-p4r9kTGib8zW1ppz8SHc5jOo1IllsvkQNgFPzpmZDJntkV0brc5MM-RBUyFJNsvU_V_D-HZ5qbUEST6Vx1GAbBnJSzQztXGRcyBKjJ8lB0HnCuNzyEqbRCLxLzZMxUuzaSMW-gwjEk81WsU7HKtKJHSWWCeDJZSNvwh5I2O9oOWUyG962V9/w640-h389/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip15cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Lumpy bra. Middle: Properly fitted bra. Right: Loose fitting top, no sign of bra.</span></span></span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /> </span>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I would not ever want to contribute to
anyone’s ever feeling the way I felt that day, but it behooves me to mention
the importance of underwear BEFORE any upcoming photo sessions with the intention of
helping people work around ending up with show-through in a portrait. My
suggestion: either wear a smooth fitted bra that doesn’t pinch, or, if every
bra you have creates bumps, and you are not wearing a jacket, maybe wear a
looser, less form fitting top. There are a lot of tops through which underwear
shows a bit. You will probably love your portrait more if you choose one of the
other ones. </span></span></p>
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</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip # 16 If you sometimes wear a
necklace with your outfit(s) bring one (or more) along.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Unless you simply do not have and/or wear
jewellery it may really help if you bring along a couple of options just in
case. This way we can avoid anything along the lines of “I would usually wear a
necklace; I don’t know why I didn’t bring one,” (yes, I have heard these words)
when the bare neck area in a portrait shows more plainly than we’d anticipated.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vW-VC3KmJFXdJbs1e-8OpXkZSUOc_Rx7MueXiGTxFnSj_OqoeYDV4QPn0x6TQfGMFvPYTf-PvA0DZMwxoZEsLvxk8cuj05nB9lWF-Jby8fp8-UcWP638pMJkk9IauCMV0iVtEMcVkmHoYvarSSYxpW7Y05j_gNTpv-IsIX13pI4lH4x43w4xEAH7/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip16cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="851" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vW-VC3KmJFXdJbs1e-8OpXkZSUOc_Rx7MueXiGTxFnSj_OqoeYDV4QPn0x6TQfGMFvPYTf-PvA0DZMwxoZEsLvxk8cuj05nB9lWF-Jby8fp8-UcWP638pMJkk9IauCMV0iVtEMcVkmHoYvarSSYxpW7Y05j_gNTpv-IsIX13pI4lH4x43w4xEAH7/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip16cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I myself don’t really like wearing necklaces,
but I have to concede that popping a necklace on to fill in the bare expanse of
my pasty decolletage in a head and shoulders business portrait does really
help. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And why do I suggest options? As I say in
other tips, it can be surprising the way things that work in real life work
less well in portraits, and vice versa. It can be hard to know for sure what
will shoot well until you see it on camera. The best way to avoid
disappointment -- bring options!</span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Tip #17 </b>Expect to be surprised.</span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Especially if you don’t
have a lot of experience being photographed professionally, or you hide every
time you see a camera. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7X8n0mModoAVuKyN_W7-2KuyMY9i97MjmKQlK1eiYcBNMqtfPA-RphWHKEfc6OmXdNB1n_MV1wyU_3VXDeLLFjSDhW9cPvwObg2uubT7I9-O82WlDxUmjsVO3pqvlGWRBM2hXExOSwOhAhpY5AkmpRSfLI4ou2abYChjuwM4eK5gKfnv27_-2dwb/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip17cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="851" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7X8n0mModoAVuKyN_W7-2KuyMY9i97MjmKQlK1eiYcBNMqtfPA-RphWHKEfc6OmXdNB1n_MV1wyU_3VXDeLLFjSDhW9cPvwObg2uubT7I9-O82WlDxUmjsVO3pqvlGWRBM2hXExOSwOhAhpY5AkmpRSfLI4ou2abYChjuwM4eK5gKfnv27_-2dwb/w640-h410/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip17cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are a number of reasons you may not
look in your portrait(s) the way you think you look:</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Your face in the mirror and your face in a photograph will not match
because one is a reflection. (I know…duh…but I think this disconnect can impact
people’s perceptions.) So, for example, in the mirror while you see your left
side parting on the left, people looking at you see that parting to the right
in their field of view. You may also hear a photographer refer to “camera right”
or “camera left” which means right or left side of the picture -- your left and
right respectively. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because most faces
are asymmetrical, I think the more that is the case the more disconcerting it may
be to see your face the other way around. Everyone who thinks they have a “good
side” you know what I’m talking about!</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>In a still photo you are looking at a 2 dimensional representation of
yourself whereas in a mirror or video call you look more 3 dimensional largely due
to movement which provides you constantly changing views of yourself supporting
your perception of depth and shape. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>If you compare what you see in selfies and video calls with a
professional photo you may notice that the shape of your face (and features) looks
different. Lens length is a big reason for this. Webcams and smartphone cameras
generally use wide angle lenses (eg. 24-35mm), human eyes are comparable to mid
focal length lenses (50mm), and portraits are typically shot with longer lenses
(eg. 85-200 mm). Different focal lengths can hugely affect the apparent shape,
depth and perspective of objects. Longer lenses which compress objects have for
a long time been considered (generally) the most flattering for portraits. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>The difference you perceive may also be
because of lighting. The professional lighting a photographer chooses to use
for your portrait may be different from what you are used to seeing, or from
what another photographer may have used. Lighting is EVERYTHING and can hugely
impact the way you look depending on the quality and angle of the light. </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span>
</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>The camera angle may be different from
what you are used to. </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Your demeanour and expression may also not
be what you’re used to seeing. How often do you really see your best, most confident,
sh*t together self?</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{margin-bottom:0cm;}</span></span></style><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><style></style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bottom line is that it’s
not really surprising that the combination of tools and techniques used by
professional photographers may render you in such a way that you don’t fully
recognize their version of yourself. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><style>@font-face
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{margin-bottom:0cm;}</style><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I was contemplating
the concept of “not looking like one’s self” in a photo I thought of an example
of this happening in life. Have you ever come upon a mirror in a shopping mall
or store somewhere and been surprised at the stranger you see reflected back
you, and not in a good way? I have! It can be disconcerting and kind of
depressing when you catch a glimpse of your dishevelled self schlepping through
a store lit with grossly unflattering overhead fluorescent lights. That’s not
me! Or at least I hope it’s not. Or maybe it is, on that day, in that light, in
that place, and that’s kind of the point. How we look is not fixed. </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I ask again, how often when
you are looking at yourself in the mirror are you seeing the shining,
confident, most powerful version of yourself? How many people have an accurate
sense of how they show up to other people in the world, either visually or
psychologically? Consider that to some extent everyone sees everyone
differently because no two sets of eyes and brains will perceive anything or
anyone exactly the same way. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The photographer’s job is
to use their skill and experience to draw out of subjects their best selves
from their professional point of view…to bring out their inner super-person.
There are objective and subjective criteria they are looking for on the mental
checklist they are using to determine when they’ve captured a winning shot
based on their practised study of subtle cues that communicate traits and
qualities such as confidence, happiness, intelligence, approachability, overall
awesomeness, etc.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So ultimately, unless you
always look like a million bucks, and somehow magically always look exactly the
same, everywhere, all the time, please consider that it may not be a bad thing
to be surprised by the you that you see in your professional portrait. Hopefully
in a good way! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #18 Avoid long necklaces.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b-PpvtUQTrGBRw5IhvZehxMVZMbQ9nJB3KDTLmlcVpz7AU9kr4GzdFkOwd6iFmHBtTPSNOVK2zPnK-AgjbsxnqNcOPYPEvQcOlkkvOJRWDgZu6R0P5IfqG-S9NWdjL7I4QB2reAb8iMDK7nDzw1_Y_toOZ20bvFz3PJ5GNlnWaqVUXQkP7GODRZW/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip18cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="851" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b-PpvtUQTrGBRw5IhvZehxMVZMbQ9nJB3KDTLmlcVpz7AU9kr4GzdFkOwd6iFmHBtTPSNOVK2zPnK-AgjbsxnqNcOPYPEvQcOlkkvOJRWDgZu6R0P5IfqG-S9NWdjL7I4QB2reAb8iMDK7nDzw1_Y_toOZ20bvFz3PJ5GNlnWaqVUXQkP7GODRZW/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip18cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><style>@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This tip is relevant to head and shoulders
portraits, and refers specifically to the issue of wearing a necklace too long
to be included within the frame of a head and shoulders portrait crop. It kind
of wrecks the effect of a beautiful necklace or pendant if the pretty part gets
chopped in half or cut out of the picture entirely. Not to mention that the
viewer’s eye is drawn off the edge of the portrait. Sometimes we can tape a
long necklace at the back of the neck to make it hang shorter but that doesn’t
always work. To avoid disappointment, wear shorter necklaces for headshots. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></span></style><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #19 If you have more than one pair
of glasses wear the least reflective ones. </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6guYnlSZUqaiDII2LACEyDK7DBk-G28SVciefK4rVBWTFCFov7YraPkWSZoVZocuFmK7Im_oYiq8OUuWuFUynuzfsvkXWe7FYAJhw8kotcBYNYBKjSAKSGjdzXsPQeYBFdD46ti14P62UmFTxuqHekaTCPnmxff0YQ0bNiY4MEK1HeWCnfiDqRgu/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip19cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="851" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6guYnlSZUqaiDII2LACEyDK7DBk-G28SVciefK4rVBWTFCFov7YraPkWSZoVZocuFmK7Im_oYiq8OUuWuFUynuzfsvkXWe7FYAJhw8kotcBYNYBKjSAKSGjdzXsPQeYBFdD46ti14P62UmFTxuqHekaTCPnmxff0YQ0bNiY4MEK1HeWCnfiDqRgu/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip19cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I believe if you are a regular glasses wearer you should
wear them for your photo…if everyone who meets you sees you with glasses on
then that’s the you we want to capture.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you happen to be someone who has different pairs to
choose from and one has smaller and/or less reflective lens coatings bring
those. (Bring them all if you’re not sure.) While there are some things a
photographer can do to minimize reflections those solutions can limit your
options in terms of the angle of your head and your face relative to the light.
For example tilting your chin down may help get the glare off your lenses but
make you look timid or coy, and by the time you reach an angle that gets rid of
the glare the top of your eyewear frame may be bisecting your eyes. The more
flexibility there is for the photographer to find your best angle the better.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Remember to make sure your frames and lenses are clean. Dust
specs and smudges can show up surprisingly well under professional lighting. And
if you do regularly switch between glasses and contacts then OK, maybe choose
the contacts. </span></span><span style="color: #4472c4; mso-themecolor: accent1;"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>
</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #20 Avoid big patterns. </b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
<span>Once again the idea
is to avoid wearing anything in a portrait that takes viewer’s eyes off your
face. Big, bold patterns can be very eye catching…fun IRL, less conducive to an
effective portrait. I’m not saying no patterns…just not big, loud ones. </span></span></span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><style><font size="4">@font-face
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Additionally, at the opposite end of the scale please
avoid small patterns as well as they can do weird things that show up,
sometimes really badly and distractingly, and sometimes unexpectedly when digital
photos are resized.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcM42bwtaGPPwQsEhOLvfQG6I-N0ocxGgDC4YAwA3WHNFPmvGFuRIWp84MpFACm9W0AB5ylkcv9hHnQHilJ6NBI294LsHGzFunyB5xQNPglCP3Zp15MDjPApSj8TfOtU_u7pPUFG8Bjev5dbMWO0Ej_Q2AwDeCdLrAKvI7AV1gr4OccTVT5BRWaKHR/s476/KateDyerMoire.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="476" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcM42bwtaGPPwQsEhOLvfQG6I-N0ocxGgDC4YAwA3WHNFPmvGFuRIWp84MpFACm9W0AB5ylkcv9hHnQHilJ6NBI294LsHGzFunyB5xQNPglCP3Zp15MDjPApSj8TfOtU_u7pPUFG8Bjev5dbMWO0Ej_Q2AwDeCdLrAKvI7AV1gr4OccTVT5BRWaKHR/s320/KateDyerMoire.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Example of moire by photographer Kate Dyer</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></span>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip # 21</b> <b>Work with a professional make-up artist (if you’re not doing it
yourself, and if you wear make-up, or if you could just use a little aesthetic
help).</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXewvaFA5p9BeqWW2XHxzF1ato3FButDDNczbCyn6xR_SAcVa8OSsYXKGKuxevO_HcAqpvZRW1Gq4oXhjatcEEECNZ4KldvBWKsVQdfkgGfN0PZcjS1-mEEBOdRpTe2KVjalTnQLXgTznaaxFuw9qXG22chxHCYNMgejM9dbXa_1GfuOkVVMQj5BAx/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip21cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="851" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXewvaFA5p9BeqWW2XHxzF1ato3FButDDNczbCyn6xR_SAcVa8OSsYXKGKuxevO_HcAqpvZRW1Gq4oXhjatcEEECNZ4KldvBWKsVQdfkgGfN0PZcjS1-mEEBOdRpTe2KVjalTnQLXgTznaaxFuw9qXG22chxHCYNMgejM9dbXa_1GfuOkVVMQj5BAx/w400-h256/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip21cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Before there was a pandemic there were typically three
options for portrait make-up depending on your budget – DIY (free), department
store make-up counter (token product purchase), and professional make-up artist
(professional fee). Mid or post pandemic (wherever we are now) I don’t even
know if you can still get a make-over at a make-up counter but even if you can a
note of caution: their agenda may not be the same as that of a professional
make-up artist who has nothing to sell. (I’m just saying.)</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It can be fun and kind of a treat to get your make-up done
but remember what you are trying to do…show your best authentic self to the
world…yes to refreshed and maybe a bit enhanced…no to looking like someone unrecognizable
to you or to anyone you know or may come to know. A good make-up artist can
help you show up as your best self while still looking like yourself.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They can make you look as if you are wearing just the right
amount of make-up for you, wherever that is on the spectrum from practically
none to…the other end. The key is communication between you and the stylist. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And for those who may not want to communicate with or be
anywhere near a stylist I’ll just say that a little professional skin
moisturizing and evening out of skin tones can go a long way towards uncovering
your best self. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On another note, thankfully, the trend to straighten hair
for work, and thereby work-related portraits, seems to be reversing so there’s
less chance of disappointment from photos depicting straight-haired, make-up
covered people who never normally look that way. I have photographed countless curly
haired people disguised as straight haired people who tell me that we actually
have the same hair! Always a surprise. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While I do say in Tip #17 that there are some reasons you
may expect not to fully recognize yourself in a professional portrait it
shouldn’t be because you have literally become someone else on portrait day.
You want to feel confident putting your portrait out into the world, not feeling
like an imposter. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip # 22</b> <b>Choose a morning portrait session if possible.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lgvjiV5ldsCf0q64TwiM3pwNQBJny0pP8_McK6MeFH6TYNvgpFmskMrTL1KJWWIpkbUNECX3ypv8-wEDr4oKXyoKpDtTa-F1NbTB44OTKNMm25gCXOLAOkU_Ewe_A_j-_cYZGSLw6Twc9dV-fktDGYuXncyhgsKH1ueJAyaBIg7tyzAma38NkkOl/s713/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip22cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lgvjiV5ldsCf0q64TwiM3pwNQBJny0pP8_McK6MeFH6TYNvgpFmskMrTL1KJWWIpkbUNECX3ypv8-wEDr4oKXyoKpDtTa-F1NbTB44OTKNMm25gCXOLAOkU_Ewe_A_j-_cYZGSLw6Twc9dV-fktDGYuXncyhgsKH1ueJAyaBIg7tyzAma38NkkOl/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip22cropped.jpg" width="233" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I acknowledge that there are many, many
things that might preclude a person from landing a portrait session that is
earlier in the day. Maybe the time for your session is not in your hands at
all. The thing is, facial hair that you are not intentionally sporting is very
difficult to mitigate in retouching, and it’s not something that would
typically be included in a standard portrait retouch. If you can’t get an early
shoot time, maybe consider shaving a little later in the day. You will look
more polished and professional and reduce the possibility of paying more for
retouching or getting an over-retouched looking portrait if a retoucher has to
smooth out your stubble. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">@font-face
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</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #23 Keep jewellery simple.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WWy_1QTMVsq5CjY6s4vMZCVLonspxUBVFFL5wa7hpOQdcqIADApoVl0uPhivD2tTJdkod3umSNBQVnX9_XBIM3IrCGKgrTgxzCxDKW9gAm-zvculO8optwiChHxaDy_ppzkid85M-n6iKGlxln39_KPxv2TnWB64bWWJwhyzMyDUUPxCEP6AE3hJ/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip23cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="851" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WWy_1QTMVsq5CjY6s4vMZCVLonspxUBVFFL5wa7hpOQdcqIADApoVl0uPhivD2tTJdkod3umSNBQVnX9_XBIM3IrCGKgrTgxzCxDKW9gAm-zvculO8optwiChHxaDy_ppzkid85M-n6iKGlxln39_KPxv2TnWB64bWWJwhyzMyDUUPxCEP6AE3hJ/w400-h259/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip23cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Unless you are a jeweller looking to advertise your work via
your business portrait then the general guideline is to stick to more
understated jewellery. I acknowledge the welcome movement towards people bringing
their whole, unique, authentic selves to work, personal style and all. But the
most consistently you part of you is your face. So to a large extent that’s
where you want people’s focus. The added advantage of wearing subtler jewellery
is that it will be less likely to date your portrait when styles change. While Fashion
Magazine’s May 2022 issue said that “statement necklaces are back in style”, I
suggest that this be considered less relevant to us in business portrait world.
Avoiding wearing trendy jewellery <i>or</i> wardrobe is one good way to stave off
having to do a new professional portrait every year. </span></span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip # 24 Moisturize your lips (and
face).</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobfa6_3Iz9l1TE0O_wyOQS2SxCJNAIO6Ve-4rzq8MYASw-juyDDB2ede8sBrk7oWXJ7EB35WfMgO6rLW492K1ZPTTrCeKiMrAuznTO_Cp2DLLCHrQD_tbmZfnpn6G6rBPn6rQv44Te22IeqqbcaDaPHp5kX6I_Au1mvh-HgPC-rlJNjNcbCdZeEtu/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip24cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="851" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobfa6_3Iz9l1TE0O_wyOQS2SxCJNAIO6Ve-4rzq8MYASw-juyDDB2ede8sBrk7oWXJ7EB35WfMgO6rLW492K1ZPTTrCeKiMrAuznTO_Cp2DLLCHrQD_tbmZfnpn6G6rBPn6rQv44Te22IeqqbcaDaPHp5kX6I_Au1mvh-HgPC-rlJNjNcbCdZeEtu/w640-h358/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip24cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>
</b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Chapped lips are not good for photos. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will always remember my grade 5 school photo
which happened a reeaaaallly long time ago yet this is what stuck with me…a
bunch of us had really chapped lips due to the cold, wintery weather, so in the
photo we have these pinched expressions, our smiles constricted by lips so dry
we couldn’t stretch them into smiles. Especially for those who don’t wear
lipstick lips can get very dry particularly during certain times of the year. A
dash of Chapstick or lip balm of some sort will free your lips to smile and
just make your lips and you look way healthier. This goes for the rest of your
skin, too. Dry, flaky skin is far less indicative of your good health and
overall awesomeness than glowing, healthy looking skin. </span></span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #25 There is no “unphotogenic”.</b> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Interestingly, when I went to Google the
dictionary meaning of “unphotogenic” the first thing that popped up was an
article by another photographer talking about her many clients who hate themselves
in photos or hate being photographed, to which she responded the same way I had…ie.,
there is “no unphotogenic”.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have met so many people who
think they are unphotogenic and what I hear are negative self-judgements and
expectations based on all the nefarious influences that have us comparing ourselves
to others and to supposed ideals. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I get so excited at
portrait shoots when subjects relent and release their inner awesome, and from
my non-judgemental POV it’s that confidence and strength shining out that make
the photo. Nobody cares if your tooth is crooked or your eyes are slightly closer
together then Michelle Pfeiffer’s or your jawline is less defined than Tom
Selleck’s. That’s not what people are looking for when they look at your
portrait. They are not comparing you to whatever/whomever you compare yourself
to when you look in the mirror or at a photo of yourself. They are looking for
a photograph that inspires respect and a desire to connect. That’s what we want
to capture and depict. Are all the famous, interesting and attractive people in
the world “perfect” looking? No they are not! </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is no unphotogenic.
You are no more unphotogenic than you are unsuited to be seen in the world. You
know what’s unphotogenic? Poutine. Gloopy brown stuff and globs of white stuff
on yellowy sticks of potato. Nobody looks like poutine. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have photos of
yourself that make you think you are unphotogenic that just means they are not
good photos…it’s not you…it’s the photo(s).</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will refer the reader all the way back to Tip #1: Breathe…and
trust. And also to Tip #17: Expect to be surprised. Chances are the
photographer can work to mitigate whatever you think you have going on that is
making you “unphotogenic” (like “crooked” features…I hear that a lot) but even
if not, and if there is something that’s really bugging you, there are many
things that can be done quite quickly and easily in Photoshop; I almost
hesitate to say this because I don’t want to reinforce an expectation that all
photos are or should be slated to be Photoshopped. It likely will be an extra
expense and you should expect to pay if you need extra work, but just know that
some things can be fixed in a jiffy for little cost, if they really are bugging
you.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So yes, when clients tell
me that they are unphotogenic the first thought that pops into my mind is that
there is NO WAY we are not getting a good photo of them. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeIikUzrAosYHEiRPyIoqGC0vMZL0daUBsfMg5KAUBQm1VkIiVRO2_Scfrmyb9_QGcn-aW1Zd_sY_I090LdiMIt0HOnzasMePAyxtv0m9-VhOzRzLnclAodhcl0tyQu_nA3-KEOmtVoPXhN5sCadGChvdkuZ8TOjfN1S6TLLCQQ0xkIpTPoN6vxdr/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip25cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="851" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeIikUzrAosYHEiRPyIoqGC0vMZL0daUBsfMg5KAUBQm1VkIiVRO2_Scfrmyb9_QGcn-aW1Zd_sY_I090LdiMIt0HOnzasMePAyxtv0m9-VhOzRzLnclAodhcl0tyQu_nA3-KEOmtVoPXhN5sCadGChvdkuZ8TOjfN1S6TLLCQQ0xkIpTPoN6vxdr/w640-h358/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip25cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In my example I have pointed
out the most apparent “flaw” that shows up even in these tiny sample photos,
which is the obvious asymmetry of my face (most faces are asymmetrical), particularly
my eyes, one of which appears considerably larger than the other. It’s so exaggerated
it almost looks as if I Photoshopped it to make this point but I didn’t. It’s just
angle and lighting. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some of the other things
you’d see if you could zoom in on my photo (always assume someone might click
on your LinkedIn photo to see it larger) are slightly saggy, puckery jowls (often
fixed merely by smiling), wrinkles, laugh and frown lines, uneven skin tone, and
under eye bags all of which were mitigated by changing lenses, using soft portrait
lighting, and finishing up with a very light retouch. I even added a little top
lid eyeliner in Photoshop (which I forgot to put on before I shot) so I’d look
less tired and a little more bright-eyed. That took about a second. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bottom line is that if
you can set aside the idea that you are unphotogenic and allow your awesome self,
whatever you look like, to shine through, your photo will be as compelling and
unique(!) as you are. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #26</b> <b>Lean in.</b> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, this one’s really simple. Particularly
when someone is really not excited or is, more accurately, filled with dread at
the idea of being photographed, but is also committed to doing their best to
get through it, their default posture can be rigid, back straight up and down,
chin sucked in, at attention! But this stance can make people looked timid,
uptight and freaked out.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> We may be all these things, but we don’t want to look
like it! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qKXbuzknB3TdYnyd9MBvVbZlQMotbpo7F5nDm3AwNpr42aJlHL0Z3ACyxk8-Kq3gHwZfR3KQZZXe_xeoP2T6WvEqED8Dzm0UthFa07DPjqzFNmTnqDTMwIVNPVqxo4jvdfOy-qonLIZLTAmWpYou_gwm07n_I8utjTDfNIIPiLNo_8cr3_PROJ1W/s1229/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip26cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qKXbuzknB3TdYnyd9MBvVbZlQMotbpo7F5nDm3AwNpr42aJlHL0Z3ACyxk8-Kq3gHwZfR3KQZZXe_xeoP2T6WvEqED8Dzm0UthFa07DPjqzFNmTnqDTMwIVNPVqxo4jvdfOy-qonLIZLTAmWpYou_gwm07n_I8utjTDfNIIPiLNo_8cr3_PROJ1W/w444-h640/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip26cropped.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We can make great headway towards appearing to be the total opposite
by merely leaning in. We want to look relaxed, confident and engaged, and step
one to appearing to be those things is a bit of a tilt forward, back still
straight, shoulders back, hinging from the hips, allowing the chin to come
forward a wee bit so the angles of your jawline will be nicely defined above
your tension-free and extra-chinless neck.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #27</b> <b>Angle down.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ77xmVHcJlXdBtSHbCEPjQLRhVyL69oOxw_qR-XDe54lEFAKKYm_WKlJ37Dcg6HDshi9aocp1_1MfKlHEsTTIuE5j6EudRDxLfj7tgcAqlGtDJXaIRHFYiHdjfqhzrQHwAtlOG8oy0tuUp9uWe1hDNSVSHlIJfelZPq6SVPuh8FXQsV-_jH5HBRxc/s890/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip27cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="851" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ77xmVHcJlXdBtSHbCEPjQLRhVyL69oOxw_qR-XDe54lEFAKKYm_WKlJ37Dcg6HDshi9aocp1_1MfKlHEsTTIuE5j6EudRDxLfj7tgcAqlGtDJXaIRHFYiHdjfqhzrQHwAtlOG8oy0tuUp9uWe1hDNSVSHlIJfelZPq6SVPuh8FXQsV-_jH5HBRxc/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip27cropped.jpg" width="306" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m talking about the camera angle. Of course
you are not going to dictate to a professional photographer how they should be
shooting, but if you are working with someone who is not sure or you find
yourself shooting your own portrait angling the camera down can really help define
the angles of your face and hide those extra chins.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There may be limits (visually and
aesthetically) to the amount a camera can be tilted depending on what kind of
background you are working with but, in general, a high camera angle is often
more flattering (as practised selfie shooters will already know). </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #27b Angle your body. </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzsuP-c4UHA_gCv2Jx_fjdyT7E69O5V0WHnmlw4tOHJyOF_rKPrXs-Cq4JDvWmm0zKEgr_iu88bvPbo-hkqdYoXsViBMa4K3u7-b3M7E-6i2Lp5gQZK5jNtysKb1X5m-Vxrx52SYE4Fm2PTWL9cedqQEnIMPJYlF82z0VfgnspblqdNdQiN8SoWI-/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip27bcropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="851" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzsuP-c4UHA_gCv2Jx_fjdyT7E69O5V0WHnmlw4tOHJyOF_rKPrXs-Cq4JDvWmm0zKEgr_iu88bvPbo-hkqdYoXsViBMa4K3u7-b3M7E-6i2Lp5gQZK5jNtysKb1X5m-Vxrx52SYE4Fm2PTWL9cedqQEnIMPJYlF82z0VfgnspblqdNdQiN8SoWI-/w400-h263/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip27bcropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This really is the cherry on top of the
previous pose hints: whenever you see a camera pointed at you turn your body a
bit. It’s usually more flattering, and it’s always more dynamic.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSect</style><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #28 You probably want to wear your
hair down.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfCW6UtxH2puxOLk-L0YEIwZjowLV3NecEna0kWrov6513odCGQtf3v1W8DRrTbqXS6L_1zCprVIdapZmJjkjWKhuY8hDy6Ar8P4gzYp1mt7bM-gObXlAx2uQeAGTHtTQOZdCAgo2uhCG_gmydeV2VHNTXQk_NWVqK-IFXJaQxS83LZVktwTSL8K-/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip28cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="851" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfCW6UtxH2puxOLk-L0YEIwZjowLV3NecEna0kWrov6513odCGQtf3v1W8DRrTbqXS6L_1zCprVIdapZmJjkjWKhuY8hDy6Ar8P4gzYp1mt7bM-gObXlAx2uQeAGTHtTQOZdCAgo2uhCG_gmydeV2VHNTXQk_NWVqK-IFXJaQxS83LZVktwTSL8K-/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip28cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Clients often ask me if they should wear
their hair up or tied back, or down. And here’s my answer: The thing about
wearing your hair tied back in a still portrait is that nobody can see your
long hair unless you turn your head well away from the camera, so you will
likely appear to have really short hair. In real life as you move, turn your
head etc., people can see your lovely long hair, but not when your head is frozen
in position blocking it from view in a photo. Doesn’t mean you can’t choose
this look; it’s just something to consider.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, in case this helps, remember that in a
photo nobody can see the back of your head, so even if you are having a
sub-optimal hair day if you can just make it look good in the front you’ll be
all set, at least for your photo!</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
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mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
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{page:WordSection1</style><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #29 Don’t touch your hair.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ0eIG61JdosaUIdx1luW6OoXYSt-p5ab_D0m3UT0N9K1rzicxmY5F2dhPo0h8ggm_LEU8blmKb94fpJRvvbVCS6-TBobdNUsDJKPiZ6EbUHMgk-i0uf51w09YvIksCOntw3ds-vpOda5n8KUoOj2gC5MJdzTEYm6FcW9OJ4fXg_l8qQtPPDS3V4A/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip29cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="851" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ0eIG61JdosaUIdx1luW6OoXYSt-p5ab_D0m3UT0N9K1rzicxmY5F2dhPo0h8ggm_LEU8blmKb94fpJRvvbVCS6-TBobdNUsDJKPiZ6EbUHMgk-i0uf51w09YvIksCOntw3ds-vpOda5n8KUoOj2gC5MJdzTEYm6FcW9OJ4fXg_l8qQtPPDS3V4A/w400-h256/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip29cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am well aware that the last thing clients
want to have to do is keep a rolodex full of instructions in their heads while
being photographed, but I felt compelled to offer this tip in hopes that it may
save some time and grief for subjects, hair and make-up artists and photographers.
Especially for clients with longer hair it can take some time to get it styled
just so. While the goal is to stay calm and relaxed and open to some
spontaneity the</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">caveat would be to try to avoid spontaneously
touching your hair once it’s styled. It is…disheartening…to have to put on the
brakes, and restyle hair that has been unstyled in a moment of abandon and/or
stress. That quick tuck of the hair behind the ear, or flipping long hair from
one side to the other can halt an otherwise smooth flowing session. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bottom line is that it is not a disaster if
you mess up your hair. It can always be unmessed, and I know people have subconscious
mannerisms that are somewhat out of their control, but if you can somehow
summon your inner non-hair-toucher, you may find yourself gliding more
successfully though your session and helping a lot to ensure a positive outcome.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tip #30</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Try really hard to avoid getting a hair cut
from a new stylist right before you get a new portrait done. If there is a
make-up artist at your session they may be able to rescue you but if not, I
think most people know the potential for distress and disappointment here. I
have seen it!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1SU1MUQKrNh66X-bA-yU5TLHNCcZAe4fJ6WRHWvle73Ni3hgiFawk-xvnxZpXccumq0r0LGM7ZizCeVO68Gt7lHYjQmWKtdLpZF8sABuT3mA2Oop-cfBGrDB4vH5ya03_84CqvKjhyMRS_X68nJ2ITF1MuKk4p24B12cEDHUNrfiFb2lFYBIEW2l/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip30cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="851" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1SU1MUQKrNh66X-bA-yU5TLHNCcZAe4fJ6WRHWvle73Ni3hgiFawk-xvnxZpXccumq0r0LGM7ZizCeVO68Gt7lHYjQmWKtdLpZF8sABuT3mA2Oop-cfBGrDB4vH5ya03_84CqvKjhyMRS_X68nJ2ITF1MuKk4p24B12cEDHUNrfiFb2lFYBIEW2l/w640-h414/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip30cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #31</b> <b>Touch up your roots or do a blend.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O8A1OI2gloI8BsT9UpMmGLWY6vfmzi0XJYddoVGH7baY9YWBw1QC0asHGe_f7FtFReZkezYjGbp2xq0KnydgXXdziiaUn1KPHa3uqRww8rGTZ4P05WrSleJJISnBh1NTveo_zxWMls6gZoO3cjwLJIcmmf-2U1jOhEDj_gAjE7PcDZSneT17JN4W/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip31croppd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="851" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O8A1OI2gloI8BsT9UpMmGLWY6vfmzi0XJYddoVGH7baY9YWBw1QC0asHGe_f7FtFReZkezYjGbp2xq0KnydgXXdziiaUn1KPHa3uqRww8rGTZ4P05WrSleJJISnBh1NTveo_zxWMls6gZoO3cjwLJIcmmf-2U1jOhEDj_gAjE7PcDZSneT17JN4W/w400-h259/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip31croppd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is one more example of a simple
pre-shoot fix that will help you avoid additional retouching costs (assuming
retouching is an option, which it isn’t always). There’s not a lot to say other
than to acknowledge that while sometimes a photo session sneaks up on you, or
you know it’s coming and you just can’t get an appointment with your hair
stylist, you will feel way more confident walking into your session <i>sans</i> the
distraction of unintentionally partially coloured hair.</span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, it will show in the photo, so yes, it’s
worth doing something to mitigate a straight gray or other-natural-colour grow-out.
Thanks to the timeliness of this topic right now you can find endless tips online
for how to gracefully grow out your gray. So if at all possible, do what you can
to get your lovely hairs playing together nicely. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And one very important caveat: To be
completely clear, I am not in any way advocating for colouring hair for any
reason other than that you want to. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tip #32 Think about how and where your
portrait(s) will be used. Plan ahead.</span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b>
</span></span><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></span></style><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span><span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously not everyone having a professional
portrait done is in on the planning. So this tip is for anyone who is. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A little while ago I was contacted by someone
who wondered if I could help. They had had professional portraits done and
discovered after the fact that their website designer wanted the shots to be on
a white background. Could I Photoshop out the dark backgrounds and replace them
with white? </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To their great disappointment my answer was
not really; it could be done, but not in a way that would look good. The
portraits, which were actually really nice, had been shot with a short depth of
field (meaning sharp focus on the eyes surrounded by very soft, blurry edges,
on a very dark background). As good as Photoshop is, there is just no good way
to cut out a blurry edged subject on a dark background and make it look right
on a light or white background. You’ve seen these obvious and distracting
cut-outs. They do not communicate professionalism or attention to detail. As in
my example here:</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVCUa6rw_jeDqx7-QSfB_DDBpZ61uarvRv3e0kymOQRAplk3DIkkcnmhcNZePIeLqjIoEGz-gulpQV-w4C8KWgr7eT3jW75yMzpkK5DZQSUOgSBf0o20Vqq4kxvyTE_62NRESsf6CxAs1a15qNzEy69e3mFcjNxs5RTF-v1Bd_N8K1_WNGVoYWA6T/s851/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip32Short.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="851" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVCUa6rw_jeDqx7-QSfB_DDBpZ61uarvRv3e0kymOQRAplk3DIkkcnmhcNZePIeLqjIoEGz-gulpQV-w4C8KWgr7eT3jW75yMzpkK5DZQSUOgSBf0o20Vqq4kxvyTE_62NRESsf6CxAs1a15qNzEy69e3mFcjNxs5RTF-v1Bd_N8K1_WNGVoYWA6T/w400-h304/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip32Short.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The old rule used to be that if you knew you
may need to “close-cut” a subject and replace the background, you should shoot
against a backdrop similar in colour and tone to the one that would be used to
replace it. This can help, if you know in advance what the replacement
background will be, but often that’s not the case. The other problem with this
technique is that you can run into problems if the background you want to
remove has any colours or tones similar to those in the subject’s skin or
clothing; if it does it can be harder to separate the subject from the
background. (This is why green screens are so effective; they are designed to
be very clearly distinguishable from any naturally or normally occurring colours
facilitating quick, accurate cut-outs.) </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">No matter what colour the background, if you
think you will ever want to replace it with a different one you will have
better results if the photographer shoots sharp (ie. more extended depth of
field, sharp around the edges of the subject). </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some say shooting on white provides the best flexibility,
but I don’t generally agree. For one thing thin-ish hair can look even thinner
shot against a true white background. And often there will be a brightness
around the edge of the subject that shows up in a weird way if you decide to
put in a dark background.</span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here is a more extensive set of photos to show
what I mean. Once again because my sample photos are relatively small the “bad”
ones may not look that bad to you, but viewed at full size the photos featuring
background replacements from dark to light, and light to dark do not look very
good. </span>
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</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></span></style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd5Ss5sCeGjBaSs1JZFap0sl5mvHEjOp1Ofpa7ypYdYXn52TWjBAMbX7N109MPlxFDWNXfcMsk__O65DFJzj-1PZJAvIfOfKNSceof7WUUtTiq8A2f6s0RsCLBQEIaSoNfUrwVaHvEYC1FS1dhQqhLS10EASmx4ERRNsw5E80ISZo-27zZSUP7OKn/s5051/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip32Long.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5051" data-original-width="1277" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd5Ss5sCeGjBaSs1JZFap0sl5mvHEjOp1Ofpa7ypYdYXn52TWjBAMbX7N109MPlxFDWNXfcMsk__O65DFJzj-1PZJAvIfOfKNSceof7WUUtTiq8A2f6s0RsCLBQEIaSoNfUrwVaHvEYC1FS1dhQqhLS10EASmx4ERRNsw5E80ISZo-27zZSUP7OKn/w162-h640/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip32Long.jpg" width="162" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please click on this to enlarge so you can see the examples better.</span></span></span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bottom line is that you may be able to save yourself
some pain (ie. time, cost and technical barriers) by having some idea ahead of
time what final uses the portrait may have, and planning to shoot in a way that
facilitates rather than limits flexibility. </span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #33 Pick up the phone.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vx-MSk__cIBxsVk7MbCBBppaFznUNBK425lHeiRWKi4RbO3f8D3NM8yJRUyrUg9b_V65GSnPbCvuu0FHlR0cg7cT4GJnIqBpi5Jq_8CVy2xSbr5TQBpPx9RLCY8iNEq7YfucMctYRQ5pRwWooSbE2phmwqICEPj8Rgpih9ILHZqUuMahSSa_S340/s583/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip33cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="583" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vx-MSk__cIBxsVk7MbCBBppaFznUNBK425lHeiRWKi4RbO3f8D3NM8yJRUyrUg9b_V65GSnPbCvuu0FHlR0cg7cT4GJnIqBpi5Jq_8CVy2xSbr5TQBpPx9RLCY8iNEq7YfucMctYRQ5pRwWooSbE2phmwqICEPj8Rgpih9ILHZqUuMahSSa_S340/s320/HollinrakePhtgyHelpfulHintsTip33cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As with Tip 32 this final tip is mostly for the planners of a
photo shoot. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know that many people responsible for planning (corporate)
portrait photo shoots for others or for themselves have a lot on their plates,
one small morsel of which may involve, on occasion, hiring a photographer. So I
understand the desire for the process from the first outreach to receipt of
final files to be simple, quick and painless. I also get that there can be a
need for several reasons, to make sure everything is in writing and everyone on
the communications team (if there is one) is in the loop and on the same page.
This is easily accomplished by copying everyone on the e-mail that is sent <i>after</i>
the initial conversation between the main point of contact and the
photographer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is there to discuss? The thing is, photography is,
regardless of the genre, always to some extent an art. No two shoots are the
same and no two photographers are the same. They may not shoot the same way or
work the same way. Especially as technology and styles change. Not only that
but as a client pointed out to me recently, the language of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“photography” may not be one hirers of
photographers necessarily speak. Even “just a headshot” requires consideration
of a number of parameters, and logistics. In fact I avoid using the term
“headshot” for the very reason that its tendency to be prefaced by “just a” can
set expectations low and can limit people’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>patience for embracing the process required to
achieve excellent and appropriate-to-your-unique-business results. I feel so
strongly about this I wrote a blog post about it.* </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m sure most readers have been party to e-mail threads that
stop and start, grow longer and longer, and stretch across more and more time
due to missing or incomplete information, unanswered<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>questions, misunderstandings, delayed responses,
over-simplifications etc. causing great irritation and wasting everyone’s time
as they inch painfully towards finalizing a plan. I have witnessed this first
hand. I have enjoyed much more being on the receiving end of a client’s joyful
appreciation that I picked up the phone right at the start allowing us to work
through the options and nuances of tackling their particular job so they could quickly
and efficiently get on with booking the perfect shoot for their executive team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So even though firing off an e-mail can seem
more efficient in the moment, if your photographer suggests a chat when you start
to plan your next shoot, do yourself and the photographer a service and pick up
the phone. Taking the time at this stage will almost certainly save you time in
the end!</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And so dear readers, that’s about it for now.** <br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">*http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2022/01/getting-right-headshot-more-author.html </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">** Or is it? It is not! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve got one more bonus tip for 2023!</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #34 How much space do you need for a portrait shoot?</b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is no one answer to this question, but for the purposes
of providing a guideline for simple head and shoulders business portraits I suggest
that in a perfect world you’d have a space not less than approximately 8x16
feet. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is a picture of a pretty ideal space. What is great
about this room? </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW4OHIN_ZO3q9X0BVOeg-Xf9Uf2BRKazAfpB-Oe4fJXUNVQw5WRLRC1_2ym-k_pkT6NdD12Gra08SFV-Ql09pOX9xGuci1-WrLFYbrGTsDoBR3yjWrWMc5BPMWN9z5S4R-EXeoNT07ihqtqYYy498BVCtBiMsJ_qej-T3jW9CAntcpCkRZfzJDeHH/s2752/PortraitSpaceDiagram%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="2752" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW4OHIN_ZO3q9X0BVOeg-Xf9Uf2BRKazAfpB-Oe4fJXUNVQw5WRLRC1_2ym-k_pkT6NdD12Gra08SFV-Ql09pOX9xGuci1-WrLFYbrGTsDoBR3yjWrWMc5BPMWN9z5S4R-EXeoNT07ihqtqYYy498BVCtBiMsJ_qej-T3jW9CAntcpCkRZfzJDeHH/w640-h426/PortraitSpaceDiagram%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is spacious.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It has a high ceiling allowing for photographers’ sometimes tall
lighting set-ups.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are also no low hanging light fixtures which can get
in the way of those photographers’ lights.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It has white walls and ceilings which are great for bounce
light, ie.: soft, flattering light achieved by pointing lights at ceilings and
walls (to be reflected back onto subjects).</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lights in the room can be turned off so they won’t interfere
with the photographer’s lighting; sometimes pot lights and fluorescent lights
(less so) can interfere with and overpower photographers’ lights.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The furniture is movable.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The furniture is contemporary and aesthetically pleasing and
simple, so could potentially be incorporated into environmental portraits if
that’s what you’re doing (as opposed to portraits against a backdrop which would
also fit easily into this space). </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are lots of big windows on different sides of the room
so if a photographer did want to use natural, available light, alone or
combined with flash, they’d have that option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is less great about this room? </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While white walls are great for bounced light, they are
aesthetically really boring. Nice furniture will not make up for white walls,
especially for head and shoulders environmental portraits in which you’d see
only the walls in the background.</span></span> <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And in case you are thinking that art on the walls may help,
remember that copyright in art is often owned by the artist (or their estate) so
it may be inadvisable to include art in professional photos. (In my example
image here I made sure to replace the images on the wall with my own images.)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There don’t appear to be blinds on the windows in this room,
so at certain times of day there may be direct sunlight flooding the room.
Rarely is direct sunlight conducive to portrait photography (at least not for
business portraits); it’s too harsh and will often overpower photographer’s
lights. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What might be a seasonal issue: if windows will feature in
the background of the portraits can you see trees and are there leaves on them?
Spindly leafless trees can look very sad and distracting…just something to keep
in mind.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bottom line in terms of booking rooms with or without
windows, and with or without available, natural light, is that professional
photographers generally don’t need natural light to do portraits, particularly head
and shoulders portraits, especially if they are looking to create a consistent
looking set of images (eg. multiple people for a company website). (Natural
light is notoriously unreliable and inconsistent.)</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Something else to consider: will there be a Hair and Make-up
artist? If so you’ll want a well lit place for them to set up physically separated
from where the photography is taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And on that note, it generally helps to make sure the
photography space is physically separated from the rest of the office space.
Privacy is critical to helping self-conscious photo subjects feel less exposed.
</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One final thought: for those who don’t have access to a room
like this, which is lots of people, this is just an example of a super workable
space for a fairly standard kind of business portrait set-up. This doesn’t mean
other kinds of spaces won’t work; we work in much less pretty and/or spacious locations
all the time (including in clients’ homes). Photographers can be very creative.
But more space is more conducive to a comfortable and successful shoot. Talk to
your photographer. They’ll help you figure it out. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tip #35 Have high expectations, and be realistic.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></span></style><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Why when I thought I was done with the tips did I feel moved
to write this one? Because there are just a lot of sub-optimal headshots out
there and I ask myself why. In fact the author of a recent article in the
Economist has clearly noticed the same thing but seems, erroneously, to have
come to the conclusion that all headshots are bad (link below). They’re
not. But why would they say that? </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I think the problem is that many business portraits are done
on a going-through-the-motions basis. A business concludes that they need
headshots but don’t invest in them as if they actually matter. At the other end
of the spectrum client sometimes ask “Can you make me look 10 years younger?”
and “Can you make me look like Brad Pitt?” Yes, I know people are usually
kidding, but I think the kidding does suggest a deep down fear of being depicted
remotely truthfully (see Tip #25 There is no “unphotogenic”). </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The thing is, I would suggest that looking really bad in a
photo is no more authentic than looking ridiculously over-optimized. And neither
extreme reflects the important job that headshots (ie. business portraits) have
to do, which is to create for viewers the most positive and authentic first
impression possible, and then, to support that impression. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If a bad headshot does more harm to a brand than it does
good, why are they so ubiquitous? Was there no time, no budget, no buy-in from
the subjects themselves?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBplXXikzMf7URZj3VBEo9rZU69R7PpbjWrdXUDxrV2twoErHy6OCSPwKriU1OQc6zv6EbDBT73sqa4jGsoVbSkqXcQFrRa55xl-q-hcfUeuivZyD0P0dJqIRAXH2SyVYRiFxWCzwIiaOqYiTWUrTwicZbrAlq1-_dzwWL0WDuJjfuhZAGOQEdT7vq/s851/HollinrakePhtgy_HelpfulHintsTip35crp.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="851" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBplXXikzMf7URZj3VBEo9rZU69R7PpbjWrdXUDxrV2twoErHy6OCSPwKriU1OQc6zv6EbDBT73sqa4jGsoVbSkqXcQFrRa55xl-q-hcfUeuivZyD0P0dJqIRAXH2SyVYRiFxWCzwIiaOqYiTWUrTwicZbrAlq1-_dzwWL0WDuJjfuhZAGOQEdT7vq/w640-h388/HollinrakePhtgy_HelpfulHintsTip35crp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In my photo illustrations here the first shot is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“just a headshot” in the worst way…yes, I did
err a little on the careless ‘underdone’ side to illustrate my point, which is
that you can look really bad in a headshot shot that was done using
“professional equipment”, and that you should expect more!</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The second shot is the Goldilocks one, just right…care taken
with lighting, pose, camera angle and retouching so that the subject looks like
the best version of themselves.</span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And the third shot is the opposite of the first. It can be
tempting to have a portrait optimized past the “authentic” finish line as you
get caught up focusing on adjusting and removing “flaws” and “imperfections”.
But unless you are literally never going to interact with your colleagues,
clients etc. in person and/or on video, and you want to brand yourself as
someone that you are not (ie. inauthentic), it makes no sense to have your
portrait look so touched up it no longer resembles you. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ultimately, it won’t serve you to have people be surprised
when they do, inevitably, see you in person, either because you look way ‘better’
or you look way ‘worse’. </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Treat headshots as important investments in your business. Expect
them to look good. And at the same time be realistic…don’t get hung up on
things you think make you look less like a young Brad Pitt/Elizabeth Taylor. (They
probably didn’t look half as good in real life anyway!)<br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">*Sorry…The Economist’s paywall will mean you can read this
only if you subscribe…but here’s the link for those who do:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2023/01/26/the-curse-of-the-corporate-headshot">https://www.economist.com/business/2023/01/26/the-curse-of-the-corporate-headshot</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note: If you want to read my paragraph by
paragraph response to this highly problematic article please reach out to me
directly.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Optima; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please let
know if I’ve missed anything or if you have any questions about preparing for and
getting the most out of your next professional portrait. I would love to fill
in any gaps. And if you’ve read this far I look forward to working with the
most prepared subjects any photographer could hope to meet! </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></span></style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">#headshots, #corporateportraits, #corporatephotography, #personalbrandingphotography <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a> <br /></span></span></p>
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<p><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-48294029825563491172022-03-22T06:31:00.000-07:002022-03-22T06:31:09.563-07:00Problem Solving: Full Length Portraits with Reflections on Location<p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hey everyone! Happy almost end of mask mandates. Brief note on that...despite the coming changes to the rules it is my intention to continue to work to keep ourselves and clients as safe as possible, so we'll be happy to keep wearing masks as appropriate. Just so you know.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In this short post I will focus on how we solved the problem referenced in the title, followed by a brief example of a shoot requiring a natural light look from flash, introduction of a couple of new backgrounds, and a couple of really nice testimonials. </span></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbrhNk8dZ2T0RdONpIS8WdqpnLmJk37IeUbaYF75pX212du8xL97AjrrrkY9CJNqR93wqxCyxSqFSL_OagJ5vI4FQkDNcu6fHGMcjmzAk9jezb8_OmWZHcaxpUr3neQ73u4wXvOvYTkX38WXhjo-d9BfLTKkk1KSh4egB5Ybt5HyA3agVBRS04LDN=s1846" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1846" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbrhNk8dZ2T0RdONpIS8WdqpnLmJk37IeUbaYF75pX212du8xL97AjrrrkY9CJNqR93wqxCyxSqFSL_OagJ5vI4FQkDNcu6fHGMcjmzAk9jezb8_OmWZHcaxpUr3neQ73u4wXvOvYTkX38WXhjo-d9BfLTKkk1KSh4egB5Ybt5HyA3agVBRS04LDN=w640-h486" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Screen grab of a double page spread from a client's annual report </span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A few months ago I was
engaged to shoot a series of full length portraits for an annual report.
Subjects were based in the Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa. The look envisioned was
very simple: close-cut on a flat light teal background with one important
little detail that would ultimately dictate the way we shot…a shadow/reflection
beneath the feet. However we achieved this we needed to be able to replicate
the set-up multiple times not just at the client’s location in Toronto (where
we’d be shooting in different rooms across several different dates) but in
Ottawa and Vancouver. </span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKV4wApg7nZhi-FKfsjuHvKdH0_dXoeiSbW70sK6rbJoOMrwGqlwplTzQqcwgY4ezdAra6_QpH1nEbyYN9i2-fK7VyjhCjwrImiXl14DtAY07mgv6DofIP5yECXT26sUJE0ReTNB70B3O7sk-n67XzK7LB2sSm9uWRTtyGNCqo83p-_hVAZ61aKRuX=s1275" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1275" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKV4wApg7nZhi-FKfsjuHvKdH0_dXoeiSbW70sK6rbJoOMrwGqlwplTzQqcwgY4ezdAra6_QpH1nEbyYN9i2-fK7VyjhCjwrImiXl14DtAY07mgv6DofIP5yECXT26sUJE0ReTNB70B3O7sk-n67XzK7LB2sSm9uWRTtyGNCqo83p-_hVAZ61aKRuX=w400-h221" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The layout received from the designer showing a rough example of the desired shadow/reflection <br /></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></span><p></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Given the shadow-free look
we wanted to achieve, and knowing that the final background we’d be compositing
in was a very light toned one it was a no-brainer to shoot on white to
close-cut (ie. remove the background). As for the shadow/reflection I think at
first glance we all thought the most sensible and efficient way to create that
effect would be in post-production using Photoshop, until I did a test and
realized this:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlPwWs1siPOX02I6QRToKycj2R5lPEH4dNnayegfNog2gsjk3-fXp6jyvIquur1xGv_jRa0qbCLrrNmsy_ECipd6GiwW-AFrrXuegE5jOWzvrcERzKTJqEucsifuwfVb0N7ka0gH0pcw1TPiRW3_mXDg4FokHIHNg8raSWmM5FIUgby7gCOfZkc8oS=s2370" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="1108" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlPwWs1siPOX02I6QRToKycj2R5lPEH4dNnayegfNog2gsjk3-fXp6jyvIquur1xGv_jRa0qbCLrrNmsy_ECipd6GiwW-AFrrXuegE5jOWzvrcERzKTJqEucsifuwfVb0N7ka0gH0pcw1TPiRW3_mXDg4FokHIHNg8raSWmM5FIUgby7gCOfZkc8oS=w188-h400" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This isn't the test shot as I threw it out, so I've recreated the reflection problem on this final shot just to illustrate.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: Optima;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Note the way the
“reflection” is not attached to both feet. I realized that the digital artistry
required to create the desired effect from scratch would be <i>really</i> time consuming.
I even called one of the top retouchers in Toronto (and probably Canada…message
me if you want to know who he is) to ask for his thoughts and he basically agreed. Not a simple
thing to do. It wouldn’t be a nightmare for <i>him</i> to do but it would cost
a LOT of money and he was too busy to take the job anyway. I would need to actually
shoot that shadow/reflection. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The solution to this
problem would be a portable, flat, but not easily breakable or scratchable
reflective surface for the floor. Luckily the layout required only a short reflection, not the whole body, so a 3x4 foot piece of clear plexi on a
white seamless paper backdrop did the trick. With a quick test shot and some
Photoshopping to enhance and transfer the shadow/reflection to a transparent
layer on the teal background I was able to create a replicable set of steps to
recreate the final effect across sixteen final portraits.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is one of the final shots: <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7qRjJQCfW2OsBfz8Hok25DiKJ94DLBIj89V_NSkvmPsGzt9ulbQdSqBSxb-eSf_M4zBwT3VJQDFAwKJVEVJ7W48eQxCAIzbe1h2IGq6TPosmkIzSPlP_WIKyZxe6SZQXBxDt18HTa74xx4_w-Of0yPdJ34p_GdFnFl8GDTXxRLXL5N4hKjwda_pF-=s1430" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1430" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7qRjJQCfW2OsBfz8Hok25DiKJ94DLBIj89V_NSkvmPsGzt9ulbQdSqBSxb-eSf_M4zBwT3VJQDFAwKJVEVJ7W48eQxCAIzbe1h2IGq6TPosmkIzSPlP_WIKyZxe6SZQXBxDt18HTa74xx4_w-Of0yPdJ34p_GdFnFl8GDTXxRLXL5N4hKjwda_pF-=w640-h517" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>While the subject would be
cut out and pasted onto the teal background (meaning there was no need to shoot the background clean and fully white), the shadow/reflection had to be
cut out separately and placed as a transparent layer onto the teal, to allow the teal to show through. Left: original shot. Right: final composite.</span></span></span></span>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As for the photo sessions,
while it made sense for me to drive to Ottawa, it did not make sense for me to
fly to Vancouver, so I reached out to a trusted colleague there with a similar
level of experience and managed his participation with notes, photos and
detailed diagrams. This way he was able to set up and shoot both the full
length portraits required as well as, additionally, a set of stylistically similar leadership team head
and shoulders portraits to match the set I had created here in Toronto over the
past few years. He shot the full
length portraits on white the same way I did, but he shot the head and shoulders
portraits against a green screen so I could add in the correct background. (When shooting the original set of headshots I shot against the gray background, but made a separate capture of the background alone for use in future portraits.) I had
him send me his raw (unprocessed) files so I had full control over all steps of post-production
ensuring seamless consistency.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJlaPo7P1QFyF7iAFLv1DWPIBLy5VEsTlMAUDjtGKHA2XDkwcU1k3xRuLc-UNGH6fWwuQ7c8plVeACZGH8tTcDySDZxryYP3OYdKAgjrsoe2Yyn-_bddkgd4jGn0YonsPTP-pXZ6QGVPJincF4n5RuUJj3E1xkcL0Fluno4tZlF-3h_XfawRoTxUts=s1716" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1716" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJlaPo7P1QFyF7iAFLv1DWPIBLy5VEsTlMAUDjtGKHA2XDkwcU1k3xRuLc-UNGH6fWwuQ7c8plVeACZGH8tTcDySDZxryYP3OYdKAgjrsoe2Yyn-_bddkgd4jGn0YonsPTP-pXZ6QGVPJincF4n5RuUJj3E1xkcL0Fluno4tZlF-3h_XfawRoTxUts=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: portait by Perry Danforth, Vancouver. Right: final file prep by Kathryn Hollinrake.</span> </span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I mentioned the importance
of planning in my previous post and this project is a perfect example of the
importance of planning ahead and being prepared.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"><style>@font-face
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</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Creating a natural light
look with flash</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>
</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Repeating myself a bit, having
just recently written about this issue, I wanted to share another example of a situation
where we wanted a natural light look in a place where there was a lack of
pleasing available light. There are many times when obviously unnatural light might
detract from the apparent authenticity of an image. In these cases we need to create
seemingly ‘real’ looking light by combining what’s naturally available with
what we can bring to the scene with lighting. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For this project we were
working to fairly precise layouts indicating the need for space for type and a logo
on the left and above. The challenge was to find somewhere conducive, interesting,
visually appealing and “fresh” to shoot in an environment where we’d shot frequently
before and which was now “decorated” (I use this term completely facetiously) with
newly installed Covid safety stations and partitions which we needed <i>not</i> to
see in our images. We had three final images to create. I am sharing my favourite one here.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Optima;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikZCEeDITNeX-GEWoagotGl9ZDVxrh1OgapmAvJqreJ1MZFFJJ__68q0rGFTeYuKqbl6PXnWTZWOLvU0vvW-9JrHkxq6RSWyuA8wOsgajQN2xDv9rkFl90dEdnXEXSku0JyyfK4FeGul9eY-4OjCCWj3P_ybNSK4hOc5tlOoWKsS9VtTiInoRTSmSt=s1585" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1585" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikZCEeDITNeX-GEWoagotGl9ZDVxrh1OgapmAvJqreJ1MZFFJJ__68q0rGFTeYuKqbl6PXnWTZWOLvU0vvW-9JrHkxq6RSWyuA8wOsgajQN2xDv9rkFl90dEdnXEXSku0JyyfK4FeGul9eY-4OjCCWj3P_ybNSK4hOc5tlOoWKsS9VtTiInoRTSmSt=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: my assistant standing
in so we can see how the available light looks. Right: the final shot. </span></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don’t have a lot to say
other than to comment that the available light was really not working for us.
There was a lot of light coming from a skylight directly above the subject meaning
that if we exposed correctly for him the background environment looked really
dark and moody, not what we wanted. I also didn’t like the way the light falling straight down from the skylight created raccoon eyes (eye socket shadows) on the subject. So
we needed to override that light with one strategically bounced light from the front and light up
the room behind the subject with another one. Funnily enough I think the "before" shot looks almost more as if it could have been artificially lit than the final. (Again I refer the reader to my previous post where I touch on the idea that it can be hard to know if a shot was naturally or artificially lit.)</span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Regardless, this is, again, why we need to
be prepared to light, always. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Two New Locations</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At a recent corporate shoot
and during a location scout downtown I had the opportunity to capture two new
environmental portrait backgrounds to use in in-studio portraits. One is a
non-descript urban interior/exterior combo with hints of green, prefect for a
busy, independent urban professional, and one is a spacious, interesting glass
and polished floor office lobby interior, perfect, again, for an urban business
professional. So much more interesting and suggestive of the real world than a plain studio background. </span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrDcFsgRE3xuCLnA7N6qlEXNyN_6GRyxv4cq6xXTlRxBBLfDWbBPFbVAfZN-tLYkbCO6H5hOhQiJdotBD_MwqQte3TIGHF5WdUlREauES9kVgiLFkgmAfeC-do6eM7CsFsouUjlMOgB8YfgSxaSe4X4tD8ZDuDoNR4Ulqe1NTWyTCRZ3Mg8vlu8EEl=s1218" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1218" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrDcFsgRE3xuCLnA7N6qlEXNyN_6GRyxv4cq6xXTlRxBBLfDWbBPFbVAfZN-tLYkbCO6H5hOhQiJdotBD_MwqQte3TIGHF5WdUlREauES9kVgiLFkgmAfeC-do6eM7CsFsouUjlMOgB8YfgSxaSe4X4tD8ZDuDoNR4Ulqe1NTWyTCRZ3Mg8vlu8EEl=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgux8UvQaqyOBfUFCv8bhZr98t64A5AQIa0NsgIt6FEjiu_YwBJRcLRMttDgjFIDEzqE_px1Z1Lr4lRntxesAU9OST6ZoYmMagj9DEb8tU3wtcFlhrdGwMZeM3Yco9lqcSOOiNlSiN7HRJr4-TWbLgb1EJl5PZgr45BS7NQxuFcyLKYu0xzRvOcMTmh=s1428" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgux8UvQaqyOBfUFCv8bhZr98t64A5AQIa0NsgIt6FEjiu_YwBJRcLRMttDgjFIDEzqE_px1Z1Lr4lRntxesAU9OST6ZoYmMagj9DEb8tU3wtcFlhrdGwMZeM3Yco9lqcSOOiNlSiN7HRJr4-TWbLgb1EJl5PZgr45BS7NQxuFcyLKYu0xzRvOcMTmh=s320" width="229" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><style>@font-face
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Yay Us! Testimonials </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Recently I was gratified to receive these two glowing testimonials:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><br /></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"Thank YOU Kathryn!
Our image is perfect, entirely due to your brilliance. You made us better and I
cannot thank you enough. 😀"</span></span></i></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>And from a poetic
author whose book jacket photo I shot recently…I can’t share the image yet but stay
tuned for the book launch in the fall …<i>”please know that you made a thing that
could have been Wretched very deeply kind and good”.</i></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Final thought</b></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As always, I'm here to help you plan and
problem solve your next photo shoot, whether it’s where to shoot, what your
options are, what to wear, etc. I look forward to seeing old clients again as the world continues to open back up, and to meeting new ones! Let me know how I can help, or reach out and I'll let you know how I can help! </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">hollinrake.com</span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-85675105800049797932022-01-31T12:14:00.006-08:002022-02-28T07:06:57.099-08:00Getting the Right Headshot, More Author Portraits, and Necklines<p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE5139lfK_4N9l8LQIENZcUHCaSS_ZGj83LCWO1gIPGhLgDxfVdgm7WwRhFU3qlPKIDtQgdQBPUvWEw6a5ZthpIloBED0kI8qJOgmgg33KOAPOoHoLg5h3dnrYEIO6ExuDg-Y_JY8YR2NdV_FVw0a-Q_ibFBmSdJ5cV2hlxblma_dZuA8K2nB6oTHS=s1468" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1127" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE5139lfK_4N9l8LQIENZcUHCaSS_ZGj83LCWO1gIPGhLgDxfVdgm7WwRhFU3qlPKIDtQgdQBPUvWEw6a5ZthpIloBED0kI8qJOgmgg33KOAPOoHoLg5h3dnrYEIO6ExuDg-Y_JY8YR2NdV_FVw0a-Q_ibFBmSdJ5cV2hlxblma_dZuA8K2nB6oTHS=w308-h400" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Author Tiffany Calligaris photographed in Toronto in the fall</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>To see a larger copy of the picture above please go to</span> <a href="https://hollinrake.com/portfolios/authorscelebrities">https://hollinrake.com/portfolios/authorscelebrities</a>.</span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I haven't</span></span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">written a post here for a while so I'm happy to be able to share some thoughts I hope may be helpful as things open back up <i>again</i> and photo shoots resume <i>again</i>. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Preparation</span>: <span style="font-size: medium;">what do you really need?</span></b></span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes I get the impression that headshots are viewed as a commodity somewhat along the lines of a loaf of bread...easy to get, supply is ubiquitous, they're not all equal but they are equal enough that not a lot of thought needs to go into them and they shouldn't cost too much. You can look at a menu board/price list and just order one. It's "just a headshot". I'd like to promote the idea that there is no "just a headshot", any more than there is "just a haircut" (well, for most people). It<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> can be tempting
to want to keep things simple. You know you need something better than
something you could shoot on your phone so you hire a “professional” … I’ve written about this before (</span><a href="http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2015/08/10-ish-questions-to-ask-when-looking.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2015/08/10-ish-questions-to-ask-when-looking.html</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">) ...but are you setting yourself up to get what will serve you best? <br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It might seem easier
to go with “I just need a headshot”, but skipping the pre-shoot part of the
process, the thought, the discussion, decision making, and planning may
result in pain and disappointment later. Don’t get me wrong, I acknowledge that
there is such a thing as a simple headshot which may be a fairly quick and
straight forward undertaking, but the details still matter…even a simple headshot has a job
to do. I also often hear the term “headshot” being used interchangeably with “business portrait”
in a way that I'll suggest may underestimate and (I'm sure inadvertently) misrepresent the scope and importance of the job. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Before or at least
while you are booking a photographer it is important to understand what you
really need and to make sure you and the photographer, and your designer, if
you have one, are on the same page. The success and usefulness of your images may
depend on it.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Make sure your designer
is in the loop (and make sure the photographer knows you have one).</span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I had a weird
situation a while ago which almost ended with a client not getting
what they wanted because they neglected to confer with their website designer
prior to hiring me. When they came to me they seemed dead certain about what
they needed. They showed me examples online and I even did a test shot for them
to make sure we were on exactly the same page, and on the shoot day at their location I was
careful to get their approval in real time. All
good. Great shoot.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Except that some
time after the shoot when all the retouched selects were delivered to them they
told me their designer (why didn’t we know there was a designer?) declared the
portraits off-brand because the background was the wrong colour. They didn’t
have the budget to pay us to do the extra digital work to replace the
backgrounds so it wasn’t a good situation. Instead of thrilled clients, perfect
portraits, a glowing testimonial and the promise of successful and ongoing business relationship we had portraits that weren’t right. Ultimately the designer did a bunch
of work to adjust the backgrounds to look the way they wanted them to, but had
we just known what was needed in the first place we would have shot
differently. The good news is that we do still have a great working
relationship with this client, and now we do the post-production every time we
do a new portrait to match them with the set, but it could have been way less
painful if we’d shot to get them what they needed in the first place. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I also had a call
from someone else’s client a while back. They had done a personal branding photo
shoot at a location with furniture and various props in the background. The
lighting was on the dramatic side but very nice, and the short depth of field made
for nice soft edges around their face and shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shots were really nice (that's three "nices"!). But it turned out
that what this person actually needed was a background more on the way to
white. The question to me was could I help by replacing the dark backgrounds with
light ones, and unfortunately the answer was no, because the way these images
were shot they were not conducive to “close-cutting” (ie. cutting out the
person) or to featuring a light background. There was just no reasonable way to
do this digitally, so the shots were no good. All that money and effort for the
wrong product. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Plan the shoot with
final image use(s) in mind.</span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">You will not always
know what all of the end uses of an image will be, but there are advantages to
putting some thought into this because the way the shoot is done may effect the
usefulness of the shots later, per the example above. Maybe portraits are like loaves of bread! Not all bread makes good sandwiches. It may be delicious but just not the
right shape or texture or flavour to make the kind of sandwich you want, or
even a sandwich at all. (However, please remember that photo shoots should cost WAY more than bread.) Anyway...</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We actually shoot
frequently with background replacement in mind, but the point is it's much better for us to
know we’re doing that before we shoot. In another recent case we did a whole
shoot with subjects full length on a white background. We knew the background
was going to be replaced with a light coloured background...until it was decided
that one shot in particular needed a dark background. When we know a subject is
going on a dark background we recommend shooting on a darker background so there’s no white
fringing. Or we shoot on green screen which allows you to easily put in light or
dark backgrounds. The point, once again, is that the more we know before
setting up the more effectively we can shoot for a specific end result. It may
not be impossible to change direction post-shoot, but it may add time and cost,
and the quality of the final product may be compromised. </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Communication</span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Just as designers
should be looped into the planning, it can be tremendously helpful for people booking
portraits for others to engage them in the process as much as they are willing.
Their input can help guarantee a positive outcome, that is in line with their desires
and expectations. I know sometimes there is no allowance for this, but imagine
this scenario: the photographer and assistant spend an hour meticulously preparing
a portrait set-up only to have the executive walk in and declare that they have
something in mind that cannot possibly happen in that space. This is a recipe
for disaster and leaves little possibility for a fantastic outcome. No amount
of thinking on the fly or problem solving is going to change a white walled
boardroom with a plain, pale table into a sexy modern space with a gorgeous
table and cool interior design features blurred in the distant background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how great the shots are there is no
possibility they will look like what that executive was hoping for. The point
again…whenever possible take the time, communicate, and plan. </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A picture is
worth 1000 words</span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Think about and talk about what you really want. Where is
the picture going? What shape does it need to be? Does the colour scheme
matter? Where do you want to look like you are (ie.; a studio or an environment
of some kind)? What message do you want it to communicate? A picture is worth
1000 words so precisely what 1000 words do you want your portrait to communicate?
What kind of look, wardrobe, background or environment is going to support the
communication of those 1000 words?</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And again, if you’re not sure that’s OK, but be sure to have
the shoot planned to provide flexible outcomes, understanding the pro’s and cons of shooting a particular way (the photographer can help you with this).
If you’ve been reading my posts you will know by now that IMHO the best way to create
the ultimate flexibility is to shoot against a green screen. Yes, you may sacrifice a few possibilities
this way, such as interacting with your environment -- eg. sitting on a couch or leaning against a wall -- and your choice of backgrounds may be somewhat limited by way the lighting
in the portrait does or does not mesh with the lighting in the potential
background shots, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">and you can't wear green, </span>but the cut-outs are easy
to do, and next to perfect, with no dreaded white fringe like you can get if you
shoot on white. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One final word about being able to change what you shot to what
you need (if they’re not the same thing): almost anything is possible. A talented
professional retoucher is like an expensive magician whom you pay by the hour. For
most people this would not be an affordable option. I mention it only to
address the oft-repeated belief that “you can do anything in Photoshop”. It’s
sort of true, but not on a practical level. So planning intentionally will be
the best option. And while planning will help get you the most useful images
possible, just consider that if you really need a bunch of distinctly different
images to convey a broad range of messaging, maybe, realistically, you might
looking at a bigger shoot, or more than one shoot. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">More Author Portraits</span> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe_H3EPzq9dc7s_JiSnjjNm6mKyWKo-HsGPizt2riuZkrglTHND8SZgYsSZtZ4JYL0DytI53bfF0GuHlHJzQFm0-0uPHd5m76wXjy60Y20Y3GyiKIVYE9i9ATj4X-YSkGoe2H-zpQR6gmkJkr2G9oWHmtY23wWlYoggF9bdKZB8n9pOuwr7pATD1FK=s1819" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe_H3EPzq9dc7s_JiSnjjNm6mKyWKo-HsGPizt2riuZkrglTHND8SZgYsSZtZ4JYL0DytI53bfF0GuHlHJzQFm0-0uPHd5m76wXjy60Y20Y3GyiKIVYE9i9ATj4X-YSkGoe2H-zpQR6gmkJkr2G9oWHmtY23wWlYoggF9bdKZB8n9pOuwr7pATD1FK=w286-h400" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Author Ted Cadsby in a business environment</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ted Cadsby, author of a number of books, including most
recently<i> Hard to be Human</i> is
a “corporate director, consultant to organizations, bestselling author and
researcher, writer and speaker on tackling complex problems, and the human
condition” (words borrowed from his website https://tedcadsby.com).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ted was referred to me during the process of redoing his website.
He needed to cover a few bases with updated photographs, so we planned to shoot
three distinct looks including more formal, more casual, and speaking, as in public
speaking to a big audience during a pandemic lockdown when there was no public
speaking. Given our limited access to any viable locations we planned to shoot
him in studio against a green screen and do a separate mini-shoot (no lights,
no set-up) at his condo to capture potential backgrounds. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In studio I created flattering “room lighting” on Ted for
the first two shots, then changed it to pseudo-stage lighting for the speaking
shot. After the shoot, once I composted the background shots into the selects we
agreed that 1) they were a bit too similar to one another, and 2) the style of the
condo spaces didn’t really support his brand. So we needed to go to Plan B. I sourced a free stock shot I
felt potentially had the right look and feel and manipulated it fairly extensively until it looked
like the location/background I would have wanted. This photo below became the background in the image above.<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaGtyNfXwH8kojoARfIe6mgYZhBW539zxuU1QDQPkQmdILcGUrTQ-r97quVotktr3rDlLut-rPj3kLaEaIZFcI_mSKx9lX1ji0O_o3wQ4LUrXDoi-rqzmOEcx-D_u7We-RYleZRqxYY8rR2aCfP-nV4UQAdQZF_9dx6z5yI5-FnHBtclz6RJ_98SJK=s1498" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaGtyNfXwH8kojoARfIe6mgYZhBW539zxuU1QDQPkQmdILcGUrTQ-r97quVotktr3rDlLut-rPj3kLaEaIZFcI_mSKx9lX1ji0O_o3wQ4LUrXDoi-rqzmOEcx-D_u7We-RYleZRqxYY8rR2aCfP-nV4UQAdQZF_9dx6z5yI5-FnHBtclz6RJ_98SJK=s320" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo - Unsplash.com</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The second, more casual portrait needed a totally different background to give it a distinctly different feel. For this </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I used a background I
had shot (from my archive) with just this kind of portrait in mind.</span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOIGT7EiFvQISriaol-OYMeMTIo2FfzeMcIX4TxBDWX1wJbHEp7D85lDR3b7SZBnBox24XPZYLngQAdjb1mXDP0troV_WaXDrbGRoQgP8TKYNb26lVwKn8PD8RGDJVjj5BWeSWfHggE3BTx7s7QFS_Tgre8tIzryXAcIGVg7IRIskhTf5wMXa8UZ5V=s1297" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOIGT7EiFvQISriaol-OYMeMTIo2FfzeMcIX4TxBDWX1wJbHEp7D85lDR3b7SZBnBox24XPZYLngQAdjb1mXDP0troV_WaXDrbGRoQgP8TKYNb26lVwKn8PD8RGDJVjj5BWeSWfHggE3BTx7s7QFS_Tgre8tIzryXAcIGVg7IRIskhTf5wMXa8UZ5V=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For the speaking shot I sourced a free stock shot of a curtain, and a bunch of stock shots with backs of heads in them to create this auditorium shot:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSDX8x0dHwQXPA8nedGyY34LRWm6e6ndeOZwo8NojippcKftt5ZK-FN8vbwSG4qpvQpvt8nBszVrDyE0jz6ls-wsxnuVesbNiNANgp93oE76DLfz0SkNJFkaC505i0_AeJXrzy19O1jb5KjCL7kX9Stdk003SyKq7okC8R9W8W6OQx7EY33W5hedgv=s1200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1200" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSDX8x0dHwQXPA8nedGyY34LRWm6e6ndeOZwo8NojippcKftt5ZK-FN8vbwSG4qpvQpvt8nBszVrDyE0jz6ls-wsxnuVesbNiNANgp93oE76DLfz0SkNJFkaC505i0_AeJXrzy19O1jb5KjCL7kX9Stdk003SyKq7okC8R9W8W6OQx7EY33W5hedgv=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Curtains and heads by Unsplash.com</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The trickiest thing with this shot was subtly degrading the quality bit by bit so it didn't look too perfect, because too sharp and perfectly lit would not mimic a shot actually created in this kind of environment. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A couple of comments I think are worth making: </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Even if we had been able to shoot at these actual locations
what my lens would have been able to see behind a physically present Ted would not
have been what I was able to place behind him in my manipulated backgrounds. Physics
and reality can be very limiting; the size of the room, distance possible between
the camera, subject and background, camera height relative to the subject and
background, subject movement during shooting, all these things and more can dictate
outcomes in ways that may not be ideal and may compromise the success of the
image. These shots literally could not have been done in camera. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is way easier to cut a person out of a green screen to reposition
them into a background than it is to cut a person out of a shot in which they
are already against a background that has details, colours and textures. It is
also way easier to tweak a person’s body shape or clothing shape if they are
not already on a detailed background. For example, let's say you want to poke in a hip a
wee bit (at the client’s request…no judgement here!!), whatever is in the background
goes with it, unless you take extra steps to mask (ie., manually separate) the subject from the
background, and even then you still have to create the part of the background that was covered by the body part, which takes time (and costs money), and which you wouldn’t have to bother doing if the subject was already
separate from the background. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDNrV3KAJGJp8rgoPshHzKjYU4GUVKzwaaUmNVqYAcXqYQpGhC45gK6_j3dneaYZmd1g7WTItlf_t5mc1P_EJW94XydQInFVUjn3J8VT0F8x8rYu5FHd8yLRzc7huqHqJy-OvrzpJv5CboQlN2Mq4NSJ8juxWDU2iwie4JhJFTT15PCGJE8VPtC0vw=s1667" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1667" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDNrV3KAJGJp8rgoPshHzKjYU4GUVKzwaaUmNVqYAcXqYQpGhC45gK6_j3dneaYZmd1g7WTItlf_t5mc1P_EJW94XydQInFVUjn3J8VT0F8x8rYu5FHd8yLRzc7huqHqJy-OvrzpJv5CboQlN2Mq4NSJ8juxWDU2iwie4JhJFTT15PCGJE8VPtC0vw=w400-h193" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Unsplash.com showing what can happen when you try to change the shape of a subject standing in front of a background when the subject and background are one shot.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With green screens it doesn’t matter if the subject moves when you’re shooting;
they will never end up drifting from the spot where you wanted them relative to the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>background. And you can tweak the angle to be the most flattering
possible without worrying about how that is going to affect the look of the
background relative to your tilted lens. Sometimes the most flattering angle
for the person, ie. where the camera is positioned…especially camera height,
means you can't have the part of the
background you want where you want it behind the person. Green screens erase that issue. So the photographer has ultimate control.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tiffany Calligaris is the author of multiple works of fiction, in
particular the <i>Lesath</i> saga and <i>Witches</i> Series. <a href="https://www.tiffanycalligaris.com/eng/autora/">https://www.tiffanycalligaris.com/eng/autora/</a></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last time we worked together she wanted to be photographed in
her neighbourhood and condo so the shots would be personal and authentic to her and convey these parts of her life to her fans, and this time was no different except that she wanted to feature the fall colours of her Canadian home. She typically needs a variety of portraits, 4-5 images, that can
be used for PR, social media, website, etc. for Canadian and Latin American audiences. We planned two shoots…one to capture backgrounds on a sunny day, and one in studio for the actual portraits. The image at the top of this post is one of my favourites and used a background image from my archive. The alternate below uses a background from one of her favourite parks. </span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVQW6Q06mMZvXf92AcPCa8-NpI5G1-tzVaUKSpXQ2ZKE6jvmPnVQkmBYn1LZB2_9VgABFdZQZXTJAhMasQu5JHiKaCrr_sR6X-ox_4SUg230H3E6sang8VOX0HPRX-PCgcJCOTRrCsAz1dIC9RnDlbYt9JtIprSpin56wcG6kK2WHz36JGYsW1iBkM=s1400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1400" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVQW6Q06mMZvXf92AcPCa8-NpI5G1-tzVaUKSpXQ2ZKE6jvmPnVQkmBYn1LZB2_9VgABFdZQZXTJAhMasQu5JHiKaCrr_sR6X-ox_4SUg230H3E6sang8VOX0HPRX-PCgcJCOTRrCsAz1dIC9RnDlbYt9JtIprSpin56wcG6kK2WHz36JGYsW1iBkM=w400-h306" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To make sure I was shooting the backgrounds with the right amount of blur I shot a few test shots with her on our background walk for reference. (I spend a lot of time staring at movies for portrait-relative-to-background-blur references.) These also gave me reminders regarding the way natural light might fall on hair. One danger with green screen is the phenomenon of not being able to unsee the green screen once you know that was how it was shot. It happens to me. This can make people afraid that viewers will think a portrait looks fake. I challenge you to start looking at close-up frames in movies, and photographs that you can be pretty certain were shot real and notice the sharpness of people against blurred backgrounds. They don't look like phone pics. I also think part of the challenge is that people are used to seeing badly or
not at all lit outdoor portraits. When I shoot outside, I use lighting, pretty
much always, because natural light is often not our friend.* As such my portraits that actually are shot outside often look pretty much the
same as the ones I shoot inside. Here is one of Tiffany from our
previous shoot. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWht10-G70qQacZf9RHhkjFvzM_sqTCNP8xgAXtI3H35AK4OzLhQji2n6L0qZjMI6D2qpSlis_Hyz3Cixgz6t4ftYge55TPgsVufiAOmupmPxn6a9UzROaicCZg2lWJ04ydzAeXUgWgINRc9OYruV4203MHgY3wQODrH_Rzhvw0iuWmb1wpjxIcEqQ=s1000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWht10-G70qQacZf9RHhkjFvzM_sqTCNP8xgAXtI3H35AK4OzLhQji2n6L0qZjMI6D2qpSlis_Hyz3Cixgz6t4ftYge55TPgsVufiAOmupmPxn6a9UzROaicCZg2lWJ04ydzAeXUgWgINRc9OYruV4203MHgY3wQODrH_Rzhvw0iuWmb1wpjxIcEqQ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tiffany photographed outside a few years ago. I had lighting. And she was freezing.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you assumed I was always doing green screen shoots you might see
this is being as an example. But it was shot outside. The point is, I ask you to
beware the tendency to think good, and polished equals fake. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And,
it’s a stylistic choice. When clients want very natural looking light
we do that. But the goal is always to show the subject in the most
flattering way possible. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">*After I published this post I came across a good example which I've added here below of a shot that one might think could have been done on green screen and which illustrates the difference lighting outside can make. The test shot at the top was taken at about 1:00 p.m. on an October day when we were just starting to set up. The shot below was about an hour later when the sun's angle had changed considerably and was coming less from the side and more from behind (look at the highlight on the tree in the background behind the subject). At all times the subject was in the shade. We had to balance the level of light on him with the natural light in the background, and make him look nice. </span></span><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLCL0NZoo_LrpleiF1qghG7OJJiTPZ5eOlk2QMEvJH1VW8jlcnZXprsQhLVHvq5nWTXoqSwmfVIi-i4ICYzmY0vDMmCEZRACNIcu75_rplaTIJrBKTGAv2kT1FUFuDF2F-PDzTiJDECOtRJIps0QzbZuXxd8P56o9oIIwd2IIHl2xtzlthU8EoFDef=s1875" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1603" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLCL0NZoo_LrpleiF1qghG7OJJiTPZ5eOlk2QMEvJH1VW8jlcnZXprsQhLVHvq5nWTXoqSwmfVIi-i4ICYzmY0vDMmCEZRACNIcu75_rplaTIJrBKTGAv2kT1FUFuDF2F-PDzTiJDECOtRJIps0QzbZuXxd8P56o9oIIwd2IIHl2xtzlthU8EoFDef=w549-h640" width="549" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One more thought on the issue of natural light vs. artificial lighting: gorgeous, stunning natural light does happen...it's what makes some of the most compelling images around...but as professionals we generally do not have the luxury of waiting or hoping for a natural light miracle at the time and place we need to shoot, so we create it. And we get to decide what our little miracles are going to look like. It's part of the art, and one of the ways photographers differentiate themselves.</span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Necklines</span></b><br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style>@font-face
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<p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know this has been a long post but before I wrap up I just want to leave you with a few thoughts on necklines. This goes for portraits and for video calls. Of course it is up to you where your
neckline sits but in my humble opinion best practices suggest erring on the
side of conservative, partly for aesthetic reasons. It just doesn’t look good
when your neckline plunges below the edge of the frame. I</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t can draw the viewer's
eye down away from your face and that’s not what we want. Ideally your face is
framed within the frame of the portrait, or the video call frame. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMPelfbcUIU04jY6YB6f148z9SjWcXRhBAg2RkI4pgPQq20hnO8z0qIURC0VbRI7CXCWK5DQt9UF4LpMyH8dsg5aDyUxrXea_bLfE2kr1roL1hJDVNhy4LFmtFh2LoWyH0w9XsV3jvIwvdQGAPdjsL73paNmNk1UBaQWa-HU9h5Tsvw136JDSc7ti5=s2228" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2228" data-original-width="1932" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMPelfbcUIU04jY6YB6f148z9SjWcXRhBAg2RkI4pgPQq20hnO8z0qIURC0VbRI7CXCWK5DQt9UF4LpMyH8dsg5aDyUxrXea_bLfE2kr1roL1hJDVNhy4LFmtFh2LoWyH0w9XsV3jvIwvdQGAPdjsL73paNmNk1UBaQWa-HU9h5Tsvw136JDSc7ti5=s320" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Top: Neckline goes off the edge of the frame. Bottom: Ideal video call framing which works best if the full neckline is included in the frame. Photo by Unsplash.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVWakdCDac6eM_0M9bDqjqsuBlUU65wnoKnAU-tGM89XBxVqGliFwS_BFFnUKt0-gCdX8V6ulEowhJsbxVd_QcYwlcKIWofb74cw2U9jnInqvWgE5O64Vw819zPHsrZEV_P9dP6p7kKSB3XwiEo6ohCn44Q0y1i10QKPB-7H_HzhQvF_dVwsXzddkd=s1576" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1576" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVWakdCDac6eM_0M9bDqjqsuBlUU65wnoKnAU-tGM89XBxVqGliFwS_BFFnUKt0-gCdX8V6ulEowhJsbxVd_QcYwlcKIWofb74cw2U9jnInqvWgE5O64Vw819zPHsrZEV_P9dP6p7kKSB3XwiEo6ohCn44Q0y1i10QKPB-7H_HzhQvF_dVwsXzddkd=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: overly plunging neckline in a portrait. Right: Modesty panel added in Photoshop.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One day a while ago I was about to hop onto a video call
when I realized that my v-necked dress looked on camera to have a deeper 'v' than
I’d thought. I didn’t want to change my framing as it was set where I wanted
it, and I didn’t want to change my dress so I slapped on a piece of duct tape
and voila! Problem solved. It was bit uncomfortable and not really beautiful,
so I set about looking for a better solution and found these:
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCAQmwnuU0--B-xzHCKhaF4CnFMdJRFWRCs4DenWwEp9GGFeUnaO_kKhGoNLXTrN5bB7Ocg7XAsOmpo9pwmK_9U2fVj6Ov5-danaMmYF-dvtRTrWpjOsoH4aHzdJNs2wcpOHrTduAJ0jzcuN1HvWds8wByns0uJUqx-oLQFJB5tYgLvgVmZZ8xAY_w=s1144" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1144" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCAQmwnuU0--B-xzHCKhaF4CnFMdJRFWRCs4DenWwEp9GGFeUnaO_kKhGoNLXTrN5bB7Ocg7XAsOmpo9pwmK_9U2fVj6Ov5-danaMmYF-dvtRTrWpjOsoH4aHzdJNs2wcpOHrTduAJ0jzcuN1HvWds8wByns0uJUqx-oLQFJB5tYgLvgVmZZ8xAY_w=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Modesty panel (you can get them on Amazon.ca)</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now I have a a set of these modesty panels at my studio, in different colours, and can deploy them in one of two ways. A client can either wear one (yes, of course I launder it after someone wears one), or I can put it in digitally after the fact. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is not entirely uncommon for a woman to show up for a
portrait session wearing something that is a little more revealing than she
realized. In the case of this client pictured below we knew in advance the neckline was little low but the dress was perfect other than that, so she wore it and we accessorized with a panel. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSykTFS_4KKKfUqQOtmHGUa6p9rGSugGrVK3spsE41BHcPZBLOrpzH_evuYwE9NWtcokJ_fFl2Hn8Hl79XMWkEP4lei08Agx6Cxy0j-Gl72lhB7F7BeRnmn7zdfbyXWWb8i3jDChzyvRVk4vy3DH4A5HZB06wXihL00JzwE66N1Dh38brhayodwtck=s1136" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSykTFS_4KKKfUqQOtmHGUa6p9rGSugGrVK3spsE41BHcPZBLOrpzH_evuYwE9NWtcokJ_fFl2Hn8Hl79XMWkEP4lei08Agx6Cxy0j-Gl72lhB7F7BeRnmn7zdfbyXWWb8i3jDChzyvRVk4vy3DH4A5HZB06wXihL00JzwE66N1Dh38brhayodwtck=s320" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Neckline temporarily raised with a modesty panel.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I talk about necklines and other wardrobe recommendations
for portraits here:
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/09/wardrobe-for-business-profile-portraits.htm</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will wrap up with a little horn tooting...I wrote this down right after it was said but I didn’t note
who said it. You can assume it was someone important. ;) “You actually took a
picture of me that I like. That’s like some sort of miracle.” </span></span></p><p><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></style></p><p><style><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></span></style><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I look forward to helpi<span style="font-size: small;">ng you sho</span>w up brilliantly. Thanks for reading!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a><br /><br /></span></span><br /></p><br /><br /><br />KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-92156510487749216062021-09-28T13:06:00.004-07:002023-02-07T06:17:45.316-08:00Wardrobe for business profile portraits and headshots<p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For best results I suggest the following general wardrobe guidelines for head and shoulders portraits for your consideration. </span></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Please note that if we are shooting against a green screen it is critical you <b>not wear green</b>.</span></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Try to stick to predominantly solid, neutral colours, and mid-tones (ie. not white or black) although a white or contrasting shirt can work underneath a suit jacket.</span></span></i></span></p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgu08OLDtPCAz77Zhkg7s-4cvh83cGF2xkDmnHG4c14V73CnGQORXJEJSLXcrDgQNmv1lczLfBtxoPgiNfec99cVk_0s05LSBJSA3qK7_HW7AWzCakMy278HVHvPAlbXY6MP4D9ZOAoc/s2048/SteveRobinsonExample.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="2048" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgu08OLDtPCAz77Zhkg7s-4cvh83cGF2xkDmnHG4c14V73CnGQORXJEJSLXcrDgQNmv1lczLfBtxoPgiNfec99cVk_0s05LSBJSA3qK7_HW7AWzCakMy278HVHvPAlbXY6MP4D9ZOAoc/s320/SteveRobinsonExample.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">A white shirt works under a suit jacket.</span></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvPR06nKk1rruCga44yK_h0Sd-XJeuWirU6K-bfcUBSuJPCyGe9oLvXHq6dCNup21soYFBYQkzdg-PUp6G0RNXyeK6aDIFng7wqfc7aQmbm66_rdFRcqtFdX8bVE5SgjaJ58iIeFw7hY/s2048/WhiteVsBlackTops+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvPR06nKk1rruCga44yK_h0Sd-XJeuWirU6K-bfcUBSuJPCyGe9oLvXHq6dCNup21soYFBYQkzdg-PUp6G0RNXyeK6aDIFng7wqfc7aQmbm66_rdFRcqtFdX8bVE5SgjaJ58iIeFw7hY/w400-h215/WhiteVsBlackTops+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (right) - Unsplash</span></span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">2. A splash of colour can also work well and add some spark to a portrait.</span></i></span><br /> <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryL63ynImH29OOZG_B1aYLtOG5YEIprLITfMBFa-9pEQ6T5lGgOgXr-Xj-fWkYDYUwzBHvHQ3OmMLAekQRJ7eSjotgErj38KME5KiwtLTZety8Vtnk6jaHxQUCViwHs8mGxWTpDZjSCo/s1676/KathWScarfSmallAndBig+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1676" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryL63ynImH29OOZG_B1aYLtOG5YEIprLITfMBFa-9pEQ6T5lGgOgXr-Xj-fWkYDYUwzBHvHQ3OmMLAekQRJ7eSjotgErj38KME5KiwtLTZety8Vtnk6jaHxQUCViwHs8mGxWTpDZjSCo/w400-h148/KathWScarfSmallAndBig+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">A colourful scarf can add spark.</span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">3. Busy and large patterns should be avoided, as well as very small patterns such as fine checks and houndstooth which can cause a distracting moire effect.</span></span></i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAET9AOuC561wFW4v59J3HjJhqRptDDnyoGGVIbzEqbkBFxJLYVYBoyUWaLNsVTNbb6rogDe7mPPSrXx0inzOa9lBgV-LJpS37v7llB-kySpMz880fF4Yg2f6qBKK09KBhSthIcpOJ4s/s2160/LargeAndSmallPatterns+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="2160" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAET9AOuC561wFW4v59J3HjJhqRptDDnyoGGVIbzEqbkBFxJLYVYBoyUWaLNsVTNbb6rogDe7mPPSrXx0inzOa9lBgV-LJpS37v7llB-kySpMz880fF4Yg2f6qBKK09KBhSthIcpOJ4s/w400-h166/LargeAndSmallPatterns+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">4. With a shirt and tie, the shirt should be a solid colour. Any stripes or pattern can make retouching of wrinkles impossible.</span></i></span><p></p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uaFxA2lqIab6YJWwO2O2bmcfL_9cVrSbGjjwiJQZfkVWIuXjJeq10YrJyB9NBsIvKRTAmk21iE6ppKcYmgnWzPfGDQFe67VEHkjyZaJEalXosLplbqNkOJEZtU_OCFqdlAdCI1YQ3oc/s1000/WrinklesOnPatternedShirts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="1000" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uaFxA2lqIab6YJWwO2O2bmcfL_9cVrSbGjjwiJQZfkVWIuXjJeq10YrJyB9NBsIvKRTAmk21iE6ppKcYmgnWzPfGDQFe67VEHkjyZaJEalXosLplbqNkOJEZtU_OCFqdlAdCI1YQ3oc/s320/WrinklesOnPatternedShirts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo - Unsplash</span></span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">5. With dresses and tops higher cut necklines tend to work better because aesthetically it is preferable for the top of the dress or top to be included within the image frame.</span></i></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsK3CbFSVrFjV_f51Sw19ErW6Q1UF4o-g-3Tk19mgWMgo4w6uodSdIjWaizZdZhVHqzpkZcWcanLjkYyGmSd3ned3IPtJn9e0v3AcvnOQ3Afeyi1HbfBC9QB5c4d-u4RS0oFhH4jl_mo/s2585/GoodVsBadNecklines+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="2585" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsK3CbFSVrFjV_f51Sw19ErW6Q1UF4o-g-3Tk19mgWMgo4w6uodSdIjWaizZdZhVHqzpkZcWcanLjkYyGmSd3ned3IPtJn9e0v3AcvnOQ3Afeyi1HbfBC9QB5c4d-u4RS0oFhH4jl_mo/w640-h180/GoodVsBadNecklines+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Typical head and shoulders crops - 4 great necklines and one less great <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos - Unsplash</span></span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">6. With dresses and tops, three quarter or long sleeves tend to be more flattering than sleeveless tops, as long as they are not ill-fitting, and work better with portrait crops. Short sleeves may not work as well visually as sleeves that extend beyond the edge of the portrait frame.</span></i></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlR57L14mKFIQkquWVnrLgk_8sWMi-vbQQfrh2RV8rHFId4EnwdIQmxPA2vLUuaxbSfWUHJuxo4lKt3drBvP4YaH_mbLdsa_gza4A8UyrfVY7PYmtf-DCkoyJXR1QthV8gcVAss5ENxA/s2012/WardrobeSleevesNotWorkingVsWorking+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="2012" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlR57L14mKFIQkquWVnrLgk_8sWMi-vbQQfrh2RV8rHFId4EnwdIQmxPA2vLUuaxbSfWUHJuxo4lKt3drBvP4YaH_mbLdsa_gza4A8UyrfVY7PYmtf-DCkoyJXR1QthV8gcVAss5ENxA/w640-h160/WardrobeSleevesNotWorkingVsWorking+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">The safest option for a flattering head and shoulders portrait will often be long sleeves.</span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">7. Wear something that is flattering on you (ie. has flattering lines and shape), and fits you properly* and comfortably, without pulling or sagging, not too tight or loose, and without extra fabric in areas such as where the sleeve joins the bodice. Note that in general cardigans look less professional than other options. Beware of undergarments that show through tops; noticeable bumps may be distracting and difficult or impossible to remove in retouching.</span></i></span></p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXmmRynXpLm-CzmBZldtV-jGrvvvaKULbf-MWzR5PsllJD18gSNRy00IOlsY59CclEglO8rWWarX6glQZLNXCFRxXkcZY6krfvpa1tUjj2CFbPtnkpqHFGw5UjLzYk80mTZw14AF3U1Q/s2048/IllFittingClothes+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1875" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXmmRynXpLm-CzmBZldtV-jGrvvvaKULbf-MWzR5PsllJD18gSNRy00IOlsY59CclEglO8rWWarX6glQZLNXCFRxXkcZY6krfvpa1tUjj2CFbPtnkpqHFGw5UjLzYk80mTZw14AF3U1Q/w586-h640/IllFittingClothes+copy.jpg" width="586" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Avoid sweaters and loose clothes. And watch for distracting wrinkles and bumps that won't be fixed in retouching. </span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">8. If you wear a jacket make sure you can comfortably do up the top button. </span></i></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-ZUvteK6viTnEluFBZZ-BEipdraMQONO8OZm46Y5IxzZk2nZcl-XaGwIeW345W8xAOSJtH6tL7kJswKVVjNV4AFgVAc-G5Phw8gHbyFKiDRKk2mGgIDXgCq0ZawTpfEJp-017Rvyl5s/s800/JacketTooTight.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="800" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-ZUvteK6viTnEluFBZZ-BEipdraMQONO8OZm46Y5IxzZk2nZcl-XaGwIeW345W8xAOSJtH6tL7kJswKVVjNV4AFgVAc-G5Phw8gHbyFKiDRKk2mGgIDXgCq0ZawTpfEJp-017Rvyl5s/w200-h171/JacketTooTight.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Not like this. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo - Unsplash</span></span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">9. Lean towards jackets that zip up or button up to form a 'v' underneath the face, as opposed to jackets that don't have buttons and/or that can't be done up. Also, in general, it is best to avoid double breasted jackets.<br /></span></i></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTTThYo2ZKLt9gM9iGVcDs0FfEkN8bYjjzlxqtnDPMAqbgAxF3hx9rXf-ZuX4Xf4ewVAUr1pZN8r-UboXh9qUGYt3BWCALmrEo9TkpQAmxgatArlDl1DvY-mGb7x92-kk5kxCrH0jVzs/s2440/VvsInvertedV+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="2440" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTTThYo2ZKLt9gM9iGVcDs0FfEkN8bYjjzlxqtnDPMAqbgAxF3hx9rXf-ZuX4Xf4ewVAUr1pZN8r-UboXh9qUGYt3BWCALmrEo9TkpQAmxgatArlDl1DvY-mGb7x92-kk5kxCrH0jVzs/w640-h234/VvsInvertedV+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">There are no hard, fast rules here, just a somewhat aesthetically conservative suggestion.</span></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">10. If your outfit allows for it consider wearing pants with pockets. Being able to put hands in pockets can facilitate a relaxed standing pose. <br /></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">11. Avoid clothing styles that are likely to date quickly (ie. trendy styles).</span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">12. Keep in mind that generally viewers of your portrait should be noticing your face, foremost, as opposed to your clothing or jewellery, so it's often best to keep them understated (unless you are a clothing or jewellery designer).<br /></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">13. If you are not sure what will look good, time allowing, consider bringing options -- cleaned and pressed and on hangers (not folded). </span></i></span></p><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">14. If you plan to wear something that wrinkles easily consider bringing it to the shoot cleaned, pressed and on a hanger to put on right before your session.<br /></span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">15. In the absence of a Hair and Make-up artist be sure to be as camera-ready as possible -- clean teeth, lips moisterized (avoid dry, chapped lips), lipstick, etc. touched up, if applicable. Consider bringing your make-up kit (if applicable) for touch-ups. Due to the pandemic we no longer apply shine reducing powder, for now, so you may want to bring your own.</span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">16. If we are hiring a hair and make-up artist please make sure your hair is NOT FRESHLY WASHED. Freshly washed hair can very difficult to style. <br /></span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">If I have missed anything glaringly not covered please let me know. </span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">* Post-pandemic many of us do not have the quite same bodies we went in with. If nothing fits right and you haven't had to dress for the office in while, please consider buying something new that fits your current self. <br /></span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: times;">Wardrobe is obviously very personal and what is considered to look good is a subjective thing. These guidelines are intended to provide some tips on common pitfalls that can detract from the awesomeness of a professional portrait. Hopefully with these in mind readers will show up for portrait sessions feeling confident and looking great. <br /></span></span></i></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><b><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a></b> </span></i></span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><br />KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-9858017693396572222021-09-14T06:50:00.000-07:002021-09-14T06:50:06.327-07:00Is it Photo Day yet? And the importance of backgrounds.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnELTKAp5VJmFDKT8u1wPg2nbK7UQIhHfcdmlEKESq4OEpUMAtYGjyuXDp2vKI0w1dWKVcg0n8gRspnhsaGPShLkawpc0NMuy_upals9zyI81qDPfPB9bHt4cklmkziOyXMgajxmGwLM/s2048/KathwCamera23Mar2021_015St1Crp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1735" data-original-width="2048" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnELTKAp5VJmFDKT8u1wPg2nbK7UQIhHfcdmlEKESq4OEpUMAtYGjyuXDp2vKI0w1dWKVcg0n8gRspnhsaGPShLkawpc0NMuy_upals9zyI81qDPfPB9bHt4cklmkziOyXMgajxmGwLM/w200-h169/KathwCamera23Mar2021_015St1Crp.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What you might see when I am photographing you.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have to admit I have started and stopped writing and revising this post multiple times over the past two months, as I navigated the uncertainty we are probably all to various extents still feeling. No time ever felt like the right time to reach out about doing corporate (or any) portraits. But I think now that September is here and summer holidays are done people may be more receptive to embracing the need for updated photography. And likely by now if you’ve wanted a hair cut you’ve been able to get one, and if you’ve decided to forgo colouring your hair your natural colour has grown all the way out. You may also be part of the growing and overdue movement to start embracing your naturally textured hair.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Also helpfully, we are further along to road to coming out the other end of this pandemic. As I write almost 80% of adults in Ontario my age group are vaccinated (including me). And we continue to observe Covid protocols on shoots. So we are finally, truly, back in business. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Yes, for many people it will be high time for an updated profile portrait or updated staff or leadership team portraits, so where to start? </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 things to do to prepare for a portrait shoot:</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>1) Step 1 is to book a hair cut if you haven’t already. With reduced capacity at salons it may take longer than usual to get an appointment with your stylist, so you may need more lead time than usual. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>2) Find something flattering to wear that fits, a more challenging task for many due to after effects of the pandemic. I have a wardrobe blurb I share with all portrait clients, and one of the most important points in it is to wear something you feel great in and that fits nicely…not too tight or too loose. With any button up top or jacket you want to be able to do it up without any strain. So, it might be time to buy a new jacket. (If you’re interested check out my video on wardrobe for video calls, adapted from my portrait wardrobe guidelines: </span><a href="https://youtu.be/LMRoP8NIVJY" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/LMRoP8NIVJY </a><span>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>3) Think about where it makes sense for you and your team to shoot. With many still working from home it may be that shooting at your office is no longer the best option. These days we divide our time shooting at office locations, my studio, and people’s homes, and often you can’t tell from the resulting portrait which location we were in because…green screens! Yes, I am talking about this technique again. Read on.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beautiful Backgrounds, Beautiful Portraits - my latest author portrait</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsx40Eh-3QxgpcsA8iizT56ShJhIuGJ4WlRqG30vr2QzNgHrTtCgqUtEzXc5wLgiNm8idl98zCnFV9yY_eXq8VJVjXwBFezwmaEU-P_MPvuTuMyafaIDuKU2leTCvGBEgJX8f2udBONk/s1500/JudithMcCormack8Jun21_062RvsdSml.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1500" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsx40Eh-3QxgpcsA8iizT56ShJhIuGJ4WlRqG30vr2QzNgHrTtCgqUtEzXc5wLgiNm8idl98zCnFV9yY_eXq8VJVjXwBFezwmaEU-P_MPvuTuMyafaIDuKU2leTCvGBEgJX8f2udBONk/s320/JudithMcCormack8Jun21_062RvsdSml.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Author Judith McCormack in my studio</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>One of my first post lockdown portrait shoots this year was with lauded author of numerous award-nominated short stories and the brilliant novel </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Backspring</span><span> Judith McCormack. I was excited to be able to provide her with the outdoor portraits she wanted without actually having to deal with the sometimes deal-breaking unknowns of shooting outside. For those following my updates you won’t be surprised to know we shot inside against a green screen. This meant we could relax and focus on the portrait knowing that I’d be able to take my time choosing the perfect outdoor environment from my archive after the shoot.</span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Here’s a link to a larger version of the portrait: </span><a href="https://hollinrake.com/portfolios/authorscelebrities" target="_blank">https://hollinrake.com/portfolios/authorscelebrities</a></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Here she is, alternatively, in a downtown interior:</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPO0bSV8OKJiz5YG0OIVYw150-jlV9J52yJfaZI0U1r3DK34i8fajxWZiDvc4j-xav5fansJiUVvHCa-bkC1-fO_6IePxeO8csIraywZtcyiDq2l6hHYL9yslqb_XDNchLu25pUnkAog/s1025/LorinCondo_Aug2021_11wJudithForBlog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1025" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPO0bSV8OKJiz5YG0OIVYw150-jlV9J52yJfaZI0U1r3DK34i8fajxWZiDvc4j-xav5fansJiUVvHCa-bkC1-fO_6IePxeO8csIraywZtcyiDq2l6hHYL9yslqb_XDNchLu25pUnkAog/s320/LorinCondo_Aug2021_11wJudithForBlog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Same portrait on another background from my archive</span></span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course sometimes we want the look of an in-studio shoot, and maybe a bit more drama. We shot the following example in studio against a 5x7 foot green screen.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiBFx3KmUeSQwcVwN6CW6ylB2njlUYdo8gYQ-o6ubQla4s04UsE_wHQBur2S7EE3XveW7T-g_jSfC_S6GYuVGpt71TEq42OHjl7qtgNc0XLW2KQw0Jufhxl7jUJKoGv-YDPGCWxxr6YQ/s938/KenOnBoxOnGreen14Aug21_010St2ForBlog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiBFx3KmUeSQwcVwN6CW6ylB2njlUYdo8gYQ-o6ubQla4s04UsE_wHQBur2S7EE3XveW7T-g_jSfC_S6GYuVGpt71TEq42OHjl7qtgNc0XLW2KQw0Jufhxl7jUJKoGv-YDPGCWxxr6YQ/s320/KenOnBoxOnGreen14Aug21_010St2ForBlog.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shot on 5x7 green screen; background is a 9 foot wide seamless.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The 9 foot wide gray seamless paper backdrop in the image was shot separately. A couple of advantages of shooting this way are 1) we can set up a much smaller set (in a living room for example) than is required to actually shoot against a 9 foot wide seamless (which requires a big space), and 2) we have the flexibility of deciding on the background later, and changing it as needed. </span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0iELm7XNpq66YPm6zjCOk9q-VCN-YhqylhOV6nU5_MMEf4Bhy6LPfjpDwqScskGDzNDNz2W8bqaeX-xEtYqF-G8K2D88gXWCZDjTF9kcKKGHIVw96nxOG6i2VV5nSnUnjYBw8cxlGrE/s1154/KenOnBoxOnGreen14Aug21_010St3ForBlog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0iELm7XNpq66YPm6zjCOk9q-VCN-YhqylhOV6nU5_MMEf4Bhy6LPfjpDwqScskGDzNDNz2W8bqaeX-xEtYqF-G8K2D88gXWCZDjTF9kcKKGHIVw96nxOG6i2VV5nSnUnjYBw8cxlGrE/s320/KenOnBoxOnGreen14Aug21_010St3ForBlog.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Same portrait as above with a light gray background</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The importance of backgrounds</span> </b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span><span>One of the things that distinguishes one portrait photographer from another is, of course, lighting, but as important is the art of choosing the right background. Some portrait techniques and scenarios really limit the options, compromising the potential impact of and message communicated by the final shot. When someone asked me recently about my favourite part of my job I thought of how I feel when I capture a particularly “perfect” background for a future portrait. At the time of my writing this I had just had one of these moments. Having returned from a trip to Oakville to shoot gardens, specifically as backgrounds, I was reviewing the images in full resolution and came upon one that I just didn’t want to stop looking at. So I made it as large as possible on my monitor and just came back to it repeatedly in between working on other things, to get that little hit of joy, the way you do when you look at a piece of art you love, over and over.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKh-9p0K1RniQgZW8jWwf11OSLzZJc_WVM6bRcdra7NBVHfJhiuQO-uUls3Bma85SSbfJiz73eXSavTnvw2Wy8puYwFBLDZsky-x_qKiniUFDnGzelBLtZoE4H7KGxh_XYTuaiuvXsCs/s1000/BruecknerRhodoGrdns_Aug2021_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKh-9p0K1RniQgZW8jWwf11OSLzZJc_WVM6bRcdra7NBVHfJhiuQO-uUls3Bma85SSbfJiz73eXSavTnvw2Wy8puYwFBLDZsky-x_qKiniUFDnGzelBLtZoE4H7KGxh_XYTuaiuvXsCs/w266-h400/BruecknerRhodoGrdns_Aug2021_14.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">An outdoor background from my archive</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span><span><br /> </span></span></span></span></span><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next best part is carefully and artfully selecting the appropriate background for a specific portrait and placing that person into that background, and watching the whole portrait come together in a way that could not even have happened without the magic of the green screen. Because while I do shoot these backgrounds as if there is a person there, focusing on an imaginary subject in the foreground to blur the background in camera (because blurring it later in Photoshop will not look the same), actually photographing that person there may have been, in most cases, pretty much impossible for a number of reasons.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Corporate photography might look a little different post-pandemic but there have been some silver linings. I LOVE not being limited by (often) boring available backgrounds. And as a wish-I-could-have-been-a-painter photographer I love the art of creating portraits in this way. I am growing my archive of indoor backgrounds, too, so if you work in an attractive building that is still somewhat empty these days I’d love to drop by and capture a few blurred and unidentifiable but suggestive-of-a-business-environment backgrounds.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Backgrounds make me happy. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you haven’t seen my previous blog post on green screen shooting please have a look at this where I talk about the advantages of the technique on more detail: <a href="http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/04/why-i-love-shooting-portraits-against.html" target="_blank">http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/04/why-i-love-shooting-portraits-against.html</a> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can also see a mini-portfolio of green screen portraits at: https://hollinrake.com/pdfs.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where to shoot wasn’t typically often a question in the past, as more often than not we would come to clients at their offices and organizations. But this has changed. I’m curious to see who goes back to the office, who adopts a hybrid model and who has shifted to a more permanent WFH arrangement. From a photography point of view we can accommodate portrait shoots almost anywhere as there’s almost always room for a green screen. (And no, we don’t HAVE to use a green screen. We can, of course, shoot the ‘normal’ way if there’s somewhere nice and appropriate to shoot).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That said it seems to be working for organizations to call people to the office on a selected date for profile portrait shoots. It has been interesting photographing people who were hired during the pandemic and have never set foot in their organizations’ offices, and who are now meeting colleagues in person for the first time. This certainly has the potential to add a level of stress for those who don’t love having their pictures taken, something to keep in mind.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And that's it for my latest blurb on portraits and backgrounds. I hope this may have filled in a few gaps for the reader. Thanks so much for your interest! And please get in touch if you need photography for your business. I look forward to working with you.<br /></span></span></p><p><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></span></a></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com" target="_blank">hollinrake.com</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span face="Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-28297399058565993452021-04-06T09:59:00.003-07:002021-05-14T14:14:49.664-07:00Why I love shooting portraits against green screens<p> </p><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d_wiWXCRHURL_GB8YBnKKN1azkzWQ5afNL2-8bnlaEB-s_nwY7GjBCY_dbY5GGbcYS-2GGVZs0aa6-xCIzoBgZqqEhJnj3-THJGAckI5ErISBR26qmuyQnyojv78mZWWjFmMtXWL9OQ/s2048/2020+CCNM_CommunityReport_V2-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d_wiWXCRHURL_GB8YBnKKN1azkzWQ5afNL2-8bnlaEB-s_nwY7GjBCY_dbY5GGbcYS-2GGVZs0aa6-xCIzoBgZqqEhJnj3-THJGAckI5ErISBR26qmuyQnyojv78mZWWjFmMtXWL9OQ/w502-h640/2020+CCNM_CommunityReport_V2-1.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Cover of CCNM's 2020 Annual Report</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, I am going to write one more article on shooting
portraits on green screens. Why? Because this is my favourite new way of
shooting "environmental" portraits and I want to explain. I love
environmental portraits, ie. portraits that look like they were taken somewhere
other than in a photo studio. They tend to be more interesting, and more
creative and more layered in terms of the story they tell. But for many reasons
actually shooting in an appropriate and visually appealing environment is often
either not possible, or it would be way more trouble than would be justifiable.
Shooting on a green screen lets us visually put a subject where they want to be,
regardless of time of day, weather, lack of a beautiful board room, or any
other logistical concern.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was green screens that made it possible for me to shoot one of my
favourite annual reports ever this past fall, so I’m going to illustrate most of this article with examples from that project. Initially, due to Covid, the brief was that we’d have to shoot outside,
or mostly outside. To be honest, I was horrified. You know if you read my previous post how I
feel about shooting outside. On location…yes! Outside…really?…Is there really a
good reason to shoot outside? In this case, yes.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The situation was that they needed over twenty beautiful,
potentially full page portraits of individuals, no pairs or groups this time to
be Covid safe although we did end up doing one informal socially distanced
group portrait for the student association.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHVtqReoc4VfUH1BEvVuXe4tYgmgn3Zs0bL4FpYVIeg1-MRlStcH7i6T3zVRmhlMucpp6h4LndVX8dqD3Z2SHkoAthuyMyruM7kvW_UmBP8dFNGfyPuyKSxpzsbKVdgvfn_zopI7cckQ/s1724/CCNM_NSA_13Oct20_025crp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1724" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHVtqReoc4VfUH1BEvVuXe4tYgmgn3Zs0bL4FpYVIeg1-MRlStcH7i6T3zVRmhlMucpp6h4LndVX8dqD3Z2SHkoAthuyMyruM7kvW_UmBP8dFNGfyPuyKSxpzsbKVdgvfn_zopI7cckQ/w400-h228/CCNM_NSA_13Oct20_025crp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Informal socially distanced group shot outdoors</span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span></span><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I proposed we shoot on green screen for several reasons:</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- By the time we were going to be scheduled to shoot fall
would be well underway and it would look like it…leaves turned and falling or
fallen off trees, foliage withered, flowers gone, duller looking days.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- There weren't very many pretty outdoor backgrounds to choose from
at the organization’s campus where we’d be shooting, certainly not
enough variety to do twenty plus distinct portraits.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- If we shot outside on the backgrounds that did exist we’d
have to time all the shoots so that the light was right at each location at the
right time…that would have made logistics much more difficult, and the time
needed to shoot potentially much longer. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What was the process?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Before they even approved of the green screen idea I headed
out, on a weekend, to start collecting background images because I knew if I
waited I’d run out of opportunities and options. And they didn’t want fall
backgrounds…they wanted summery backgrounds. Furthermore, I knew I’d be able to
use the images as backgrounds for other shoots even if they chose to go in another
direction. After I had a few initial background shots I photographed myself in studio dressed as If I were outside and mocked up a
few test shots.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzMVzOb2iCtARFuV5wgo28WLdSVaqxuTViJy1ztSSTMEb4xb7vRXZ0z0cgjlCvbLhVo93ROm_RlnU8eyTobc6p_qDycgeji-iNbhLckdaW5QYJvXADAulSsAvoUTLZHoQZ4wEDDJKeX4/s1004/CCNM_GreenScrnTestContact_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1004" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzMVzOb2iCtARFuV5wgo28WLdSVaqxuTViJy1ztSSTMEb4xb7vRXZ0z0cgjlCvbLhVo93ROm_RlnU8eyTobc6p_qDycgeji-iNbhLckdaW5QYJvXADAulSsAvoUTLZHoQZ4wEDDJKeX4/w400-h258/CCNM_GreenScrnTestContact_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Contact sheet showing rough concept/test shots</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This confirmed for me and for the client that the concept would work! So over the next few weeks, when I
had time and the weather was right I went out background hunting, driving to
parks and locations in and around Toronto. And when I could I grabbed site specific shots for them on their campus, until I had a nice selection. I wanted a variety
of looks, so sunny days and less sunny days, light coming from a variety of
directions but never full on frontal…ie. from behind me shining straight onto
the landscape. It needed to be coming from one side or the other, or from
behind, ie. backlit. I was always imagining what the scene would look like as a
background with a person in front of it. So I composed the shots as if there
were someone in the frame, focusing on the imaginary person, visualizing how
they’d fit, making sure there was unencumbered space for a person such that
nothing would be sticking out from behind their heads or looking distracting. And I shot some horizontal and some vertical.<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Knowing that aesthetically we would want a very limited
depth of field look for the portraits (ie. sharp person, blurred background,
based on the inspiration shots in the brief…almost all close-ups with beautiful
bokeh backgrounds) I was careful to shoot with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a wide aperture, again always focusing on an imaginary person in the foreground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was important to do it
this way because blur created in-camera looks very different from blur created
in Photoshop. If you want bokeh, those lovely lens-induced shapes you see in
the out-of-focus parts of photographs, you need to shoot for them. (Yes, there
are ways to add a bokeh layer when Photoshopping an image, but not in a way
that would be practical or work with these types of images). So, to be
sure I’d get what I needed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I </span>had to bracket
the amount of ‘out-of-focusness’, in case what I thought would work didn’t make
visual sense once I placed a person in the frame. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The other tricky thing is that the amount of background blur
and bokeh that make visual sense vary hugely depending on how much of the
person is in the frame. The bokeh photographers and film makers swoon over
tends to occur in close-ups. But, the designers needed me to shoot everyone down to
upper thigh, as again, they didn’t know ahead of time how any one
portrait would be used. Generally the wider angle the shot, and the more space around
the subject, the more in focus the background will be, so it doesn't work to have
a ton of space all around the subject but have it be blurred out the way it would be when
you shoot a close up of a person with a long lens and a wide open aperture. It just doesn't look right partly because it's not what we're used to seeing.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeuWGDv8hs7C3fXnKxZP1lsdio_YABtQorpIZJm09V2DEdi8piqRhcUvR4_HmFZy5M9n3icl8lHR1MIgEZQJCCRsNEBgpATyixrb-waFtoQTMZ9cRjrUIWSUruK-uMfx8fMPgt7Mr2bc/s1261/Monique2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="1261" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeuWGDv8hs7C3fXnKxZP1lsdio_YABtQorpIZJm09V2DEdi8piqRhcUvR4_HmFZy5M9n3icl8lHR1MIgEZQJCCRsNEBgpATyixrb-waFtoQTMZ9cRjrUIWSUruK-uMfx8fMPgt7Mr2bc/w640-h228/Monique2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Too much blur in the background to make visual sense behind a torso portrait. It looks fake. Right: Makes much more visual sense when cropped to a close-up. </span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This meant I had to be very careful to shoot for
flexibility, while not sacrificing aesthetics by shooting too wide and/or too
sharp. I was also careful to include visual cues that might help the illusion
of reality by, for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>example, ensuring
foliage at the edges in the foreground remained sharp so that a sharp person placed
beside it would look correct. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINZSSdyR3R5zaTZceoDIIqImVUENznWZDTBqCPE78u7to0kURj01QaVN8WM6ey3v_ncoeH0oHArNw7-w67T9lNVf3nLWz06vetmgWLtx0tU0Xm5B64XiN7l8l-6iYTwD3aUwY4ZywnyA/s1000/CCNM_KirstenVandenheuvel_6Oct2020_184small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINZSSdyR3R5zaTZceoDIIqImVUENznWZDTBqCPE78u7to0kURj01QaVN8WM6ey3v_ncoeH0oHArNw7-w67T9lNVf3nLWz06vetmgWLtx0tU0Xm5B64XiN7l8l-6iYTwD3aUwY4ZywnyA/w400-h266/CCNM_KirstenVandenheuvel_6Oct2020_184small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Foliage in line with the person is sharp.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I did shoot some beautiful bokeh-heavy
backgrounds for more close-up portraits in case they did end up being able to
crop any of the portraits tighter. The way this one (below) fit in the layout allowed
it to work perfectly.</span></span></span>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcIKj_YaFhe63wpu5WQACCfPWwPUUA_SsZkQFhpQ8ZbAv40HjgaQHL9Ffe_PTygIT1symfpHXtNh2kMjHq09DIWnK5DtIUOvMYahtfIyH68D6LZFmrUeiykJ_OjdpBRg2T8Qf1BErczw/s986/2020+CCNM_CommunityReport_V2-22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcIKj_YaFhe63wpu5WQACCfPWwPUUA_SsZkQFhpQ8ZbAv40HjgaQHL9Ffe_PTygIT1symfpHXtNh2kMjHq09DIWnK5DtIUOvMYahtfIyH68D6LZFmrUeiykJ_OjdpBRg2T8Qf1BErczw/s320/2020+CCNM_CommunityReport_V2-22.jpg" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also had to think about the angle, and height of the
camera vs. height of the people I’d be shooting, as some would be tall and some
short, and I changed the camera lens for different looks noting I’d<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have to be sure to do some of the portraits
with the different lens too. All this without knowing anything about the actual
people I’d be photographing, where in the report they’d be featured, whether
the images would be big or small, horizontal or vertical, closeup or medium view/torso.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Later doing the green screen shots, I basically randomly varied
the camera angle knowing I had different angled backgrounds, and randomly lit
them differently so that certain portraits would work better on certain
background shots. Because I didn’t know which backgrounds would go with which
people I just made sure I shot enough backgrounds that I’d be covered for sure. Ultimately I had a pile of assorted images of people and backgrounds to mix
and match.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When it came time to start shooting the portraits the
weather was in fact on the way to winter. Weather days (ie. postponements) were not an
option, though, so at first we gamely did whatever we could to keep working
outside including finding a slight overhang we could shoot under, unless there
was wind AND rain. Regardless of inclement weather it was still a challenge
shooting outside as we had to move the whole set repeatedly each shoot day to
get out of the wind as it changed and out of the sun as it moved. We even had to secure the light stand to a fence at one point making it more time consuming to move. Although
we did actually have a few sessions scheduled for inside, we ended up bailing
on the outdoors one particularly frigid afternoon after braving the wind all
morning. Luckily there was a huge, spacious, well-ventilated room we were allowed to use (while of course observing strict Covid protocols). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmysIHtkPjJ0TFbXxG_CduppVvEUkfsI57DR4x8bWX8imfTb1p8U0b-pQ8Wrp8ViTlr5gKvO7451s80dTDCMhXpJ3bD7HOLFlWNdo7M4k4WNubZixgoirLcvCc1KBmHocHlwWGstqo2U/s1036/Elizabeth2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1036" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmysIHtkPjJ0TFbXxG_CduppVvEUkfsI57DR4x8bWX8imfTb1p8U0b-pQ8Wrp8ViTlr5gKvO7451s80dTDCMhXpJ3bD7HOLFlWNdo7M4k4WNubZixgoirLcvCc1KBmHocHlwWGstqo2U/w400-h297/Elizabeth2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Wind is blowing and sun has crept into the shot...no good! Right: Final shot...no cues that there was a gusting wind. </span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBE9EYDhNZ7FLmdKWB9F9oXeTrfzVeZkkYHTYpLZe0ltJ6TB-Uf6RyRiyhN1EHdm3TF6i0P3SJdK5ohxs6__X1F2u58xGEz8lylt8nfLpuLR6zRWuGYiXyjjfqlaKHdVvI3O36AVp_bU/s1365/Rick3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="1365" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBE9EYDhNZ7FLmdKWB9F9oXeTrfzVeZkkYHTYpLZe0ltJ6TB-Uf6RyRiyhN1EHdm3TF6i0P3SJdK5ohxs6__X1F2u58xGEz8lylt8nfLpuLR6zRWuGYiXyjjfqlaKHdVvI3O36AVp_bU/w640-h240/Rick3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Green screen attached to a fence with wind blowing and tree branches encroaching. No problem...they're green! Right: final shot.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have to say, it did actually feel pretty great to be
outside all the time that we were. I love being outside. I just don’t love the
stress and possibility of compromise of quality and control that can come with
shooting outside. </span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether we were shooting inside or out, we lit the portraits.
Inside we had to be careful to light so that it looked as if we could have been
shooting outside. And outside we still had to be thinking about shooting
loosely for the various backgrounds I had collected. We also did at least one portrait
outside that had to look as if it was done in studio.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCDp9D8esAewnsN4KGRvPa905c_0M-C6oic1o6XQDovfogturY4xVZX_o_aHv68YfLRsDs2Rapz_irQplk4v_1oLnjqRXYw4Bn6TehBpiPcs7s3fLqxKAKolEo7_2cxbV3SeqxN6xs7k/s1101/Lindsey3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1101" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCDp9D8esAewnsN4KGRvPa905c_0M-C6oic1o6XQDovfogturY4xVZX_o_aHv68YfLRsDs2Rapz_irQplk4v_1oLnjqRXYw4Bn6TehBpiPcs7s3fLqxKAKolEo7_2cxbV3SeqxN6xs7k/w400-h211/Lindsey3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was freezing when we shot this outside, same spot as the shots above.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span>Once I had all the people shot, selects made and retouched
it was time for me to see who fit into what background and where they fit in
the background. This was the fun part. Final images were submitted to the
designers without cropping so they’d have maximum flexibility in terms of final
crop and position in the layout.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEEBuLzd2uzToAg2se5fcVgfuRfDsxfdPhqmfBz0Nqe9gcuRZnRtZUuI-BMMmwZXFrI1WWWggW6vyAPSdTiOhNe2A2EuEQdyaMLl_9yramV4IE75_3nK_rNan4kgRx78hIsHhCM34jqA/s1127/Jasmine2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="1127" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEEBuLzd2uzToAg2se5fcVgfuRfDsxfdPhqmfBz0Nqe9gcuRZnRtZUuI-BMMmwZXFrI1WWWggW6vyAPSdTiOhNe2A2EuEQdyaMLl_9yramV4IE75_3nK_rNan4kgRx78hIsHhCM34jqA/w640-h298/Jasmine2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: My final image which wasn't actually too far from the way it fit into the layout (right).</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And finally, some of the background shots were requested as-is
to be used full bleed on copy pages which I thought looked fantastic.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht35bVkOubLsJtqlnbL_dIGWG4v6moWgGtNJSH55kMotKD-iHhVvN9rmfgnlpScxWhaNmrO93UMoYjnJ7GCDucxdfwVZzaLo3JZqtkOqCIK21-IOQzBNA6YVmmREC9E8XKSt3_cZuVHkg/s1365/Amanda3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1365" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht35bVkOubLsJtqlnbL_dIGWG4v6moWgGtNJSH55kMotKD-iHhVvN9rmfgnlpScxWhaNmrO93UMoYjnJ7GCDucxdfwVZzaLo3JZqtkOqCIK21-IOQzBNA6YVmmREC9E8XKSt3_cZuVHkg/w640-h222/Amanda3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Original portrait. Middle: Final portrait. Right: Background shot used on copy page.</span></span></span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I did have a brief moment of panic that this project was
going to be way more difficult and time consuming to pull off effectively than
I had thought (like the therapy dog calendar I did the same way, which was a
nightmare!) but it wasn’t, mostly because of all the prep I did over-shooting backgrounds so that I was covered when a bunch of them didn’t fit or work.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Everyone followed the instructions not to wear green, and if
there was a bit of green in a patterned top I just had to add one more step in
retouching to put it back in after the chroma key software removed it. Same process
for subjects who had green eyes. </span></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnIgEwSRBoSLIken70hsgDt0qjgQM-G1TjiCV4ShKOnlnktJOT-pXQMFr69SwmohzvlnODAvsoQIQB9iLlXdGTQjFjJuKWCtQh_lJJ9JX6Zjry8Ecn0yvJpjD_I52dlOBk8IBmNu8g9Q/s2592/AnnaG_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="2592" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnIgEwSRBoSLIken70hsgDt0qjgQM-G1TjiCV4ShKOnlnktJOT-pXQMFr69SwmohzvlnODAvsoQIQB9iLlXdGTQjFjJuKWCtQh_lJJ9JX6Zjry8Ecn0yvJpjD_I52dlOBk8IBmNu8g9Q/w640-h288/AnnaG_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Original portrait. Middle: Green bits missing from the pattern on the top. Right: Final image in the report with the green put back in. </span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Overall I was so happy with this project…thanks to the
pandemic I kind of got to reconnect with the magic of photography…all those
years ago it started when I watched a print appear in the developer tray, and
because the shut downs gave me time to explore and experiment I came across
this fantastic software that allows for near flawless chroma key knock-outs.</span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And I do want to note that while this project consisted of
individual portraits the technique can work perfectly for pairs, as in this example
from another project:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4fLobeCIxj4nn3TK0RfPn4rG5rI61C5DzGXTnXz056dgZs2ASZv4WOcp4PDZjxHvRp6JRePvIqZ8VwWIzWe7teKZBTiJwyGFwdC46p9pRy8IfFtVP-N0t73q2X73uBXV2KYK4gG_31U/s1453/BridgetAndPatrick_v2_forAprvlGrnsScrEg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1453" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4fLobeCIxj4nn3TK0RfPn4rG5rI61C5DzGXTnXz056dgZs2ASZv4WOcp4PDZjxHvRp6JRePvIqZ8VwWIzWe7teKZBTiJwyGFwdC46p9pRy8IfFtVP-N0t73q2X73uBXV2KYK4gG_31U/w400-h275/BridgetAndPatrick_v2_forAprvlGrnsScrEg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Covid-19 precautions meant we couldn't actually photograph these two subjects together. </span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And could work equally well for small groups. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How does all this potentially help you? </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am now shooting more portraits on green screens than not.
I love the flexibility, control and creativity this technique affords me. It
gives me so many more options in terms of being able to create<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just the right overall look for any portrait
depending on the client’s brand and particular needs. I can tailor the
background to the person’s look, what they’re wearing, what feel is appropriate
and what will really make their portrait sing. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The final portrait can appear to be inside or outside, so no
worrying about whether the weather is going to cooperate, or what time of year
it is. We can do a beautiful outdoor summer portrait at any time. Or I can put a person in an image suggestive of a nice looking boardroom without having access to one. Or if there's a
gorgeous photogenic boardroom but it’s not available when the person we need to
shoot in it is, I can shoot the boardroom when it’s free, and shoot the person
separately somewhere else. For that matter any space that would make a great background,
even one that’s not in a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>place where you
could actually set up a shot for whatever reason, can be shot separately and
composited in.</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For this client (below) the backgrounds I chose were outside on
their office deck (it was winter and the day of the shoot it was raining, as it
happened) and at a height that would not be conducive to shooting portraits in
front of them, so on a sunny day, pre-shoot date, I went to the location to scout and shoot
background images (plates), and post-shoot I composited them in. This client also requested a plainer version of each portrait so I used a simple digitally created background as well. </span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6Fi6cKo5VaCEWpebTh_lGtrpTW9e5S_g2TJjRBIiq49kFxmFqqHIwCbjvtsuOz3GmJqN0rD2DWSao88mmht81oRRt2xLI5WhPQK6D7mx6ADTyLlmCKwo-mmkE-wCpg8-8Ik0JTCQ00s/s2613/Ainsley3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="2613" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6Fi6cKo5VaCEWpebTh_lGtrpTW9e5S_g2TJjRBIiq49kFxmFqqHIwCbjvtsuOz3GmJqN0rD2DWSao88mmht81oRRt2xLI5WhPQK6D7mx6ADTyLlmCKwo-mmkE-wCpg8-8Ik0JTCQ00s/w640-h222/Ainsley3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Portrait shot inside. Middle: Background shot outside on the deck at clients' offices. Right: Alternate, plainer background requested as an option.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another important technical bonus one gets from shooting on a green screen (or any plain background)…you can shoot using a higher camera angle (more flattering, especially for people with a little extra flesh under their jawlines) without having to worry about converging verticals. If
you shoot down on a person in a real environment any vertical lines will be
distorted in a visually distracting way, but using green screen, because the background is
separate you can 'cheat', so this is a potentially more flattering way to shoot.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nQaWPfg0RTzT23Vym0HEBCQZmWPdZz9NSo70k62xDta9CozrEr_4mNel-6ke8vnEP6mzLpI090FJ6VpLBi1atwZ5xbCqOsHW1Rso0Vp49zU4nuwnbbPOhhWMfSFTXw9gMyHg9pvJ-fw/s1129/JohnCapo2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1129" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nQaWPfg0RTzT23Vym0HEBCQZmWPdZz9NSo70k62xDta9CozrEr_4mNel-6ke8vnEP6mzLpI090FJ6VpLBi1atwZ5xbCqOsHW1Rso0Vp49zU4nuwnbbPOhhWMfSFTXw9gMyHg9pvJ-fw/w640-h270/JohnCapo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Left: Mock-up to illustrate what can happen to architectural vertical lines in a background when camera is looking down for a more flattering angle. Right: Final image delivered to client who was shot against green screen, and the vertically correct background image composited in. </span></span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span></span><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know some people advise shooting on white for the most flexibility, but in my opinion I prefer green screen with a few exceptions (such as the need for a white background in the final image). We need less gear than you do to shoot<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on a white background and as a result can get away with
shooting in a marginally tighter space. And unlike white backgrounds green screens don’t reflect
white onto the subject (nor do they reflect green as long as you set up properly) which can fill in shadows where you don’t actually want
them filled; in other words, when you shoot on white you can get highlight
spill on the person around their edges which can make the cut-out look cut out.
You don’t get this unwanted light spill with green screen so it’s easier to produce a final image that looks realistic. And
close-cutting on white properly can take more time and add more cost than using high quality green screen removal software.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlIP4tCgVamorNx5ATEg89LOdDP22m8iq9BpR7B45YAEa4PHLrr6-n6CYNfQvYpfSShDEjtVga11YPjIzazgVZhN7squBn8GlIEdAsl5i1hWtByaYe4F-M7Yf9h7L-guzdMASWGEfMsE/s2048/KikelomoLawal29Sept20_140HighlightSpill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlIP4tCgVamorNx5ATEg89LOdDP22m8iq9BpR7B45YAEa4PHLrr6-n6CYNfQvYpfSShDEjtVga11YPjIzazgVZhN7squBn8GlIEdAsl5i1hWtByaYe4F-M7Yf9h7L-guzdMASWGEfMsE/s320/KikelomoLawal29Sept20_140HighlightSpill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Mock-up to illustrate what can happen if a portrait is shot against a white background and the light spills/reflects onto the subject...she looks cut out against this dark background. </span></span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span></span><p></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And the final reason I love shooting on green screen: you can always go back and change the background in the future to refresh a portrait. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As mentioned, you've just got to avoid subjects wearing green clothes and watch you correct for and retain green eyes. The final caveat is that this technique definitely works best for portraits in which the subject is free standing or
sitting, not interacting with the “environment” in any way like sitting on a couch or leaning against a table or wall. For those more lifestyley shots we’d still need to shoot on set. </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And that's it for my green screen treatise! This was a long one…if you’ve read until the end, thank-you
so much! I hope this gives you a better understanding of some of the advantages of shooting on green screens. If you'd like to see more examples here's a link to a small portfolio PDF: <a href="https://static.livebooks.com/e85d5a5971124729adc297da2831883a/r/ce4bf69b0a3a459b8635e83568ee32b3/1/KHollinrakeGreenScreenPortraitsMar21.pdf">https://hollinrake.com/green-screen-portrait-portfolio-pdf.</a><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please get in touch if you’d like me to help put you where
you want to be!</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com" target="_blank">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></span></span></b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://holllinrake.com"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">holllinrake.com</span></span></b></a></p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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{page:WordSection1;}</style>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-18730335156188320682021-01-28T06:51:00.000-08:002021-01-28T06:51:09.303-08:00Pandemic Lockdown Portrait Shoot<p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Sub-title: Shooting against a green screen in a back yard in the middle of winter</span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb1NfJITsVhjyMXqyCzQfeZuAx8inH06BbhvMhnJqz6uc5E0v3grHsUTax5W51-vbcaxjyeCdTY5CT5lC7fJW6k3XCK5jpb9pg4SkFQcI_9CxtBGjqD53AT4Jshkrqn78XKb3LgolXlc/s1200/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_v3small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1200" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb1NfJITsVhjyMXqyCzQfeZuAx8inH06BbhvMhnJqz6uc5E0v3grHsUTax5W51-vbcaxjyeCdTY5CT5lC7fJW6k3XCK5jpb9pg4SkFQcI_9CxtBGjqD53AT4Jshkrqn78XKb3LgolXlc/w640-h478/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_v3small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Malene's final selected file (photographer's version), comp'ed into an outdoor background </span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">January 2021. It has been a mighty tough time for so many people and not great for photographers of people. As I write this we are in a lockdown that for the most part precludes shooting, for obvious reasons. However, recently an old friend and colleague called to ask if there might be a way to do a headshot as her new career launch schedule had just accelerated somewhat unexpectedly and she had to have a professional portrait pretty quickly. She said that she wanted an outdoors shot which would fit well with her 'personal brand' (my words), and would allow us to shoot at a time when visits to indoor locations for any unessential purpose are forbidden/discouraged/not cool. So we chose her backyard as our studio. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can tell you that as a photographer who has frequently pushed back at the idea of shooting outside unless there is a really good reason to do so due to the many varied many and varied potential drawbacks, but who was also dying to be shooting again, I leaped at the opportunity to make it happen with the caveat that there would be a few necessary compromises that we'd need to discuss and understand ahead of time. Things like my not being able to bring an assistant which meant my lighting would be a pared down version of what I normally do. And it would be cold, which would make it tough for her to look relaxed and happy. And I probably wouldn't be able to style her properly. So we set out secure in the knowledge that we might not actually succeed.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Before I go on I want to note that the image above is the one I optimized to a level that I felt satisfied with. Malene felt very strongly that her likeness should not be enhanced in anyway as in her profession as a psychotherapist authenticity is crucial. So for her version I had to stop short of what I'd normally do. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's the above portrait right out of the camera:</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3tIgAgTgKFiUTQtyjE4DZTjeY6HQOMKu3JUUYw0Jkkpu0ItLzjexQ5ral0hDRSSJJnTSfj7sGqwbb0RyjP6345L9SRoPb00tdBmsrgziSBLYiqK8ua9yA18We0DnipN4Gzy4zy8LPQ8/s836/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_029green.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3tIgAgTgKFiUTQtyjE4DZTjeY6HQOMKu3JUUYw0Jkkpu0ItLzjexQ5ral0hDRSSJJnTSfj7sGqwbb0RyjP6345L9SRoPb00tdBmsrgziSBLYiqK8ua9yA18We0DnipN4Gzy4zy8LPQ8/w191-h200/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_029green.png" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The sun kept going in and out meaning that the contrast ramped up, ie. the shadows got darker than I wanted every time the sun went behind the clouds.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And here's the version Malene approved for her purposes:</span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp0Q03Z3BSisNUm9pJHhto5tyk5LWIbqgTe8YlppIAZKRqdi4CMFJfzpqGNe0_2nM1lLaxXJ0OlJRg2uplJb9Zfw5LbkeKNDX-NGAlb1vNBPgOhEFeWEic_IFQ9qon8HwlCre8CGj5e8/s1200/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_v1small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1200" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp0Q03Z3BSisNUm9pJHhto5tyk5LWIbqgTe8YlppIAZKRqdi4CMFJfzpqGNe0_2nM1lLaxXJ0OlJRg2uplJb9Zfw5LbkeKNDX-NGAlb1vNBPgOhEFeWEic_IFQ9qon8HwlCre8CGj5e8/w400-h299/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_v1small.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The version Malene approved is less retouched than my final version.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So how did we do this? The first thing we did was choose a date based on both the weather forecast and her availability. Of course the day before the shoot date the weather forecast changed and the pre-shoot day swapped weather with the shoot day… so we had sun on the pre-shoot day and clouds with snow in the forecast for the shoot day. Excellent! But we didn't want to postpone because temperatures were slated to drop by the following week, so we went ahead. Believe it or not I actually brought a fan, because Malene has fine hair which is longer than usual due to salons being closed and I knew a bit of a breeze in her hair would give it some volume and life. As it happened there was an actual wind so we didn't need to create one. Thankfully, periodically, it came from the right direction! In between it did things like this:</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDFvbXLHsA8Yo_xBYayM_wAPdujANkNOJpNgPeLG-GxDCzZP1uuNxBp1B8NGJHfnck1ZJN1qeAMZ0m5z_TNPkIFpZsWdGPVdk-PNKGJ9DeLBb6ndE2mGKth6vO9vxDtwoYs2zTidBW6A/s800/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_069.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDFvbXLHsA8Yo_xBYayM_wAPdujANkNOJpNgPeLG-GxDCzZP1uuNxBp1B8NGJHfnck1ZJN1qeAMZ0m5z_TNPkIFpZsWdGPVdk-PNKGJ9DeLBb6ndE2mGKth6vO9vxDtwoYs2zTidBW6A/s320/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_069.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously the goal was to shoot when the wind caught her hair perfectly, just enough to give it a little volume and life (not like this).</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We knew we weren't going to use stands for the green background as we needed to keep gear to a minimum and didn't want unmanned stands holding up what would effectively be a sail in the wind, so we tacked the green screen to the one fence that faced away from the ever-changing light (sun going in and out) and was tall enough to fill the frame behind a standing subject. Thanks to 36Pix's brilliant green screen knockout software the fact that the screen was not lit perfectly or stretched perfectly didn't really matter.</span></span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN2Z8N0GaI1wXQrrG47GMK6pfqvOnZEYe0pu1Ad3oFjQqICQ1k6jqt5DkmmyG19QBrdQ5DDfvPu1ahohLOx7C6AmnPeregqn5RaUtivwcKvl94qiqul7mcm2AtCes8-HykHQx7dINkxE/s1200/MaleneBackyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN2Z8N0GaI1wXQrrG47GMK6pfqvOnZEYe0pu1Ad3oFjQqICQ1k6jqt5DkmmyG19QBrdQ5DDfvPu1ahohLOx7C6AmnPeregqn5RaUtivwcKvl94qiqul7mcm2AtCes8-HykHQx7dINkxE/w400-h268/MaleneBackyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How uninspired does this scene look?! The hero shot at the top was taken when it was overcast like this.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I mentioned above one of the most important things when doing portraits is to make the subject comfortable. A profile portrait shoot is not like a fashion shoot where models get paid a bunch of money and have to suck it up and look warm in summer wear during between season shoots. There was no way Malene was going to be comfortable wearing a T-shirt outside in just above 0° weather, but she was willing to power through it. And I knew I was going to have to retouch out some nose and eye redness. When the sun did come out spasmodically, the slight increase in warmth was hugely welcome, for Malene anyway. And aesthetically it was nice, throwing lovely backlit highlights onto her hair.</span></span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G9a5slKiNIG603qUqB7HLVT2NYJnLn09nA-WjQsa7gDhK_QIGpFhsMhMJcJjmCJmkJAIY34Q09RdRUqtTJ858V1fCjBf4BYTK4rY9opb7WmwOvRL0wKH_kJh5DQuK1H-1hiFnMWD-Sw/s1200/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_150small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G9a5slKiNIG603qUqB7HLVT2NYJnLn09nA-WjQsa7gDhK_QIGpFhsMhMJcJjmCJmkJAIY34Q09RdRUqtTJ858V1fCjBf4BYTK4rY9opb7WmwOvRL0wKH_kJh5DQuK1H-1hiFnMWD-Sw/s320/MaleneJ_17Jan2021_150small.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">An alternate version, not retouched at Malene's request, with different hair, sunny highlights and a different background.</span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Other compromises included using a far smaller light modifier than I normally would, and using only one light, resulting in harsher shadows on Malene's face which I had to mitigate during retouching. I am a big believer in getting the exposure as close to perfect as possible in camera rather than having to "fix it in post", but this time I had to work with what I got. And I knew I captured enough to ultimately achieve what we wanted.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's an important step to be able to review captures with the client prior to wrapping, if at all possible, so as to ensure that we've really captured the magic (ie. shots the client loves). (If we haven't we shoot more.) But during Covid we have to do this at a distance, so I attached an external monitor to my laptop and she took that inside with the door cracked open so we could hear each other speak well I stayed outside. </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuJrQAv0A9TXIvNCj1LKSYtCObCkK01DnDPb3DeEnGEB3TOgiXInOsHsktOHuro106fQvrz9G5xycI1S4pBKhdOLwTlrD5X4qKI0ytc1Dv94EYMg1b300x3QVWMfLeKzsIY_NXhIboYQ/s2860/KathrynAtMaleneShoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="2860" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuJrQAv0A9TXIvNCj1LKSYtCObCkK01DnDPb3DeEnGEB3TOgiXInOsHsktOHuro106fQvrz9G5xycI1S4pBKhdOLwTlrD5X4qKI0ytc1Dv94EYMg1b300x3QVWMfLeKzsIY_NXhIboYQ/w640-h246/KathrynAtMaleneShoot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Left: Moving my laptop closer to the house. Right: Setting up an external monitor for Malene to take inside to review the images. <i>Photo credit: Malene Johansen</i></span></span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do I recommend shooting business portraits outside in winter, or ever? Well, let me summarize why we may question shooting shooting outside (beyond the obvious question of whether being outside is relevant to one's personal brand):</span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Can't control the weather</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">so shoot dates may have to change last minute</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">may have to deal with changing light (e.g. as sun moves), or not ideal light</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">may have limited control in terms of the direction of available light/sunlight relative to background and subject ie. the best available, most appealing background may not line up with the best light for the subject</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">lighting may be compromised unless extra crew is hired to man lights and appropriate modifier(s)</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">subject may be cold or hot (ie. not comfortable or relaxed)</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">may not be able to keep hair style, or make up under control <br /></span></span></li></ul><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Unless a specific outdoor location is significant or meaningful to the portrait or the subject will be interacting with it… for example sitting on outdoor furniture or leaning on a tree, one might ask what the benefits would be to introducing all these variables into the equation when you can shoot indoors on green screen and put in one of the many backgrounds your photographer has collected in her "outdoor portrait backgrounds" archive. ;-)</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That said, it can be done! In October 2020 in between lockdowns when it made slightly more sense, and I do mean <i>slightly</i> more, to be outside, we did a huge multi-day people shoot outside on green screens, and in that case there was no "maybe"; the shots had to be great. I'll write about it in an upcoming blog.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hopefully soon the world will open back up, and I look forward to working in close proximity to people again then! In the meantime if I may be of any assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="http://hollinrake.com">hollinrake.com</a></b></span></span><br /></p>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-16579688147727728322020-08-06T11:39:00.007-07:002021-05-20T11:08:30.999-07:00How to Look Professional on Video Conference Calls - Backgrounds<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">New Product Launch! Executive Video Conference Call Consultation and Set-Up Package</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ah, the joy of video conference calls!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Does your heart fill with joy and confidence at every opportunity you get to showcase your professional awesomeness in a video call? </span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;">Do you have a set-up that supports your showing up clearly and professionally?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">At
this point all indications are that video calls are not going anywhere,
with some companies planning to hold off on bringing employees back to
their offices until 2021, or possibly ever. </span></span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A
lot of people are not comfortable with video calls. There are a
number of reasons for this, not the least of which may be the feeling
that it's like having photo day (the horror!), over and over again.
And not only do you have to show up on camera yourself, but people may
see your home, your private space, and depending on your particular
circumstances maybe a big part of it, or a small but messy or ill-lit or
unattractive or distracting part if it. Not a great set of
circumstances to reinforce your confidence.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It
can be an uncomfortable proposition and I know for some the solution is
to turn off the camera. But turning yourself "off" is not going to
serve you in the short or long run. That said, </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">we are way past the point where just showing up on video is enough. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">People
may not say anything about their teams' and colleagues' poor set-ups, but I know from experience that they are noticing, they are (in some cases)
distracted, and they are (in some cases) not impressed. Recently a high
level executive told me in person that some of her team looked terrible
on their calls. And I've heard stories of executives showing up in sweats. So truly, people do notice. Looking bad on
video calls is not what you want to be noticed for, but you do want to be noticed! Think "executive presence" (but not the guy in sweats!). </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
<div><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVtqHr0XuTpxeaigcKc7LgG9fr8Im_CgDxbGHuifiSp0iNY73XOCZhiOwhyphenhyphenHGRjddfR44cvIeGpOIGFCLc0IB9vFe-TBLHxQLlzp0AGqOBL_DnjaXDepDULtIkfxThkY_0Uk6beajJ9M/s2048/EmersonBackdropOption1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1986" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVtqHr0XuTpxeaigcKc7LgG9fr8Im_CgDxbGHuifiSp0iNY73XOCZhiOwhyphenhyphenHGRjddfR44cvIeGpOIGFCLc0IB9vFe-TBLHxQLlzp0AGqOBL_DnjaXDepDULtIkfxThkY_0Uk6beajJ9M/w388-h400/EmersonBackdropOption1+copy.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Video
conference call background #1. The stand is included and is to be
positioned right behind your chair. The single stand makes for a tiny
footprint, perfect for small spaces. (Photo updated My 2021)<br /></span></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></b><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></span></b><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DtImDNXoou7Kg-leBQom5UDnmb5pEecE0PjPZvKEQLogKC7q8kOJh7B2yElhqNvuBOEB7jEZ9tmo5vRWYXXNCZsk29mSAT3bzYLPqoo40K-EOAL7RLAi24aV8fbTbGOCxnYlEcn2lc8/s2048/Screen+Shot+2021-05-07+at+10.33.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2048" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DtImDNXoou7Kg-leBQom5UDnmb5pEecE0PjPZvKEQLogKC7q8kOJh7B2yElhqNvuBOEB7jEZ9tmo5vRWYXXNCZsk29mSAT3bzYLPqoo40K-EOAL7RLAi24aV8fbTbGOCxnYlEcn2lc8/w400-h220/Screen+Shot+2021-05-07+at+10.33.57+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Still from video capture showing me in front of photo fabric video conference call backdrop #1.
The image for this backdrop was shot in an office downtown and modified
for use as both a digital portrait background, and later a video
conference photo fabric background. (Photo updated May 2021)</span> </span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">When the whole video-conferencing-for-everyone thing started I had, like many people, to figure out how to go from no video call set-up to looking professional on camera overnight. I didn't have an appropriate spot in the space I share with my family, and had to set something up. I, at least, had the advantage of being a photographer. So after doing some research I made a little movie with some helpful tips, understanding that not everyone would be as excited about experimenting with set-up details as I was. Here's a link to that if you're interested: </span></span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="video-url-fadeable style-scope ytcp-video-info"><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/10l1QrJrVzc" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/10l1QrJrVzc
</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">One of the biggest challenges, and the source of much of what is distracting about people's set-ups, is the background. Initially</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I became obsessed with virtual backgrounds</span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;">...finding them, designing them, using them, and helping other people use them</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;">,</span></span></span></span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;">until I came to the frustrating realization that </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;">they seemed, really, only to work well on Zoom</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #999999;">,
and even there it helped to have a green screen. So the many users on
other platforms were out of luck, to varying extents. Fast forward and I finally realized
that I already had a simple solution for everyone to look good on any
platform -- actual physical backdrops which I have been specially
designing for portrait shoots for years. All that was needed was a
redesign to make them image-appropriate for individual business people, and work in their personal spaces. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>These backgrounds simplify the set-up part of the equation in an easily accessible way for non-photographers, so professionals can set up quickly, easily and consistently, never have to clean up their space again just for a video call, and feel comfortable and confident about showing up on video (whether on video calls or filming messaging videos for their teams). </b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: small;">Expertly
designed and created these small, home-office friendly backgrounds (mounted on a small
single stand that’s included) are specifically designed for
one person to sit in front of, to hide the room, and create the illusion of a
nice, tidy room space. They are designed so that the image frames your
head and shoulders, and there are few elements in the "room", just enough to
suggest a nice, tidy, home-based (in most cases) space. Even the art on
the walls in these images has been modified or created to be innocuous and not
distracting. (This, I'll just mention, is in direct contrast to many of the virtual backgrounds
on offer out there, which are often highly distracting and filled with
eye catching art and furniture...exactly what we don't want as they take
the focus off you and onto the background). </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Working from home often means space is at a premium so the kit is really small. The super small 3.5 x 5 foot backgrounds are printed on anti-wrinkle jersey fabric*, and the single stand is 5 feet wide (fixed width, adjustable height). This means it will fit into a small space, and the single stand means the footprint (ie. space required on the floor) is tiny. And once you set it up (or I set it up), you can easily move it aside to be popped back behind you whenever you have a call. If you do want to put it away the backdrop can be rolled up and stowed, and the stand is collapsible. <i>*As of spring 2021 the jersey fabric is no longer available and has been replaced with an opaque black rubber backed fabric which does not wrinkle easily, and does not allow light to shine through.</i><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Whether you are using your actual environment in your home or office, or you choose to use a virtual or physical backdrop here are a few tips to make sure the focus is on you (in fact, these are the guidelines I follow for my photo fabric background designs). Unfortunately some spaces are never going to look good on video because they are just not conducive; for example there's a door right behind your head or stuff you just can't put anywhere else, in which case a backdrop really may be the best option. But here's the list:</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Keep it simple. Remove clutter.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If there are shelves behind you, remove objects that may appear to be "growing out of your head".</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Keep background plants off to the sides, not poking out from behind your head.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Remember that most web cams have wide angle lenses so you need to tidy up all the way to the edges of the room.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If you do use a photograph (for a virtual background) make sure it's royalty free, and if it has a lot going on it it, try cropping it to remove some of the more distracting elements and blurring it a bit.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">And this is not a background thing, but it's the reason I include a small lamp in the kit...make sure there is light on your face!</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The focus should be on YOU!</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDHl6ZEFGh6kUvDblYuIBBNPuL6bEGb_d8juhTY53tnSuURv-9s8uQx7kjw4csnhvqFtmncierUJ_RnJ266uZwY5dJFTkZb77UvOCBFw1u2l-QHusC1VM8SYiqnzwvRasHKZjIbj3WhU/s1966/VideoConferenceBckdrps6ForBlog.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDHl6ZEFGh6kUvDblYuIBBNPuL6bEGb_d8juhTY53tnSuURv-9s8uQx7kjw4csnhvqFtmncierUJ_RnJ266uZwY5dJFTkZb77UvOCBFw1u2l-QHusC1VM8SYiqnzwvRasHKZjIbj3WhU/s640/VideoConferenceBckdrps6ForBlog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rough mock-ups of 6 specially designed video conference call photo fabric background options. (Please check back for new, additional options.) Please note that colours and crops are approximate; backdrops will appear more tightly cropped when used in real life (as web cams won't see edge to edge), camera and body position will affect the view, and body/head/hair shapes may obscure more/less of the image areas. </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Of course it's not just the backgrounds, but the lighting, camera type and position, microphone, wardrobe etc., etc. that affect the way we show up. (I have lots to say about those things as well, just not here or now.) But if you have a nice background and a flattering light you will be a long way towards showing up brilliantly!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The basic package includes:</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">3.5 x 5 foot horizontal fabric backdrop that hangs from a single stand. 6 images to choose from so far. New designs will be added to over time. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Small collapsible stand 5 feet wide (fixed), adjustable height</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A small daylight balanced, flattering and flexible desk lamp, the exact model of which may change based on availability. (What's available and priced right changes all the time. Key features will always be daylight balance, tall enough to be able to shine from above your computer screen, and soft bulb for flattering light.) </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I would love to include a web cam and flexible camera mount in the kit, but due to the same circumstances that have us needing to do video calls in the first place, availability has been severely impacted and the webcams I would want to supply are still not available as of my writing this. So I can't promise web cams just yet.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">And last but not least I will mention the two options in terms of the consultation part of the package: Option 1 includes initial video call consultation followed by an in-person set-up (in and around Toronto), while Option 2 would involve the virtual consultation only. I can say that from experience it has been found to be very helpful for me to physically visit the space as no two set-ups are the same, and there will be tips and advice on how to get the best results in your space that I'll be better able to offer if I am there and can see the specifics of a space. I also know from feedback that it can be helpful for me to set up the stand and mount the backdrop (as simple as the process is).</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I can't wait to help you elevate and align your video presence with your personal brand. Harness the power of looking good to feel good!</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span>It could not be easier. I look forward to working with you!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></b></span></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com/"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>hollinrake.com</b></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.hollinrake.com/new-video-call-backgrounds" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pricing</span></span></b></a><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please note: I do not have e-commerce enabled so to buy a kit please e-mail me. Thank-you!</span></span><br /></div>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-54327187682057180832020-04-21T13:15:00.000-07:002020-04-21T13:15:07.758-07:00Announcing my newest portable background for corporate portraits<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_vzCvdmMszlP4dkT63ZBzI1-Hf7tkqQaFCGiBPLx9vC2OqeESMzrS0JrQHPKELhnx3CQcYAxi_lEEZN6oucA5vqKuv132L2idby9Hva96_VK_j_mIc_A4HELXfp7eLg9sux0cJZYzNM/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_025Final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_vzCvdmMszlP4dkT63ZBzI1-Hf7tkqQaFCGiBPLx9vC2OqeESMzrS0JrQHPKELhnx3CQcYAxi_lEEZN6oucA5vqKuv132L2idby9Hva96_VK_j_mIc_A4HELXfp7eLg9sux0cJZYzNM/s640/Kath_Photopie7_March20_025Final.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me against my new Corp #7 Background.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just in time to delay the launch of my newest portable backdrop due to circumstances beyond all of our control (I hope you and everyone close to you are safe and well), I thought I'd go ahead and write a short post about it anyway, and share a few light-hearted tips on planning for your next business portrait, so you're ready to roll when all of our businesses resume. I have used myself as a stand-in model many times due to my on-call availability and unbeatable rate. This time I was absolutely going to use someone else as my model, then the health crisis hit so here I am again, with a choice of me, or me. With that, allow me to introduce my new backdrop, creatively and illuminatingly named Corp #7.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First off, look how happy I appear (above). That's because I am a good actor! But seriously, I still need to do what I coach clients to do, which is to think about something that makes me feel warm and happy. Here below is how I looked before... Who would you rather work with?</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDLGEcor02A00rLshw_ofvQ2SzNwGmEECKj393_RxKmDBN7nkmfTAWyKmJgKS2-lamI6c9x0nW625-3YUraM-gsSAmCmtGooh6h-q1MyywdkwLaygIjgXsEMz_txH7gGAO5lLXbgFtJI/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDLGEcor02A00rLshw_ofvQ2SzNwGmEECKj393_RxKmDBN7nkmfTAWyKmJgKS2-lamI6c9x0nW625-3YUraM-gsSAmCmtGooh6h-q1MyywdkwLaygIjgXsEMz_txH7gGAO5lLXbgFtJI/s320/Kath_Photopie7_March20_016.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Am I mad at the camera or maybe the world?</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's talk about hair very briefly. I made the mistake of hurrying to tidy my hair for this shoot, which prompted me to mention a couple of things. If you have long hair consider leaving it down; if you tie it back or put it up you may look like you have really short hair in your portrait. It's not like real life, or video, where you can see the pony tail or bun (or whatever) as you move around. I put my hair back only because this photograph is all about the background. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clients with long hair will often say to me, "You decide how to style my hair," even though they care a lot about how their hair looks, and whatever we do will be "locked in" on their portrait until they get a new one to replace it! While I am always saying "trust your photographer", hair can make or break a portrait and make it one you love or hate, and it's so personal. So </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">before your session think about how you like your hair best. </span></span>And set yourself up for success...don't arrive with your hair in a bun and take it down on set expecting it to look like it hasn't just been stuck in a bun. If you really are flexible I'll happily help!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVQqaxQ8uAJyle8DTrlEMhvqETIT-1tANCN31iNPVrRI9qdJwgotejoA_AUy3cElsUfcTe8dreV4C15qgkzx6RfyEgtq-dLBJIpq1q2HNVPCwLoTiCehITrM4hNtYHzponfB9iXoLdlk/s1600/DifHairs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="863" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVQqaxQ8uAJyle8DTrlEMhvqETIT-1tANCN31iNPVrRI9qdJwgotejoA_AUy3cElsUfcTe8dreV4C15qgkzx6RfyEgtq-dLBJIpq1q2HNVPCwLoTiCehITrM4hNtYHzponfB9iXoLdlk/s400/DifHairs.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought it might be worth showing this little "don't" for those who do choose to tie their hair back -- </span></span>in my haste to get shooting I did mine a little sloppily, resulting in a too-small-to-count pony tail sticking out distractingly beside my jawline. Right: Yes, subtle difference, but definitely better overall.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Onto wardrobe...every time I do one of these test shoots, </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">when it's time for me to choose something to wear,</span></span> I experience renewed empathy for my clients. It can be amazingly difficult to get it just right, and I have the luxury of a whole closet full of clothes at my finger tips. That said, though, what I own a lot of is sleeveless tops (so I stay cool during energy intensive shoots), and as I've said before, unless you have Kelly Ripa arms it's usually better, and just looks more professional, to cover them at least partially. If, like me, you are also not an executive with a lovely selection of beautifully tailored suit jackets, you may find yourself struggling with what to wear instead. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exasperatingly, I ended up trying six different tops. Here's a run down which I'll share to point out some easily avoidable mistakes:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first top I tried was a sweater (which I almost never recommend for a business photo as they tend to look too casual). I thought I'd dress it up a bit by adding a decorative scarf accessory, but the style of the scarf with its random, loose bits of wool, combined with my tiny hint of a pony tail made it look as if there was a small animal attached to my neck. Also, keeping the sweater symmetrical was harder than I'd anticipated so the wide neckline looked really uneven.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwTIqsi_HlTTZDbsZv-7fd2GEL2p0qGuC13vD5J4NU_y-14nl3YC8eUG3y6XKBFqCtI9l-JMtOYPBtFr43xJ9IDhvmJtL-W8eqqIRa5Z-3PT7P0rYjFFCrFdvSC4JEWqJir-RZG6suGc/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwTIqsi_HlTTZDbsZv-7fd2GEL2p0qGuC13vD5J4NU_y-14nl3YC8eUG3y6XKBFqCtI9l-JMtOYPBtFr43xJ9IDhvmJtL-W8eqqIRa5Z-3PT7P0rYjFFCrFdvSC4JEWqJir-RZG6suGc/s320/Kath_Photopie7_March20_007.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The colour combo is good but that's about all that's working with this wardrobe.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Not only that, but it turned out that this sweater is pilly and it showed. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77DwoCwyTMFYvrFmcgb9shh-n-_kBFEqI2YP2Su6Z3uhrTgzaHf7zhPOoCI4JY68_hbnws_cZiUxw07a0HDxvtGQIg41sRVQkGBDoohsgqV778wMfQr4oeWkFwzY6svbjAdShwlRAKmg/s1600/SweaterPill2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="645" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77DwoCwyTMFYvrFmcgb9shh-n-_kBFEqI2YP2Su6Z3uhrTgzaHf7zhPOoCI4JY68_hbnws_cZiUxw07a0HDxvtGQIg41sRVQkGBDoohsgqV778wMfQr4oeWkFwzY6svbjAdShwlRAKmg/s320/SweaterPill2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I never think of this sweater as being pilly but clearly it is, and it shows. I see this at a lot of (non-executive) shoots.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bottom line: if you are going to wear a knit make sure it fits properly, does not pull anywhere, and is not pilled.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next I tried, yup, another sweater, just to make absolutely sure I couldn't get away with something as simple and easy to grab and throw on! Again, I didn't like the neckline, the gray looked dark and blah, it didn't look any more professional than the first sweater and it certainly didn't do anything to support my credibility as an expert in corporate portraiture.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jWiwjhLpOMCoxKaV2qXdEDn8hz_942Se3VlbS7R0LyvgtaPFeZ8r5V5nHCGHCSHiUa8gHH3F8QVyJ0XroEeGW6hHMmPTwVsD8dq5yBlmYKHpmB2uCa1SAoHXUe3uHFODjcN5Ie6azms/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jWiwjhLpOMCoxKaV2qXdEDn8hz_942Se3VlbS7R0LyvgtaPFeZ8r5V5nHCGHCSHiUa8gHH3F8QVyJ0XroEeGW6hHMmPTwVsD8dq5yBlmYKHpmB2uCa1SAoHXUe3uHFODjcN5Ie6azms/s320/Kath_Photopie7_March20_012.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's with the vintage sweater? Not a great choice for this "environment".</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By this time I was clear I needed a collar, and a good colour, like blue which I thought would look great against this backdrop. Unfortunately, the top I chose is loose fitting linen, and while it didn't look wrinkly to me when I had it on a hanger, as soon as I put it on, and stood in front of a directional light, every wrinkle was emphasized in a bad way. What a mess. One more example of something working fine in real life but not in a still photo, and a reminder that it's important to wear something that fits you well. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI27A2XOcR1uaSRVcIUV7XqL7Iw7OrMxmKx8axQoCWJPRupPn5L6tVKgjPEEG9tSpNX-XxxsV9A2bM-7X3sJARzKBR3TPEb7mgIWYU1Qxav7j4Y9p1DXt2mx3xFhrDwXIQBLO3Cww8c0/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI27A2XOcR1uaSRVcIUV7XqL7Iw7OrMxmKx8axQoCWJPRupPn5L6tVKgjPEEG9tSpNX-XxxsV9A2bM-7X3sJARzKBR3TPEb7mgIWYU1Qxav7j4Y9p1DXt2mx3xFhrDwXIQBLO3Cww8c0/s320/Kath_Photopie7_March20_017.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Holy pile of excess fabric and wrinkles!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wore this next blouse (below) once before for a test shot. The colour is fairly neutral and actually works OK against the background. But the top itself looks kind of unusual and just not like something you'd wear to work in a corporate environment. The take away? As obvious as this may seem, it's advisable to avoid trendy (or out-dated), or highly stylized looks that will distract viewers from seeing <i>you, </i>unless maybe you are a fashion designer. (It's worth noting that although all I'm trying to do is show you a new background, even in this circumstance what I'm wearing has the potential to impact the successful communication of my message.)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ufvf0YcgOV-YiT_kv-yp4KiCNrkF7uIqhinZQkCw7Bmmxg6bmDXrE8nhg330bCyUW8QnXu7HtCyPd3mTZG4eGGoGSlFU4In1zejzFGIEeDrWnRH5hMUHFfK3n__0C03fs6AXNZl1T4/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ufvf0YcgOV-YiT_kv-yp4KiCNrkF7uIqhinZQkCw7Bmmxg6bmDXrE8nhg330bCyUW8QnXu7HtCyPd3mTZG4eGGoGSlFU4In1zejzFGIEeDrWnRH5hMUHFfK3n__0C03fs6AXNZl1T4/s320/Kath_Photopie7_March20_018.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unusual and somewhat dated blouse...can't get away with it...too distracting!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will also quickly mention that I know enough by now not to even try a black suit jacket because with my fair colouring it just looks too heavy. I have no pic to illustrate this, but please trust me. Black jackets are kind of ubiquitous in the business world so I see a lot of them. If you have fair hair and a fair complexion, I strongly suggest you wear something lighter than black if you can, but not too light, as a very pale jacket on a very pale person can make that person look very washed out. In general, mid-tones rule! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was starting to lose patience with this process (as you can see by my expression below). I have also worn this next top in a previous sample shot. In this case, though, its dark colour was a little too reminiscent of a black jacket -- it looked too dark and heavy -- and against this pseudo-institutional background the vibe was all wrong. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6HcjaHINYrSLbumJkL6Mev_AWOfxe5ULSrg0llfn1Ks-pDt2FaQ34keFeA16Cb-6H_-n1rnM4LNh8vRIVmc3kuRlS5RdYbR4wnr6VqqKz2ImzUx8-EF-sdsO0ZdiLShdOl4H51SMw5k/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_March20_020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6HcjaHINYrSLbumJkL6Mev_AWOfxe5ULSrg0llfn1Ks-pDt2FaQ34keFeA16Cb-6H_-n1rnM4LNh8vRIVmc3kuRlS5RdYbR4wnr6VqqKz2ImzUx8-EF-sdsO0ZdiLShdOl4H51SMw5k/s320/Kath_Photopie7_March20_020.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This top is too dark, and wrong for the "environment". </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, a note about a certain kind of wrinkle: I didn't even put on my favourite jacket, the shoulder of which is pictured below, because I knew these wrinkles were deal breakers. If you have a suit jacket that has those "baked in" wrinkles on the arm, please get it cleaned and pressed or wear something else. I see these sorts of wrinkles fairly regularly, especially in men's jackets, and I can tell you that they are virtually unremovable in retouching, especially if there is any kind of pattern or texture to the fabric. They will show, and they will not look good. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnBQdh_nhxqUCx5JoFgHVD0T0UUFQiv5dMKPxBX06ZpZpU9YMS_aghhdp1tkqugl1AtDoGW6p1vHgBpRCPHMPJX7Nwxo1vK1aii0D5w7-fySljFU0EeerG56nOaT51JwCxIH4v8R_B9A/s1600/JacketWrinkles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnBQdh_nhxqUCx5JoFgHVD0T0UUFQiv5dMKPxBX06ZpZpU9YMS_aghhdp1tkqugl1AtDoGW6p1vHgBpRCPHMPJX7Nwxo1vK1aii0D5w7-fySljFU0EeerG56nOaT51JwCxIH4v8R_B9A/s320/JacketWrinkles.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Baked in wrinkles" on the upper arm of a jacket.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's a whole lot of wardrobe don'ts! What about the do's? Referring to my final choice the white patterned blouse I finally settled on was not one that even occurred to me initially but it worked. Why? It has a collar which creates a flattering neckline, the 'v' is not too low so various crops will work, it fits nicely (not too tight or too loose), and it's not too dark or too light but looks balanced </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">against my colouring and </span></span>in the shot, not blending in too much with the background or standing out too much. It's white but not the dreaded "plain white". And while solids are often a safe choice, a pattern like this, ie. repeating, medium sized, organic, and somewhat subtle, not a small hounds tooth or large distracting geometric, can work well. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What can you do, given that you won't have a closet to go though at the time of your session? As contrary to my instincts as it is to suggest people photograph themselves, here's a thought: you
could try taking selfie test shots to see what neckline, etc. looks best. Keep in
mind that the most common crop is head and shoulders so you'll want to know that a tight-ish crop will work well. L</span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ower cut tops can disappear below the bottom of the frame. You may not know going
into your session what the photographer or, later, your communications department (or whoever) is going to do so always be prepared in case it's
more than just a head and shoulders set-up. I'll say it again...this means your top, whatever it is, should fit well..not too tight, not too loose, and if it has a button (as on a jacket, for example) you should be able to do it up comfortably. The other things you may not know going in are how light or dark, or what
colour the background is going to be. In many cases this information could be made available prior to the shoot, so wardrobe could be selected accordingly. Feel free to ask. Another thing you can do is bring an
option...cleaned, pressed, and on a hanger.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moving on, back to the main topic...the background. One of the tricky aspects of designing my portable corporate backdrops is ensuring they will look good regardless of how the final portrait is cropped. To this end they can't be too busy, or too plain, too blurred or too sharp. This new background allows for cropping quite loosely (see the image at the top of the post) and much tighter (see below).</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLLRcGkYMLNIg4YtIqti6d6B_tv0tNDXUaMO98kbbU5JjY-cIs5uEQu1kYe_8BPpQ2Jd7Dfl9Po5tRPgDeSXtlalZovn4p9GkUrX5WWnE1p88nvRUJu-6BRpdNOOl2gfrg4QESmfLbHw/s1600/Formats+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLLRcGkYMLNIg4YtIqti6d6B_tv0tNDXUaMO98kbbU5JjY-cIs5uEQu1kYe_8BPpQ2Jd7Dfl9Po5tRPgDeSXtlalZovn4p9GkUrX5WWnE1p88nvRUJu-6BRpdNOOl2gfrg4QESmfLbHw/s400/Formats+copy.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Corp #7 was designed like its predecessors to crop well to different formats.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Final tidbit for today: often at the end of a session I will say to the subject that I am going to "shoot a plate". What does this mean and what is the purpose? Don't worry there's no need to remember this, but in case anyone is curious, all I am saying is that I want a shot of the background without a person in front of it, to facilitate cleaning up of any hair fly aways during post producton. If you have a plate shot, instead of Photoshopping out the fly aways the hard way you can create a layered file with the portrait photo on top of the background-only photo and simply erase the fly aways to reveal the backdrop. This only works if the camera remains pretty much locked in one position so if your photographer is not using a tripod this will likely not be happening. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZhaX1pn_WEXoBdd6pDQHAl6IbgHGq62NTJwKbQH9j7DM96S_B4xcSh-8sThLpj0rb-ab3_7xfXX30zrhAybGMKKy6pKnMP8P23RkU3nCcsuJyBJfc_AjUjAfNEtL1dMRsS9mhFTEOG4/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_Plate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZhaX1pn_WEXoBdd6pDQHAl6IbgHGq62NTJwKbQH9j7DM96S_B4xcSh-8sThLpj0rb-ab3_7xfXX30zrhAybGMKKy6pKnMP8P23RkU3nCcsuJyBJfc_AjUjAfNEtL1dMRsS9mhFTEOG4/s320/Kath_Photopie7_Plate.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The backdrop photographed by itself.</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojUS0ANGlF7Rr_zg9ljeKqgOPieN5m0_w-aD9aQdCYayxE9Elg-Ufbf9C6ZRa3sUDuhwE93kyNyqd2TnqiB7k9wTQlERl9fMUnmckA3Oy36jJnzOsA7GBZ32YpqQGTzJ0YrRk3pHPwU4/s1600/Kath_PhotopiePlateAction.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojUS0ANGlF7Rr_zg9ljeKqgOPieN5m0_w-aD9aQdCYayxE9Elg-Ufbf9C6ZRa3sUDuhwE93kyNyqd2TnqiB7k9wTQlERl9fMUnmckA3Oy36jJnzOsA7GBZ32YpqQGTzJ0YrRk3pHPwU4/s400/Kath_PhotopiePlateAction.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here
I have a two layered file. The bottom layer is a photo of just the
backdrop while the top layer is the portrait. I've erased part of myself
in this example to reveal the background beneath, just to illustrate
the technique.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jAdf9VBgKrXLQkl6AKSS7KtsoaUCfXMxeWMnMSngybDXdRrwF5Z_bHkn02T_nAffAvD_3fTlDh4oiBnlB6NGhpTfJbl_ZUc643bINu3sMcjNQPbCwvZSrikwx2mLyydIrzoJ4l9I2Jw/s1600/Kath_Photopie7_HairErase.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1031" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jAdf9VBgKrXLQkl6AKSS7KtsoaUCfXMxeWMnMSngybDXdRrwF5Z_bHkn02T_nAffAvD_3fTlDh4oiBnlB6NGhpTfJbl_ZUc643bINu3sMcjNQPbCwvZSrikwx2mLyydIrzoJ4l9I2Jw/s320/Kath_Photopie7_HairErase.png" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This just shows very roughly the part of the portrait that gets erased. Where you see white here, you would actually see the layer below, ie. the clean background image, revealed.</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAOK5dYifdWwEMsLMFIVKODfs0Bt1JqUrhp88txJPlqOjAMQozTKYzS19VbEqAzc9ZTHX_3l5iCbVKu6wuxwvXhG8NosQwvuQ1wqG5veCt9Eo2LlDf2TgeQF6QS-M1CJ7-XgSQPRcdBI/s1600/MessyHairNeatHair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1333" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAOK5dYifdWwEMsLMFIVKODfs0Bt1JqUrhp88txJPlqOjAMQozTKYzS19VbEqAzc9ZTHX_3l5iCbVKu6wuxwvXhG8NosQwvuQ1wqG5veCt9Eo2LlDf2TgeQF6QS-M1CJ7-XgSQPRcdBI/s640/MessyHairNeatHair.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: Lots of distracting frizzies around my head. Right: frizzies erased to reveal the clean background photo beneath.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enough about me (referring to the latest overdose of self-portraits here)! I hope you see some possibilities with the new backdrop, I hope this has been somewhat helpful, and I look forward photographing someone other than myself soon! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, I hope you and those you care about are well, and stay well, and I wish everyone strength and resilience! If you have a photo question I can help with please don't hesitate to reach out. See you soon!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></span></b></a><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com/"><b>www.hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-75541505663235321302020-03-25T14:26:00.000-07:002020-03-25T14:26:07.839-07:00What should I do with my hands? A guide to hand positions for portraits...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3wloiBkBTDLrY5LOvZqHoJntwMZxp7suW1F6b1SVB4qzWnS_6FbjuFKdVMTornh3UxKuR2rly4sR9UeL4TcbC6Qb0oWvbH6QBvftsHphLtJ-ryQUw4vOMCaUwZLWhiH5Rts9gMPkZ6A/s1600/WhatDoIDo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3wloiBkBTDLrY5LOvZqHoJntwMZxp7suW1F6b1SVB4qzWnS_6FbjuFKdVMTornh3UxKuR2rly4sR9UeL4TcbC6Qb0oWvbH6QBvftsHphLtJ-ryQUw4vOMCaUwZLWhiH5Rts9gMPkZ6A/s640/WhatDoIDo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the questions I get the most when shooting waist-up portraits: "What should I do with my hands?"</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes instead of allowing for a head and shoulders crop the intended uses for a business portrait dictate we show a bit more body, for example from the waist up. Particularly for people who do not do a lot of public speaking this can present an uncomfortable challenge as they wonder what to do with their hands. The natural starting point, understandably, tends to be hands by their sides, which looks stiff and boring and can result in the hands being cropped off, so that's no good. We need to get those hands up! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcLNSTrixuXMavQEoR47Urj4lxGnyQS99Lg0CMSXaLo9PP72z1yzJ62KlOiqBApwcArrzifRkvLOZLEoIlhDZrZRXZXvc5EyEQIRa6D9DfOyL9uA0oebohpQHP1498UWqcwFYRkLRbPM/s1600/KathHandsStanding23Mar20_015crp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="999" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcLNSTrixuXMavQEoR47Urj4lxGnyQS99Lg0CMSXaLo9PP72z1yzJ62KlOiqBApwcArrzifRkvLOZLEoIlhDZrZRXZXvc5EyEQIRa6D9DfOyL9uA0oebohpQHP1498UWqcwFYRkLRbPM/s200/KathHandsStanding23Mar20_015crp.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One advantage of including your hands in your portrait is their ability to help tell your story. Wherever they are the message they should be helping to communicate is that you are confident and
relaxed. The key is to keep any sense of tension out of the wrists, hands and fingers; so rather than stretching all the fingers out, or folding them all in, position them somewhere in between these extremes. I will co-opt the words of the talent agent character Danny Reed in the
movie "Holiday Inn" (although he's talking about orchids), when he says (your hands
should be) "loose, looking like they don't care". </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64Ax_jwITKYyVrUpPk0KgheAP_eRDnqncwHrnXgzbm5ZTny1zhE1fVWf3z5L9-AnWcbc_j7ZyBKDtms5tuul179BppR5TRSIWWXdpD_tK7YXyMIrVFVNkEU6JPbnx915u9oHaHO1u-38/s1600/BadHandsGoodHands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64Ax_jwITKYyVrUpPk0KgheAP_eRDnqncwHrnXgzbm5ZTny1zhE1fVWf3z5L9-AnWcbc_j7ZyBKDtms5tuul179BppR5TRSIWWXdpD_tK7YXyMIrVFVNkEU6JPbnx915u9oHaHO1u-38/s640/BadHandsGoodHands.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Left: we pretty much never want to see a "starfish" hand (ie. all
fingers fully extended and evenly separated) as it's not pretty and exudes stress. Middle: much better...hand and and wrist are relaxed, fingers
gracefully cascade from less to slightly more bent. Right: clenched fingers scream
"uncomfortable".</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Please note: throughout this article the blue tinted pics are the "dont's" and the plain black and whites are the "do's". </i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shot over 200 frames for this article partly because I kept getting my hands "wrong", which leads me to acknowledge that while it is really easy to get it wrong it is also way easier to get it right when your photographer is guiding you. I ended up with so many bad ones I got carried away selecting example after example of what not to do, until I realized I had an overwhelming number of, in many cases, quite subtly different images. I know from the experience of choosing selects with clients that staring at a bunch of subtly different portraits can result in their all starting to look the same. So I hit the reset button, culled out some of the subtler "wrongs" and chose the following examples to share with you. Obviously I will not cover all the possible hand positions, and there are no hard and fast rules. It goes without saying, too, that hands are just one of the many things we can get right or wrong in a portrait, so for the sake of this article we will to some extent ignore the other things and just focus on the hands.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's start with a popular pose for those identifying as women, especially: arms crossed. This pose offers a great way to keep your hands up and not have to think to hard about what to do with them. It doesn't work for everyone, every style of wardrobe, or every body type, but when it is possible it can help make a person look comfortable and confident...unless the hands are tucked away under the arms as if in hiding (below left), or "starfish" fingers are stressfully gripping the arms (below right). The key is to success with this pose is to rotate the wrists upward a bit and gently rest the fingers of both hands just above the elbows.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaPp8-hF-UThPfhL3tQaiqmvHDnwFDqoJl9_vpfWsW5Ld2-p2U1PqQCLNOEcOLzvkZ2ZwWqj4gc7zmQMsU7K_J4eAeS5lzWP0X6VeCiwtBj81bgmB_HNRsYAjsS6DbMfR6TyQhXeZO24/s1600/CrossedArms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaPp8-hF-UThPfhL3tQaiqmvHDnwFDqoJl9_vpfWsW5Ld2-p2U1PqQCLNOEcOLzvkZ2ZwWqj4gc7zmQMsU7K_J4eAeS5lzWP0X6VeCiwtBj81bgmB_HNRsYAjsS6DbMfR6TyQhXeZO24/s640/CrossedArms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Left: hands tucked under arms as if diving for safety. Middle: both hands exposed and resting gently on arms. Right: both hands showing but looking like "starfish" or claws, and very tense. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a number of other ways to hold the hands up around waist level in a natural and comfortable <i>looking</i> way. I say comfortable looking because many people are not comfortable being photographed in any case, so as always the goal is to appear comfortable, whether you are or not. There are, however, dead give aways as illustrated in the examples below. It is, once again, always about the lack of tension in the hands. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGYTvoVxj2LAqvMnnV2bE2Ds09odoqAk_OofrhwWvt7MXkTHSvS-Ser-SPUWftFSh0mqfF3iXgtOBIwfut9GUqfQFEfCOhPOKOqyCdTEBybbvypPDoSY4f6lr58C6R9aGaI-9rR8FfTs/s1600/StandingClaspedHands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGYTvoVxj2LAqvMnnV2bE2Ds09odoqAk_OofrhwWvt7MXkTHSvS-Ser-SPUWftFSh0mqfF3iXgtOBIwfut9GUqfQFEfCOhPOKOqyCdTEBybbvypPDoSY4f6lr58C6R9aGaI-9rR8FfTs/s640/StandingClaspedHands.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top left and bottom right: death grips, dead give aways that the subject is not comfortable. Top right: loosely clasped hands with fingers bent to varying degrees, sort of "care-free" clasping. Bottom left: holding a pen. (I carry a set of silver pens to every corporate portrait shoot just to use as props.)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVhqpawIKfCBcey88zDFq_1KTGX0VFzK0V2zk1qOBmjaXKNKLuq8Rvlz019OsPVGClWeUH4eznZyTDvv-E_Et7DEHY1Cx-bZdn2zbRbW2K5hO02qPSqY3V5-tpFpwEtHeVkFiN39Y0B0/s1600/KathHands18Mar2020_056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVhqpawIKfCBcey88zDFq_1KTGX0VFzK0V2zk1qOBmjaXKNKLuq8Rvlz019OsPVGClWeUH4eznZyTDvv-E_Et7DEHY1Cx-bZdn2zbRbW2K5hO02qPSqY3V5-tpFpwEtHeVkFiN39Y0B0/s320/KathHands18Mar2020_056.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lightly holding a finger on the opposite hand can look reasonably relaxed and unposed.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhhPXnD1kdnAfDx-raLzzXs8JPZC4PGv0jWslBK3M7Ldutt-GEVnq-vvolz1cinT46toN2VfMN2vCVEwV7oDlpt2RjYsxxVCaNsZlY5UWd_hUYriFiDDnZn1d-C7lcd8nYG2fWZE-7jQ/s1600/KathHands18Mar2020_115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1200" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhhPXnD1kdnAfDx-raLzzXs8JPZC4PGv0jWslBK3M7Ldutt-GEVnq-vvolz1cinT46toN2VfMN2vCVEwV7oDlpt2RjYsxxVCaNsZlY5UWd_hUYriFiDDnZn1d-C7lcd8nYG2fWZE-7jQ/s320/KathHands18Mar2020_115.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another example of hands very gently, loosely together. Again, it's all about a total and obvious lack of tension.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirigqUilrNJMCjy01uVcPu5CXD8Jl-x8DlZ67dhCJETKVH-S7eZJae1gb5A1UtjCyHMte7QbsPLSvStR3BuOsLsCMdifEZz-Y1xnkYdKaYlJI4Wx5xXdkDAxubTT-KCXrW0yb_rmv6EPw/s1600/KathHands18Mar2020_045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirigqUilrNJMCjy01uVcPu5CXD8Jl-x8DlZ67dhCJETKVH-S7eZJae1gb5A1UtjCyHMte7QbsPLSvStR3BuOsLsCMdifEZz-Y1xnkYdKaYlJI4Wx5xXdkDAxubTT-KCXrW0yb_rmv6EPw/s320/KathHands18Mar2020_045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key to this pose is the relaxed fingers on the upper hand -- the fist is not clenched and fingers are bent to varying degrees in a casual, relaxed cascade. Also, the vertical arm is not straight up and down but lists slightly to one side.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further to the example above here are a couple of variations that can work, or not, depending on some subtle details. Again, these won't work for everyone.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaHbJt35HNWw8Pz3y9vZI8sz7ifOzDtjLiuCNhB76fPP_4XrE58MPvzFSw7FeolNsL81MBgMxNTmXYp7nAWlZ8_uU3Q_blkk7m6WltNELtZ4gJbYIjYIHP5gmxJ8TtnLNUhc22wIjvaM/s1600/StandingHandsUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaHbJt35HNWw8Pz3y9vZI8sz7ifOzDtjLiuCNhB76fPP_4XrE58MPvzFSw7FeolNsL81MBgMxNTmXYp7nAWlZ8_uU3Q_blkk7m6WltNELtZ4gJbYIjYIHP5gmxJ8TtnLNUhc22wIjvaM/s640/StandingHandsUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top left: hands are both curled closed into fists, so looks a bit aggressive and emotionally "closed" as opposed to top right: hands are just a bit less curled up, looking more relaxed so the subject looks more approachable. Bottom left: OK I admit this one is not my favourite but it's OK, and at least looks fairly relaxed, unlike the bottom right pose showing fingers "desperately" intertwined. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing on with the subtle differences and picky details...the next set of images includes a prop -- a table for the subject to lean on. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKmmQYAiDcjKERS-svusCGer61VP2y44o6rTdzRe7xtgEZDgNr22Vg8AFRqIYK1aNz3tCFMZF5QLhOcqnKYt8lhNhuYD9b5jgH5I2BqKQVxrN8gvJ2xD6zQ73hC3ZuH0TH51hmTxkk2k/s1600/Leaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKmmQYAiDcjKERS-svusCGer61VP2y44o6rTdzRe7xtgEZDgNr22Vg8AFRqIYK1aNz3tCFMZF5QLhOcqnKYt8lhNhuYD9b5jgH5I2BqKQVxrN8gvJ2xD6zQ73hC3ZuH0TH51hmTxkk2k/s640/Leaning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top left: hands gently touching, almost as if the subject is not conscious of her hands. Bottom right: fingers of the right hand rest casually on the hip and are spaced out unevenly, in a good way, while the 'cascading' bent fingers of the left hand appear reasonably relaxed. The wrist could have been a tiny bit bent to allow the hand to droop slightly for a subtly more relaxed look. Top right and bottom left are the "wrongs". Top right: "starfish" fingers on hip hand and hanging hand fingers all extended fully and evenly look more posed, and less natural. Bottom left: fist looks uncomfortable but so does the hand on the hip with fingers all perfectly aligned and fully extended with no gaps in between them.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next...some seated poses, hand positions in which may be similar to some in the standing poses. Again, for those less comfortable with the whole portrait process the tendency is to place hands together, often in a tight grip. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwL3Q-1QhTJnXCjAAmsVzjFPmA8oDZjL8thPqreQ1LjsWpENWV4auLIuxLXIUtdzFAiageeqvz_RPnWxT0bx85ub5npWi-otFf_F6j9c0UbSv5hjROKp-rd1FpwfCNC8176cSpcTcFtE/s1600/KathHands18Mar2020_086blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1200" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwL3Q-1QhTJnXCjAAmsVzjFPmA8oDZjL8thPqreQ1LjsWpENWV4auLIuxLXIUtdzFAiageeqvz_RPnWxT0bx85ub5npWi-otFf_F6j9c0UbSv5hjROKp-rd1FpwfCNC8176cSpcTcFtE/s320/KathHands18Mar2020_086blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very tightly clasped hands belie the subject's attempt to appear comfortable and confident. </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWupVsoKQPg94zjWIlDI3QB_nOwUw58kBk8Mol__KW3H2wjqHtjrI-HNX49Ah1KmL23sbUZMt9BeJMx39WR23xIu_qkkJaLYYQCVs11siolfYGl6dfNOAvz_N8l3mNh-233vxPU1io-Y/s1600/SeatedBadHandsGoodHands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWupVsoKQPg94zjWIlDI3QB_nOwUw58kBk8Mol__KW3H2wjqHtjrI-HNX49Ah1KmL23sbUZMt9BeJMx39WR23xIu_qkkJaLYYQCVs11siolfYGl6dfNOAvz_N8l3mNh-233vxPU1io-Y/s640/SeatedBadHandsGoodHands.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top row are the "wrongs". Bottom row are the "betters". Top left and right: obviously tightly clasped hands which look the opposite of relaxed and confident. Top and bottom middle: this difference is subtle... in the bottom one hands and fingers looks a little more "random" (note the way the index finger on the top hand is separated to sit over the thumb of the bottom hand). The top middle one is not terrible but the fact that all fingers on the top hand are neatly beside each other makes it look more formal and posed, which again works against an overall appearance of naturally occurring comfort. Bottom left and bottom right: hands look reasonably "tidy" but not too perfect. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another useful prop can be a table or desk at which the subject sits, circumstances allowing. This can be a great help, especially for more casual portraits, in terms of getting the hands up and into the frame. An added bonus when using a desk or table is that additional props may be added and not seem out of place. I used a pen here, again. Another option might be a cup or glass, if appropriate. As always the desire is for the hands to support the overall appearance of comfort and confidence rather than to betray it, and to make sure the hands and fingers look as aesthetically pleasing as possible, meaning, for example, no "log jams" (as shown in the bottom middle shot below where all the fingers are prominently intertwined and positioned distractingly straight toward the camera).</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08lypHg2gTRwJa_SlyWmNnAOFfmyjNpmcAlW5tLyphZlfoib0zEItlPCgC5PlaZbUjD5Pt1Vnlaa2tf8sTOWMP2XzDPBqt-M_Sa-IZVHtvbNqEIGC3KJpMtabhmYAMIRhaLEKMqvBkX0/s1600/SeatedAtTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08lypHg2gTRwJa_SlyWmNnAOFfmyjNpmcAlW5tLyphZlfoib0zEItlPCgC5PlaZbUjD5Pt1Vnlaa2tf8sTOWMP2XzDPBqt-M_Sa-IZVHtvbNqEIGC3KJpMtabhmYAMIRhaLEKMqvBkX0/s640/SeatedAtTable.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh-oh...model is getting a but grumpy! As I said near the beginning of the article we are here to look at hands so please excuse my increasingly dour demeanour! By now the reader will know what I am going to say about each of these. I'll add that in terms of the props, it's important to make sure the prop does not become too much of a focus point...it's just there to give the hands something to do, not to look like a product that the subject is selling. If the subject gets even less comfortable worrying about how to hold it "correctly" ditch it!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One final set of at-the-table poses to illustrate, especially, a pet peeve of mine -- the back-of-fist-to-the-camera scenario shown in the bottom left image. This has a simple fix which is to rotate the wrist to expose </span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the side of the fist to the camera </span></span>in a much more aesthetically pleasing way (bottom middle).</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPFPVzCjs-32tVD78vH2YUi6jpkWZJ8pVMSlkjvhK2TBsmrz4eJrsNI_slD8Uaex_-lm7SoFgJPO3qQcZl78JolaJ1xjFS6Hv7JHR70JC5dgWDzw_hyL3eKuKr8p-uiqdkw84oekNVMQ/s1600/SeatedAtTableLeaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPFPVzCjs-32tVD78vH2YUi6jpkWZJ8pVMSlkjvhK2TBsmrz4eJrsNI_slD8Uaex_-lm7SoFgJPO3qQcZl78JolaJ1xjFS6Hv7JHR70JC5dgWDzw_hyL3eKuKr8p-uiqdkw84oekNVMQ/s640/SeatedAtTableLeaning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top left: fingers look like a tense log jam compared to top middle: nice and relaxed. Top right: something like this can work but you need to make sure it doesn't look weird and posed like this one does. Bottom right: The top hand is not terrible although it looks a bit posed (the chin is obviously not actually resting on the hand), but the hand on the table is curled into a fist, which does not contribute to a feeling of approachability.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized after doing the first shots for this post that many of the poses I was suggesting work much better for female identifying subjects than male. So I decided to put on a suit (since I photograph a lot of men in suits, and suits can affect the kinds of poses that will work) and shoot a quick example of a common, more casual, usually male pose...hands in pockets (often not an option for women because as we all know and complain about incessantly, women's clothes tend more often that not to be missing pockets). Turns out I don't have a business suit, so I donned the closest thing I had, noting that when men put their hands in their pockets when wearing a suit jacket their hands aren't actually visible. (My little jacket is much shorter than a suit jacket.)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqhnxfmkNhaoME0aef8FkamTBbIYusyZ1O-SFbq1OpaXdqn-pCK_u1U8L7w23KQaT8HCs3kHqnnNRAb-_nYFraTk4-J_IBBBuCIFe0m7ZFPENyyoL6vGc3ZXHYuwBhHnLsqqdkwbfbHQ/s1600/SuitStanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqhnxfmkNhaoME0aef8FkamTBbIYusyZ1O-SFbq1OpaXdqn-pCK_u1U8L7w23KQaT8HCs3kHqnnNRAb-_nYFraTk4-J_IBBBuCIFe0m7ZFPENyyoL6vGc3ZXHYuwBhHnLsqqdkwbfbHQ/s640/SuitStanding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Left: One thing subjects often try right off the bat is putting their hands behind their backs which is a no-no as it can make you look as if you have no arms, and it is not a comfortable look. Right: Putting hands fully in the pockets can work really well if your jacket covers your hands, but works less well if you can see the hands disappearing into the pockets, and in this case stretching out the pants. Brief wardrobe note: I cannot fail to acknowledge the shirt wrinkles. No matter what I did to try to mitigate this my crisp, white shirt pulled in the same places every frame I shot creating several unsightly stress wrinkles. This is one reason I do not love crisp shirts especially ones that don't fit very well! </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last set of examples: casual standing. Once again I shot so many bad ones I was tempted to share them all with their nit picky but important flaws. But rather than overwhelm the reader with multiple examples of not-quite-right I narrowed it down to these. One more time...it's about keeping the hands loose, as if they fell into
place without a moment's thought.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7hzjkRVNLWKTL7suwkuQIdBYvGuDvDxsKRUeMgCSr232MJ15_DA6h1S0Tt_1vyUbmqSsu5vkDTLd186HC7JkxZRIPilRIiPb5NFx33g33LCQ4kLvl1ZMfgfN3g_SKknWtlunLZn8QL8/s1600/CasualStanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7hzjkRVNLWKTL7suwkuQIdBYvGuDvDxsKRUeMgCSr232MJ15_DA6h1S0Tt_1vyUbmqSsu5vkDTLd186HC7JkxZRIPilRIiPb5NFx33g33LCQ4kLvl1ZMfgfN3g_SKknWtlunLZn8QL8/s640/CasualStanding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Left: too formal, the hand on the hip looks unrealistically perfectly placed with fingers all aligned, as if it's hovering instead of really resting on the hip, while the hand on the leg looks pressed too smoothly against the leg and not at all relaxed. Middle: both hands look relaxed...fingers not perfectly lined up, lightly bent, hands relaxed, hand by the leg rotated toward camera very slightly. Right: Hand on leg looks like a tense "starfish" as, to some extent, does the hand on the hip.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will just mention one more "don't" I
didn't even shoot because it is so often a hard no: both hands on
hips. There are a number of reasons this pose can look less than
awesome: it can look like a fashion model pose (so just not
appropriate), it can force too wide a crop, or cause the elbows to be
cut off in the crop, it can cause a whole bunch of unsightly stress
wrinkles and buckling of fabric, and it can make your body look oddly
wide. Best just to avoid!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's about it for now. As I mentioned at the top it was not my intention to cover every conceivable workable or unworkable pose. And to repeat myself further, what works or doesn't won't be the same for everyone anyway, due to people's different body types, wardrobe, personalities, etc. It's not as if you have to remember all this! Your photographer will help you. That's what we're here for! But I thought it may be helpful to provide an overview of some of the more and less successful basic hand positions so you'll feel maybe just a little more comfortable next time you find yourself required to use your hands in a portrait, as you tell your story. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to get back to capturing your stories when human contact is allowed again and business resumes!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime please don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help you prepare for your next shoot or be of assistance in some way.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><b>kathryn@hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com/"><b>www.hollinrake.com</b></a> </span></span>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-87373000281792027462019-09-06T14:29:00.001-07:002019-09-06T14:29:09.259-07:00Author Portrait Photo Shoot with Kelley Armstrong<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoOEgRhyphenhyphenVQvxBTbLeeDXb_rEYtkrFxUkKj9r6drqqOoAArk5kmURpiKEOK_mvfrp97bw9_0md2NxTrZpUwm0DTXGSVKq_jTkKV2813IcL1XoRakU639eFZMc0dXZ0YT_Ew7g88z36Qs0/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_400small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoOEgRhyphenhyphenVQvxBTbLeeDXb_rEYtkrFxUkKj9r6drqqOoAArk5kmURpiKEOK_mvfrp97bw9_0md2NxTrZpUwm0DTXGSVKq_jTkKV2813IcL1XoRakU639eFZMc0dXZ0YT_Ew7g88z36Qs0/s640/KelleyArmstrong27May19_400small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kelley Armstrong on the porch of her writing cottage</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am no stranger to photographing successful authors, but it was a particular thrill for me to have the chance to photograph New York Times best selling author Kelley Armstrong for the third time, since by this time I had become completely enthralled by her <a href="http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/books/" target="_blank"><b>Rockton</b></a> thriller series. The other thing that made this my favourite Kelley Armstrong shoot yet was getting to visit her country home where she creates the characters, stories and worlds that populate her varied and, thankfully, growing bibliography.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To my great joy we decided, this time, to go with a much more casual vibe, and capture Kelley in her natural habitat, so to speak. In the past we had gone the more traditional route, working with hair and make-up artists and creating styled in-studio portraits. Funnily enough, it wasn't really until this shoot that I realized Kelley has freckles; we both agreed that we did not want to cover them up, which made the sometimes risky idea of not hiring a make-up artist an easier choice to make.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Initially, in order to save Kelley money (not that she requested this!), I decided to dispense with scouting the location, Kelley's place being at least two hours away from Toronto. However, my experience and instinct kicked in and prevented me from making the mistake of skipping this important step.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoQ1bj6B4EU7jIRT3O9r1sudzEvqg3uvWHCr_IA2M27tzMrcQCUprb2zTMBgylaAaZy7zdK_ShX7JVBraT0XOao6KOaqAWF4H_Db8760iXkRQksTmEdMO34s3Rt2zwCgSWDH8Kni_dGY/s1600/20190517_105946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoQ1bj6B4EU7jIRT3O9r1sudzEvqg3uvWHCr_IA2M27tzMrcQCUprb2zTMBgylaAaZy7zdK_ShX7JVBraT0XOao6KOaqAWF4H_Db8760iXkRQksTmEdMO34s3Rt2zwCgSWDH8Kni_dGY/s400/20190517_105946.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kelley's writing cottage</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although Kelley writes in a few different spots around her home, as soon as I saw her writing cottage I knew we had to shoot there. I shot the test shot above at around 11:00 a.m. and as cute as it looked with the sun beaming down upon its front wall, it was immediately apparent that we would need to schedule shooting there some hours later when the sun would no longer be shining right into her eyes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we planned a 12:00-5:00 p.m. time frame, with the exterior of the cottage selected as the final location. As such, even though we did get a nice sunny shoot day, by the time the sun was angled for a nice exposure on Kelley, its angle was slightly less ideal for the actual cottage, and the sky photographed pale and overexposed, requiring the addition of a hint of one of my archived skies during retouching.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnlvgVLHFoOYJh3ncI_TgzQzPunTf1tG5rKB4uF67unLcDJKzyV6JngDXuS6lEstglXnXBXQECIF7EIjGmm4gNsQvHnklHO15q0j2xQiMpVwysuNwUn7Oa5czeTCl3dqd1ttYNGAeLEw/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_373Skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="748" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnlvgVLHFoOYJh3ncI_TgzQzPunTf1tG5rKB4uF67unLcDJKzyV6JngDXuS6lEstglXnXBXQECIF7EIjGmm4gNsQvHnklHO15q0j2xQiMpVwysuNwUn7Oa5czeTCl3dqd1ttYNGAeLEw/s320/KelleyArmstrong27May19_373Skies.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: as shot - blown out sky, Right: new sky added in</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk7QWXwMGoTpWJu2LebCbzWVaK0TkyRG3A2aAuz9gj3nY1hMjX4-bNN2P2m4szV9FcFaxQcIoyoFOeqyPFxnDR8YYRvgsF2tg3txTjGGnOq0d917sq5hy5RWJdRadJj1IR94sMEDYm0A/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_373small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk7QWXwMGoTpWJu2LebCbzWVaK0TkyRG3A2aAuz9gj3nY1hMjX4-bNN2P2m4szV9FcFaxQcIoyoFOeqyPFxnDR8YYRvgsF2tg3txTjGGnOq0d917sq5hy5RWJdRadJj1IR94sMEDYm0A/s640/KelleyArmstrong27May19_373small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final version of this shot featuring a slightly stylized look (with the vignette) </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kelley's awesome husband even mowed the lawn before we arrived. I actually wouldn't have minded the longer grass, partly because it may have covered the empty planters. We couldn't find anything to put in them on the shoot day, and I couldn't bear them looking empty, so I ended up scouting around my studio until I found this solution:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM1-0XWgGtLTO_P9uQ98e3ZQjAVVbswqewlSvkAU2T6htqcAXxKasCon7zPGDuZyhXFNfMOqsM38DRHQrLxzgQdOf6utR1CQmtoxOFdcKH8PqhiT24iiK4uu8mrz8pThAjjboAKsJevo/s1600/_DSC7430Plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM1-0XWgGtLTO_P9uQ98e3ZQjAVVbswqewlSvkAU2T6htqcAXxKasCon7zPGDuZyhXFNfMOqsM38DRHQrLxzgQdOf6utR1CQmtoxOFdcKH8PqhiT24iiK4uu8mrz8pThAjjboAKsJevo/s320/_DSC7430Plants.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo of some random, suitably innocuous plants down the street from my studio</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bacbcLGaNICngmacK0zNeBpAFpgFl8I_bPv0X-uxLAfZH1mfIuodQ7tvVgrtqUBeBD_xy95zBpH9ix2qnIcM5XlvnfC0xb3H9l_goBqajUyw77roclqL89-XPsWRZSzeCHFfwmq969Q/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_373Plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="930" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bacbcLGaNICngmacK0zNeBpAFpgFl8I_bPv0X-uxLAfZH1mfIuodQ7tvVgrtqUBeBD_xy95zBpH9ix2qnIcM5XlvnfC0xb3H9l_goBqajUyw77roclqL89-XPsWRZSzeCHFfwmq969Q/s400/KelleyArmstrong27May19_373Plants.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Above: empty planters as photographed, Below: planters filled in the final image</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Actually we were very lucky to get this sunny day, because as the shoot date was approaching, the weather was bouncing all over the place. Indications were that the weather was going to be awful on the shoot day but nice the day before. As circumstances had dictated no scheduled rain date it was understood that we would just have to deal with whatever weather we got. However, in reality I was not OK with skipping shooting outside. Thanks to Kelley's and my assistant Julia's flexibility we were able to switch the shoot date fairly last minute and shoot a day early. Disaster averted!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other big bonus regarding scouting ahead of time was that I had the luxury of being able to choose all the locations and pre-visualize set-ups for the three main images we intended to create, rather than having to make these decisions on the day. Scouting also gave me the chance to pre-select Kelley's wardrobe with her, so that the right pieces were cleaned and pressed for rapid deployment in the appropriate scenarios on the day. And final bonus, I had the chance to meet her pets and think about the possibility of including one in a shot, which we did. Great call, since just after our shoot an editor doing a feature on authors and their pets requested a photo. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course we chose the Bengal who was so pretty and regal looking when not climbing up and displacing the screen on the window (which may have happened during the scout). </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz7i0KfZzNi3OCaGGdowql3HnX_hkocH0_4RM5Sjm2IRDQ6q9LSLzo0P3YUFIW-3_KLGv8KdYc0LLkpj41dgHbCmTgMhMvKqNqj2Da-TNCOeTwRFWpj5DyQ1_GwsK12FFqOC1agV5Yto/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_185Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1500" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz7i0KfZzNi3OCaGGdowql3HnX_hkocH0_4RM5Sjm2IRDQ6q9LSLzo0P3YUFIW-3_KLGv8KdYc0LLkpj41dgHbCmTgMhMvKqNqj2Da-TNCOeTwRFWpj5DyQ1_GwsK12FFqOC1agV5Yto/s400/KelleyArmstrong27May19_185Final.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also did a version of this shot without the cat.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While we did a few different ambience shots we also, of course, did the requisite headshot.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQogwzW61EF6yNJbnIOOi0BVZYt2KEkmYVZyvNP-fcIsG0gg8U6OJL4Aktc66JPS-7R728bAU_HsiZoiFAz23QziUDXsceyuFk3ffvRmTm0atYRWVfuKUN_0-i6L3L75IdkBnuBUXE0zE/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_041Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQogwzW61EF6yNJbnIOOi0BVZYt2KEkmYVZyvNP-fcIsG0gg8U6OJL4Aktc66JPS-7R728bAU_HsiZoiFAz23QziUDXsceyuFk3ffvRmTm0atYRWVfuKUN_0-i6L3L75IdkBnuBUXE0zE/s320/KelleyArmstrong27May19_041Final.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kelley in her home</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had set out with a modest goal of netting three final winning shots, but managed to get six, even excluding the one set-up inside the cottage that Kelley ultimately didn't love:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY76Plj5fTlyYu7diUVaCtZOYUdl9BE9YNFsTevPYzICS3SxuSc5l3dRTA92OO42pqa72nAC-uJom9Eqf-94FmNa6LTRPHhG1l1kIfcl2Zhu1_86IAjf1xOP1mXeF143jOvMDn1-G4F8E/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY76Plj5fTlyYu7diUVaCtZOYUdl9BE9YNFsTevPYzICS3SxuSc5l3dRTA92OO42pqa72nAC-uJom9Eqf-94FmNa6LTRPHhG1l1kIfcl2Zhu1_86IAjf1xOP1mXeF143jOvMDn1-G4F8E/s320/KelleyArmstrong27May19_219.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not a select. Would have looked better with a fire in the stove.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the cottage, the first set-up (before the wide shot shown at the top of the post) was actually almost entirely out of the sun on the porch. I shot wide to include some of the cottage face in the background for flexibility. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2aHmtMr7DP0Fi0eWzyuN0MW9AN6iV364Jf3oKVDnrDRkmWu8lS5Vo7opWO4JBu9AyX1fRYzFC8eeXV2NjiZjVJ6AeH_IkePHPJqX7i0z5IY927xdc_3xRQzmk0MJ99n5hj4VSJ9OjtY/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_353small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2aHmtMr7DP0Fi0eWzyuN0MW9AN6iV364Jf3oKVDnrDRkmWu8lS5Vo7opWO4JBu9AyX1fRYzFC8eeXV2NjiZjVJ6AeH_IkePHPJqX7i0z5IY927xdc_3xRQzmk0MJ99n5hj4VSJ9OjtY/s320/KelleyArmstrong27May19_353small.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is slightly cropped from the way it was shot. Lost of space around Kelley leaves room for graphics, etc.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0javYSB3089hZiZo57L0MO-uC3LUI8HvkXzwRP1aSR1dNfY9ajRGAXw6zaS-rF7hrPDjZcz2arMrxwLAiUTZDNdln6yIuX0y9S97qLUOrgCIbsmr99d_bz9oFbpS8r92VlV6jyjYWI/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_353Crpdsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0javYSB3089hZiZo57L0MO-uC3LUI8HvkXzwRP1aSR1dNfY9ajRGAXw6zaS-rF7hrPDjZcz2arMrxwLAiUTZDNdln6yIuX0y9S97qLUOrgCIbsmr99d_bz9oFbpS8r92VlV6jyjYWI/s320/KelleyArmstrong27May19_353Crpdsmall.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like the shot better cropped tighter. I provided both versions to Kelley.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we reset to complete the final shot of the day the wind machine
(the actual wind) kicked into gear at exactly the right moment, from
exactly the right direction, giving a lovely little lift to Kelley's hair, just as it was starting ever so slightly to lose its volume from the heat and humidity of the day. I just had to remove a few slightly crazy stray hairs during retouching so the windblown look didn't go too far. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj_9Vdcbg7NB8n0dqFLIsSzKG2hCuTNkodiaf3eJ63Flr9-l38XbiSey5-ZQ0byJBkYKc70eV_oZCn13OReBMp5YwUsViFpu-_LnWErxo8Og5F6J3DIHd1Y7nS8c2kIwHieNSQVc6SDE/s1600/KelleyArmstrong27May19_400Crpsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj_9Vdcbg7NB8n0dqFLIsSzKG2hCuTNkodiaf3eJ63Flr9-l38XbiSey5-ZQ0byJBkYKc70eV_oZCn13OReBMp5YwUsViFpu-_LnWErxo8Og5F6J3DIHd1Y7nS8c2kIwHieNSQVc6SDE/s400/KelleyArmstrong27May19_400Crpsmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank-you wind!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Final note: If anyone is wondering, yes, we did use some artificial light. I pretty much don't go anywhere without at least a little lighting. :) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't wait to do Kelley's next round of portraits, but in the meantime, if you need professional photography or know someone who does please get in touch.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com/">www.hollinrake.com</a></b></span></span><br />
<br />KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-38190143915281776312019-06-25T06:04:00.000-07:002019-06-25T06:04:15.251-07:00Personal Brand Portrait Shoot<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWuyovDNcV_l41U76YitePPK8tW_9DsxUsNfhNf-pE5YjLzuHQX3w9dUYekqFM4pLeWoXWnujLE2uUBjyKJui2IdV0jT-fY2UGIBoRUke3aq8QDxcMMUMyGoiznZISJwAv085Bx4gY6Q/s1600/SteveRobinson16Apr19_039Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1000" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWuyovDNcV_l41U76YitePPK8tW_9DsxUsNfhNf-pE5YjLzuHQX3w9dUYekqFM4pLeWoXWnujLE2uUBjyKJui2IdV0jT-fY2UGIBoRUke3aq8QDxcMMUMyGoiznZISJwAv085Bx4gY6Q/s640/SteveRobinson16Apr19_039Final.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">This was actually the second portrait we shot.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is going to be the shortest post ever, but I wanted to share the results of a recent personal brand/business portrait shoot at my studio which went pretty much perfectly. My client Steve is a senior communications professional who was between positions and needed a fresh portrait for LinkedIn and other personal branding initiatives. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I probably told him we needed an hour and we probably spent two, because when you are supposed to be looking competent, relaxed and awesome the last thing you want to be is rushed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We decided to do two looks in terms of backgrounds. We talked about losing the tie for the second look but decided to keep it because it looked really good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first look the goal was a classic head and shoulders business portrait against my personally designed "Corporate #5" backdrop. This is the one Steve used for LinkedIn.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiPfnlzKvtXI2BsqK2YdNESrLbQedHva2nJBhtFkSiRGH_vApGEs12XdNljKyMa_VgkDbd5EwUuXbtRnS5GX-3qv560eiiOttHWtqEZ9ZCJkHRH9uUU7Swv2KmOvspNevD6RGV_pXPN8/s1600/SteveRobinson16Apr19_011Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="714" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiPfnlzKvtXI2BsqK2YdNESrLbQedHva2nJBhtFkSiRGH_vApGEs12XdNljKyMa_VgkDbd5EwUuXbtRnS5GX-3qv560eiiOttHWtqEZ9ZCJkHRH9uUU7Swv2KmOvspNevD6RGV_pXPN8/s400/SteveRobinson16Apr19_011Final.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Classic head and shoulders business portrait on my Corporate #5 backdrop.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a picky detail thing that's an example of why people count on me:</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g4QsTprLh_hvuWi7F4eCCl6EHFdzYV-xRzKe4uc0xc0wzXobKlhKksaKEJzjYJqMu6m4iXiW39Z_l8xZEvI0U67wgeNd4FZH_300V4hBPgosoyT13H2CWSLOHGV3mxc2ysaUWmi6-mI/s1600/SteveHair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="1000" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g4QsTprLh_hvuWi7F4eCCl6EHFdzYV-xRzKe4uc0xc0wzXobKlhKksaKEJzjYJqMu6m4iXiW39Z_l8xZEvI0U67wgeNd4FZH_300V4hBPgosoyT13H2CWSLOHGV3mxc2ysaUWmi6-mI/s400/SteveHair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: Steve's tousled hair. Right: Steve's more nicely tousled hair.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Basically, Steve's hair has a naturally tousled look. I decided I didn't like the way it had landed in the headshot as well as I did when we shot the second look, so during retouching I replaced the part I didn't like with the part I did like.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the second shot (see pic at the top of the post) I wanted to make it a little more artful and give him more room to play with in case he decided to use it as a banner on his website or anywhere else that may require more horizontal space. The backdrop was a canvas one of mine that I recently repainted. It can look very different depending on the amount of light on it and the amount of focus or blur. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QDAHGmRpTY3tWfLT9ZpvDb3sQg-8S9iSOvmNWy16U7jReQ_7TuxJNwHEz-B9arEnhJxK5ryq3UyaazcXntAGVg4Qm2D4RpijXcJ0eLkBLYv6X3rO3PLrD2DoijXiBDaARElZwb8r988/s1600/JoeHash15Apr19_277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QDAHGmRpTY3tWfLT9ZpvDb3sQg-8S9iSOvmNWy16U7jReQ_7TuxJNwHEz-B9arEnhJxK5ryq3UyaazcXntAGVg4Qm2D4RpijXcJ0eLkBLYv6X3rO3PLrD2DoijXiBDaARElZwb8r988/s400/JoeHash15Apr19_277.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my hand-painted canvas backdrops.</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Steve is a versatile guy with a lot of experience in more and less conservatively corporate roles, and broad interests, including sports, we decided to do one more super casual shot to round out the set of images. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ByvdvdPaxFO55-_MZqyLP20eOP1oj7uTcGq2RGDQ9FtCbmgXMdETZt97vtCD2Kjydgb3urwnNV7EkAwBPEdRDxV_0__At3dFuTaRq3s8KoYuqSl3dlpTJYLUrjLto32fj9QEQeTu6I0/s1600/SteveRobinson16Apr19_051Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1000" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ByvdvdPaxFO55-_MZqyLP20eOP1oj7uTcGq2RGDQ9FtCbmgXMdETZt97vtCD2Kjydgb3urwnNV7EkAwBPEdRDxV_0__At3dFuTaRq3s8KoYuqSl3dlpTJYLUrjLto32fj9QEQeTu6I0/s400/SteveRobinson16Apr19_051Final.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steve looked his most relaxed in a simple white T-shirt.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bottom line: I took his picture, he posted it and he landed his next senior position! It may sound as if I'm saying that my picture got him the job. I cannot say that unequivocally. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you need a refresh, please get in touch.</span></span><br />
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<b><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://hollinrake.com/">hollinrake.com</a></b>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-90023665271239175282019-03-18T13:22:00.000-07:002019-03-18T13:22:22.076-07:00200 Headshots!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxxoQPDss5SZypPpOEMnBP65MuGvnjfNO3-M_tsOtT9NRcrwputPBfiGJhs1SzQu9_aEkQC2RQ3gREWDHe32aZDz1yvqkaA0ATwxGxnxvQ-Jn2zn97E4pQnZguySG0oyc4A7wsCyQjPA/s1600/KHollinrake3Contacts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="944" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxxoQPDss5SZypPpOEMnBP65MuGvnjfNO3-M_tsOtT9NRcrwputPBfiGJhs1SzQu9_aEkQC2RQ3gREWDHe32aZDz1yvqkaA0ATwxGxnxvQ-Jn2zn97E4pQnZguySG0oyc4A7wsCyQjPA/s640/KHollinrake3Contacts.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We photographed over 200 people in two days.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A recent corporate "photo day" shoot was organized by an executive who loved what we did for her at her previous company and wanted to make professional portraits available to staff at her new firm. The company's internal communications system accommodated space for each user to include a profile photo, but many staff had not uploaded one because they didn't feel they had one that was good enough or business appropriate. Furthermore, a number of the company's executives' portraits were out of date or non-existent. So the plan was made to do a two day photo blitz during which we would provide four minute mini-sessions to the general staff and half hour sessions to the executives.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to mention a caveat...I would not suggest that four minutes is an ideal amount of time in which do create a perfect portrait. But these quick mini-sessions are the only practical way to deal with large numbers of portraits, and they will still, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, produce pictures that far exceed the quality of a selfie or a snapshot, while making for a more professional, consistent look across company directories or websites. Photo days are also an increasingly popular way of expressing employee appreciation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prior to the shoot dates I visited the client's offices for a
location scout, to ensure they selected the best shoot space possible.
Pretty much regardless of budget I opt to do a pre-shoot scout when
planning to shoot on location, because it's my job to know what kind of
space will work best, and it won't serve anyone for us to find out on the day that the
proposed/reserved space is going to compromise our set-up. In this case we had the
use of two huge rooms, so we planned to set up the make-up artist and ID
cards in one room while we set up the actual shoot in the next room. I
strongly advise a closed set, ie. keeping people other than the subject, my assistant and
myself out of the actual shoot space because so many people are uncomfortable
already...the last thing they need is a colleague watching or
distracting them.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mG1EIE6mCszZxoECOBpAoNwdfLYdm3tFMNqzwRUShrdNmXn2ySiv0eG4LHZ28_qdWktTuZpo-2jQUjT4ABQ_pofewAVPUfCc9hSF9zUAxQFuI9JRZQOX_rVZSNEGROSsBzXXkgRrkz4/s1600/RexallForBlogSept2018_+010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mG1EIE6mCszZxoECOBpAoNwdfLYdm3tFMNqzwRUShrdNmXn2ySiv0eG4LHZ28_qdWktTuZpo-2jQUjT4ABQ_pofewAVPUfCc9hSF9zUAxQFuI9JRZQOX_rVZSNEGROSsBzXXkgRrkz4/s320/RexallForBlogSept2018_+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The photo shoot 'reception' desk where subjects picked up their name cards </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he
client had all subjects sign up for specific time slots, and instructed
them to arrive ten minutes early for make-up touch-ups. They also
printed out name cards which each subject presented to us upon arrival
in our 'studio' so we could enter their name into the computer ensuring
each portrait file was correctly labeled. As expected some people switched
times with others for various reasons so this way we didn't have to
rely on just the time sheet for ID's or spelling.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pFZD2_8AlGDGHbz8rrHkLOSCeIqx0q-V3uRkDU6Kx45f3ICTvzhATLqq1fNSbyN_3ZmLfigeTQ9x9LrLxr8uDDrsEQDv6_nlnIK1TTeCISrXiumP4BqwJFOahvea8F9-xaXKiXBYfpo/s1600/RoomSetUp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="423" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pFZD2_8AlGDGHbz8rrHkLOSCeIqx0q-V3uRkDU6Kx45f3ICTvzhATLqq1fNSbyN_3ZmLfigeTQ9x9LrLxr8uDDrsEQDv6_nlnIK1TTeCISrXiumP4BqwJFOahvea8F9-xaXKiXBYfpo/s320/RoomSetUp.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Standing portrait set. We were lucky enough to have two huge rooms, and had more space than we needed. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing we do to facilitate fast headshot sessions is forgo a seated pose
and opt for standing, with where to stand marked very clearly. It's
amazing how confusing a photo set can be to subjects who are not used to
being in front of the camera and may be anxious about getting their
pictures taken. So we employ the most basic indicator possible...a
picture of a pair of feet stuck to the floor. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We use are a large, sturdy tripod
that extends high enough that I can set the camera to look down on even
the tallest subjects (for a more flattering angle), and a small step ladder, so I can see through the
camera viewfinder! The tripod allows me to keep the camera in position so I can
shoot faster and more consistently without having to waste time picking
it up and reorienting every time I step away from it. This way I can
step up to the subject to fix hair, assist in positioning, etc. quickly,
and as often as necessary. One of the reasons we get the testimonials
we do is my hands on all-in attitude, as I am back and forth from the
camera to the subject regularly. No "stand there, smile, click,
done!" on my shoots.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM31y9nHe2dcdj1X4TwN8BU7C97GyJC0fHtIjmynE9gw_t8lvm9J1ycbzxcK8N4Ne3BXlN9_Ra1FIg4CaXmV_nrWHdvSgMABRu9cipstsbM_dPKcmL7Agka-O1vcs_NPro3ToS2GSIQy4/s1600/RexallForBlogSept2018_+008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM31y9nHe2dcdj1X4TwN8BU7C97GyJC0fHtIjmynE9gw_t8lvm9J1ycbzxcK8N4Ne3BXlN9_Ra1FIg4CaXmV_nrWHdvSgMABRu9cipstsbM_dPKcmL7Agka-O1vcs_NPro3ToS2GSIQy4/s320/RexallForBlogSept2018_+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My assistant checking focus and expression as we shoot</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regardless of how long or short the sessions are, or what the budget is, one of the ways we mitigate the amount of retouching required and ensure our headshots turn out as well as possible is that we always bring a basic kit: powder, combs, hairspray, blotting tissues, toothpicks, chapstick, and eyeglass wipes. This time around, to make the experience a bit more special for the subjects, the client also brought in their own in-house make-up artists which they were in a unique position to be able to do.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlsCK7A1FLUqRWlvhrdpToZdkOol3qnHB156o90lqsfRYakj0jLkMAC8cOTpqr257FkolwqKjUcBSm3m5khATht7PI7aPGFF4eUECYjSmnqQWaVmBDtE5a2FSdfuJD2a4kUYrC3a_m8w/s1600/RexallForBlogMakeUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlsCK7A1FLUqRWlvhrdpToZdkOol3qnHB156o90lqsfRYakj0jLkMAC8cOTpqr257FkolwqKjUcBSm3m5khATht7PI7aPGFF4eUECYjSmnqQWaVmBDtE5a2FSdfuJD2a4kUYrC3a_m8w/s640/RexallForBlogMakeUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Client's cosmetician at work</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During any shoot on location when we are doing portraits that might need to be replicated in the future we photograph the set and make diagrams. We did have to replicate this set-up at a later date back at the clients' offices, and then again back at the studio, so it was helpful to have the info to ensure the new portraits matched the previous ones.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZHFSy2vkwrtWm6uoZhBwPLRooOcyW2tAFQCN9dnOPn5LWnqKB8rEF-Yq9CJyYsySyuC6Cl9sdsEmdGOJOCYRsJwmJO9w1TjwpTegGsGlcSXMY7e85eM_EbMesWOPbcttp3p2YsN9mdw/s1600/RexallForBlogSept2018_+003+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZHFSy2vkwrtWm6uoZhBwPLRooOcyW2tAFQCN9dnOPn5LWnqKB8rEF-Yq9CJyYsySyuC6Cl9sdsEmdGOJOCYRsJwmJO9w1TjwpTegGsGlcSXMY7e85eM_EbMesWOPbcttp3p2YsN9mdw/s320/RexallForBlogSept2018_+003+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Measuring the set so we can reproduce it consistently in the future</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the shoot we delivered retouched selects for the executives. In most cases they chose theirs at the time of their sessions when we could assist them in making their decisions, and make sure before they left that we had one they loved. For everyone else, I delivered a set of low res "as-is" files to the organizer to distribute to the staff. Anyone who wanted retouching, a high res file, or prints was invited to reach out to my studio directly and order what they wanted individually. A few did, but for most the small files were fine as they were for posting in small format online.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's some feedback we heard/received after the shoot: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Your professionalism, efficient responsiveness and incredible personality made the headshot day such a hit. Know that I am one of your biggest fans...</span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I also heard some incredibly positive feedback from a senior...leader who was so impressed with your work that she used the word ‘fabulous’ (this is a feat!) Congrats!</span></span> </span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just to add to this – I was the one who took that ‘fabulous’ feedback, and she said that apart from the beautiful pictures you took, it was really the ‘experience’ that stood out. She said you made her feel so comfortable, welcome, and at ease. That is going above and beyond!</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for another wonderful photo shoot.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! If you'd like us to make you look good please get in touch.</span></span><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com">kathryn@hollinrake.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com/">hollinrake.com</a></span></span>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-54424107195583677062019-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:002019-12-11T10:14:07.255-08:00Same subject, different lighting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx3WRA6BZCxLfhcaS-OhMPVBk2xXbrH57GNRGaIa4OBi_0M_KkcI6kRzlKVqYwbtrZtyqzDPw25-MLF8DNbeVp_pi-ejLKuOL2bd_oJqvt6FmBpfUjSH6tIxFjspYBBAM1up7PTC-j7Q/s1600/KenSmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx3WRA6BZCxLfhcaS-OhMPVBk2xXbrH57GNRGaIa4OBi_0M_KkcI6kRzlKVqYwbtrZtyqzDPw25-MLF8DNbeVp_pi-ejLKuOL2bd_oJqvt6FmBpfUjSH6tIxFjspYBBAM1up7PTC-j7Q/s640/KenSmart.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">CEO of defense technology company Eomax Corp.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a follow up to my previous post, sometimes it's appropriate to add a little drama to a business profile portrait. Same subject, same studio, different background, different lighting, different processing. <i>(Note: since I posted this I changed the portrait in the previous post so this makes no sense now! Suffice it to say, both men were photographed in a studio-like environment, but in very different styles. This more dramatic style suited this subject way better.)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some people talk about headshots these days as if they are loaves of Wunderbread -- cheap, pedestrian, and all the same<b> </b>-- or tube socks -- one size fits all. If you are looking for something better than bread, or tube socks, give me a call.</span></span><br />
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<a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">kathryn@hollinrake.com</span></span></b></a><br />
<a href="http://hollinrake.com/"><b><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hollinrake.com</span></span></b></a>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-43638984195389879602019-02-04T13:11:00.001-08:002019-12-11T09:58:17.209-08:00New Portable Corporate Portrait Backdrop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6zgD_qDt5SB7E7frvwW2sCUWVIA8gRy4SussIfWAOuwnE28Hr4FaKqZgGt6WCjBz6aOHOs4fJ7VN_3Xwc2itv5cAczTs-_oxurQdnNP95eT9pel5hthgDnJI0DlkV3hWco-oVlGPylk/s1600/MMcGheeSmallFile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6zgD_qDt5SB7E7frvwW2sCUWVIA8gRy4SussIfWAOuwnE28Hr4FaKqZgGt6WCjBz6aOHOs4fJ7VN_3Xwc2itv5cAczTs-_oxurQdnNP95eT9pel5hthgDnJI0DlkV3hWco-oVlGPylk/s400/MMcGheeSmallFile.png" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corporate Backdrop #5</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another success! A couple of posts ago I wrote about developing new fabric backgrounds for shooting corporate portraits on location, or in studio. I am excited to announce the newest iteration, which is, in my opinion, the best one I've designed yet. This portable fabric backdrop allows us to shoot in any room (as long as it's big enough), at any time of day. Available light or lack of it is completely irrelevant, meaning we and our clients enjoy freedom, flexibility and control.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In order to accommodate executives' busy schedules we make ourselves available whenever they need us. Increasingly we find clients requesting something more interesting than a gray background. The obvious choice is a nicely appointed boardroom, maybe showing part of the wall and some window. But this becomes problematic when, for example, the portrait is at 8:00 a.m. on a winter's day, because what's visible through the window is darkness. When we shoot portraits from morning until afternoon the light changes enormously from set-up to tear down. Even if it's a beautiful sunny day, as the sun makes its way across the sky the shadows and shapes change constantly sometimes changing a lovely background to one with a huge distracting shadow or blindingly bright highlight running right through it. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJILLT5xGBqv_pYc3awNjcc83GQr2IViT_dLPURU8scBqdsY-oEzcKUGUigVoaScTSOh3FjMQJD9soClDzrl1qvvWZIXp3D27XNvKjWkgoD96za4ZLjiiFweoAveQOIC2GzJT6wjsHMQ4/s1600/EarlierAndLaterBackdrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1100" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJILLT5xGBqv_pYc3awNjcc83GQr2IViT_dLPURU8scBqdsY-oEzcKUGUigVoaScTSOh3FjMQJD9soClDzrl1qvvWZIXp3D27XNvKjWkgoD96za4ZLjiiFweoAveQOIC2GzJT6wjsHMQ4/s320/EarlierAndLaterBackdrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left:
Environmental background earlier in the day. Right: Later when the
light has shifted creating bright highlights and an ugly shadow.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">I wanted to bring to corporate portrait shoots an easily portable backdrop with the look of an environmental background minus the pain and lack of control. The new background was designed using as its base a photo of a real background taken at an executive portrait shoot at a corporate office downtown. Using digital photo manipulation and compositing I created out of that image a final image printed on fabric to mimic a distant background while actually being positioned only a couple of feet behind the subject. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">The advantages are:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">We may need less space than we'd need to create a similar look with an actual</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"> environment.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">We can consistently create a mid-day-in-an-office look at any time of day.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">We can introduce some variation if desired by making it lighter or darker with lighting.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">It looks a little different depending on where each subject is placed in front of it, so groups</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"> of portraits don't look unnaturally similar.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">Using this background is more economical than digitally replacing a plain background after the shoot. </span></span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnPXRGZ38hHkGUYeVrly8oGX46eXJD481C3OGVy_f_RvtTDdYzaQZLY5xuPKWAmfN6k0fdBLQsQVGNlnVgQyA2N4_VF6yz4EDxYu5sQGuN6lAinjkFvF_PGhCKuRunlYtRb-JdeIOqdo/s1600/KHPhotoBackground5Base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnPXRGZ38hHkGUYeVrly8oGX46eXJD481C3OGVy_f_RvtTDdYzaQZLY5xuPKWAmfN6k0fdBLQsQVGNlnVgQyA2N4_VF6yz4EDxYu5sQGuN6lAinjkFvF_PGhCKuRunlYtRb-JdeIOqdo/s320/KHPhotoBackground5Base.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A portion of KHPhoto Background #5</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As always, my goal is to make the people who hire us look good, and the people we photograph look great! I think about how to 'up our game' all the time, and I care passionately about your success. I invite you to benefit from our experience. If you or your organization need excellent profile portraits and want to enjoy having them done, please get in touch. I look forward to working with you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><b>kathryn@hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com/"><b>hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span>KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-13366993204570603692018-11-30T11:39:00.002-08:002018-12-15T08:19:22.688-08:00Author Portrait Shoot with Tiffany Calligaris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vDR8aqGgtnitByDEcHw3eGKNdBnOyt-kunhqr7vIbqLMI_drzfSS6RSmKT6BydZSOO5cVnUyjfPbdJzReNX2Ou0P6BW0TICq9Y6cI-HhKJeegXz5a_t3F3uw1wTnMum-eI46IqIqoH0/s1600/TiffanyCalligaris4Nov18_048_Final%252B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vDR8aqGgtnitByDEcHw3eGKNdBnOyt-kunhqr7vIbqLMI_drzfSS6RSmKT6BydZSOO5cVnUyjfPbdJzReNX2Ou0P6BW0TICq9Y6cI-HhKJeegXz5a_t3F3uw1wTnMum-eI46IqIqoH0/s640/TiffanyCalligaris4Nov18_048_Final%252B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tiffany and Shiku at home in Toronto.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of my favourite people to photograph are writers...I love collaborating with fellow creators, and love the idea of contributing in a small way to the creative process involved in the publication of their work. When <a href="https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=https://www.tiffanycalligaris.com/esp/&prev=search" target="_blank"><b>Tiffany Calligaris</b></a> first contacted me I thought she was reaching out from Argentina where she has spent most of her career, so I was relieved to find her living in Toronto. As the publication date for her newest novel approached she needed to do some updated publicity photos, one of which would be included on the book jacket.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started off by dropping by her home to check out the background possibilities, because when the goal is several distinctly different shots that really speak to the person's 'brand' it's often worth checking out 'real' places that, ideally, have some relevance to the person, before opting to set something up in studio. Thus, I location scout whenever possible so I can 1) determine if there are suitable spaces to shoot in and decide which ones are the best, and 2) pre-visualize the lighting and set-up. Meeting at the subject's home gives me the additional advantage of being able to view and advise on wardrobe. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tiffany's condo is not huge but had a fantastic view, so we thought that would be conducive to an environmental portrait. Added bonus: I discovered that she and her husband have a very cute and very friendly dog, Shiku, who we decided would be a great addition to some of the shots. We also walked several blocks to a spot Tiffany had in mind as a result of her dog walks. It, too, looked perfect to me as the historical architecture was somewhat suggestive of the historical timelines in her books. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnic5TpZoLhwKWP7nJAStBIMYGjncizTEtLegFbnpiPqwSKvPy2onc_xOMJrAOpH1f-6H5sQn85oOyulBO-YHAqPDEAptZn1afXmgSj01TK0v8f44z6A3CvO7HVQhKHOJavManr99mwQ/s1600/LocationSnaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="685" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnic5TpZoLhwKWP7nJAStBIMYGjncizTEtLegFbnpiPqwSKvPy2onc_xOMJrAOpH1f-6H5sQn85oOyulBO-YHAqPDEAptZn1afXmgSj01TK0v8f44z6A3CvO7HVQhKHOJavManr99mwQ/s400/LocationSnaps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The corner I liked in Tiffany's condo, and the street corner I liked for our outdoors shots.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we were well into the fall season, we had to choose a shoot date sooner rather than later so there would still be leaves on the trees. Unfortunately, fall can be an iffy time weather-wise, and this one seemed particularly unsettled. As the shoot date and back-up weather dates neared, we made a somewhat last minute decision to skip the preferred date and commit to the next day. Of course, I then spent the entire original date looking for signs that I'd picked the wrong day, and the sun did come out once for about five minutes. I was vindicated, though, by an entire morning of sun on shoot day...not for long enough that it shone the whole shoot, but of the two days we did select the better one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shooting inside to begin with we started by setting a base exposure for the outside and seeing how Tiffany looked in the position I'd imagined. After the shoot I actually ended up changing my mind about the outside exposure, but while I was shooting I felt I wanted lots of colour and detail in the fall-coloured cityscape. As always, we brought lighting so we'd have control, and compositional possibilities would not be limited by the level or direction of the natural light. We also spent a few minutes trying out a throw rug as a prop, but ultimately decided it was a distraction that didn't really add anything of visual value to the image. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhlRzYzgbPdCSo9j-Ky9VAPtmKePEq1f4RKvA6shI0wuMd9pWhe5T4ZaJgZT4fWjKU0V_i4IofDVQKC6iNWoLBq18hTy642D138yfXEbLVois5uO_aVawT-Rl546O8j2sJlvgWMKPGHc/s1600/SettingUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhlRzYzgbPdCSo9j-Ky9VAPtmKePEq1f4RKvA6shI0wuMd9pWhe5T4ZaJgZT4fWjKU0V_i4IofDVQKC6iNWoLBq18hTy642D138yfXEbLVois5uO_aVawT-Rl546O8j2sJlvgWMKPGHc/s640/SettingUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: Setting the ambient exposure. Middle: Setting the lighting and colour balance. Right: Trying out a throw rug prop which we ultimately ditched.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are two final versions of the selected shot -- the first being the way I envisioned it at the time, and the second a revised version I did, really, to make up for the fact that I had not been able to place a background light behind Tiffany where I wanted to because there wasn't room (we tried). There's more depth and dimension in the revised version.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7kjK_5DY4e8cMkpZiRt3zohsx4ftpwcJDNjd4ygbXSApdCxh4PykE4Hf5ZkWZmDCB1AioebC4yBdbaz5yhoI8Tx6YG3i8ne09qW5HcuWTMhzLdceZwAawac2x-90J7PJw5rjDRGst_I/s1600/Tiffany_2Finals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1328" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7kjK_5DY4e8cMkpZiRt3zohsx4ftpwcJDNjd4ygbXSApdCxh4PykE4Hf5ZkWZmDCB1AioebC4yBdbaz5yhoI8Tx6YG3i8ne09qW5HcuWTMhzLdceZwAawac2x-90J7PJw5rjDRGst_I/s640/Tiffany_2Finals.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: The first iteration. Right: My revised version which has more depth. Note that the part of the window frame behind Tiffany's head (visible in the test shots above) was removed during retouching; its relative position during shooting was unavoidable, so I planned to remove it later.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We did do a wardrobe and set change while we were inside but time was tight, so we didn't spend a lot of time trying for alternates. Ultimately we needed approximately five final shots and we had to pack everything up to move to the outdoor location, so we did not dally. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyiIpxKSXX_b3McmphQApl1tpuGrpQvNUNd6HTuMqyR-HtQTltDcsxJoe0lou5zPA-n0rdqvU9DdzB-015J45oEQCDMm2B8SZrAv_xc9JV1gtAWV-t2woL1j5PzsncoQkFTdkAr1YLWo/s1600/TiffanyCalligarisHeadAndShoulders.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyiIpxKSXX_b3McmphQApl1tpuGrpQvNUNd6HTuMqyR-HtQTltDcsxJoe0lou5zPA-n0rdqvU9DdzB-015J45oEQCDMm2B8SZrAv_xc9JV1gtAWV-t2woL1j5PzsncoQkFTdkAr1YLWo/s320/TiffanyCalligarisHeadAndShoulders.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One alternative look, inside.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The outdoor location was far enough away that we needed to drive there with the gear. While my assistant and I drove over, Tiffany and her husband Phillip took Shiku for a walk and met us at the agreed spot. My first goal was to capture Tiffany and Shiku walking. Because I knew I wanted to photograph them at a specific spot, we set up a light and had them walk through that spot repeatedly while I locked focus on it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once again, I would like to have used slightly more complicated lighting than we were able to. Inside we had no room. Outside, I had the limiting factors of of one assistant (to handle one light) in a high traffic area (way more so than we'd anticipated), and in which we had no permission to shoot, so we had to keep as low a profile as possible. As a result, although the shot looked OK, I felt as if something was missing, until I did a little extra post-production to give it a little zing.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7951G1v7W5V43C27YxzZgY0h4mPIXr4Xt0hSBEi0-c4linys1toAMWoyEX72Ix4EjysJP6nL_gNcItPDfUiC89bvIKOgeNMAmZx3u8vUoAk8ZQlpv7f-ReGzS9yqCL6FF6Trl4MBRio/s1600/TiffanyWalkingShiku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="911" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7951G1v7W5V43C27YxzZgY0h4mPIXr4Xt0hSBEi0-c4linys1toAMWoyEX72Ix4EjysJP6nL_gNcItPDfUiC89bvIKOgeNMAmZx3u8vUoAk8ZQlpv7f-ReGzS9yqCL6FF6Trl4MBRio/s320/TiffanyWalkingShiku.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: Encroaching cars kept wrecking the shot; there was much more traffic on the shoot day than on the scout day. Right: We got the shot during one of the brief moments during which there were no cars or people in the way. </span></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwFyNkcT7l9wNVpmf47jNEn1WKD37KeYYsh4UegYb5e1_Kqe_2lsbJU_ZE303BTjxTT_AXxVfNa9jK6uMXMwvtZ-s0cIcQZOL3kT2x1IrcPLPSZPI2CRorRvAE4ltwjRSh9O_1oNQ8Zc/s1600/TiffanyCalligaris4Nov18_132Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwFyNkcT7l9wNVpmf47jNEn1WKD37KeYYsh4UegYb5e1_Kqe_2lsbJU_ZE303BTjxTT_AXxVfNa9jK6uMXMwvtZ-s0cIcQZOL3kT2x1IrcPLPSZPI2CRorRvAE4ltwjRSh9O_1oNQ8Zc/s400/TiffanyCalligaris4Nov18_132Final.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final walking shot.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully it didn't take long to get this shot as the endless traffic was driving me crazy (no pun intended). So although I'd planned initially to keep shooting here, I grabbed just a few more shots before deciding to move onto the church grounds in the background.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I crossed to the same side of the street as my subject we no longer had to deal with the traffic but the sun went behind the increasing clouds, not to be seen again. Between the clouds and the wind it was not warm, and Tiffany was wearing a light little jacket, not actual outerwear. Phillip took Shiku home so we could concentrate on the task at hand, which, for Tiffany, was mostly trying not to look like she was freezing to death.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpzHnyntGldACSSyQboQTEOSfyVSHZRkMji2Tm3wI-tWLvpMGNzdbN708zVrfFYEaSqMCyrUZJXjOf3EvlB0j7QbW0Fl6QZaJnyA7D_FGEoLCNFeFaIgg30JiiHFKI-Dln-ZsU1uDVpk/s1600/TiffanyCalligaris4Nov18_199Filter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpzHnyntGldACSSyQboQTEOSfyVSHZRkMji2Tm3wI-tWLvpMGNzdbN708zVrfFYEaSqMCyrUZJXjOf3EvlB0j7QbW0Fl6QZaJnyA7D_FGEoLCNFeFaIgg30JiiHFKI-Dln-ZsU1uDVpk/s640/TiffanyCalligaris4Nov18_199Filter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You would never know Tiffany was freezing.</span></span> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tiffany had told me when we met initially that she would welcome my direction during the shoot, as she, like almost all of my subjects, is not a professional model and not especially comfortable in front of the camera. By putting her trust in me, she set the stage for us to successfully create a set of shots in which she looks comfortable, relaxed and confident. I have to applaud her, too, for her commitment, patience and perseverance. It was not easy posing outside in the cold, but you'd never know it from the pictures, and she uttered not a word of complaint. I found out later she'd needed a hot bath to thaw out, and fell asleep right after that!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tiffany's newest novel <i>Lesath Ever After</i> is scheduled to hit shelves in March 2019.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether you are publishing a book, a website, a blog, etc., please get in touch if you want to look great on it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><b>kathryn@hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.hollinrake.com/" target="_blank">hollinrake.com</a></b></span></span><br />
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KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279950665184597461.post-26663914791789416442018-08-07T06:44:00.000-07:002018-08-07T06:44:23.718-07:00New Portable Backdrop for Corporate Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd3Q9CQqxgg-yYEp95iQfTkxNEBzga7fw3KkUbl7pJXamygCRsnD4GD2fvpm-sONftLddjlO68jilv1bwQ7W6nG3S4iRTNqetxQKnhkFRyvCkwRrfj9uRmwToGd5WVaeDvdpyQ4KXqEs/s1600/KH_Corp2SideBkgrd6Jun18_028DesatDone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd3Q9CQqxgg-yYEp95iQfTkxNEBzga7fw3KkUbl7pJXamygCRsnD4GD2fvpm-sONftLddjlO68jilv1bwQ7W6nG3S4iRTNqetxQKnhkFRyvCkwRrfj9uRmwToGd5WVaeDvdpyQ4KXqEs/s320/KH_Corp2SideBkgrd6Jun18_028DesatDone.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The photographer against KHPhoto Background 1</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every time I speak with a new client about corporate portraits or headshots, the question of what background to use arises. Even though a portrait is really about the subject, the background is important. In some cases, for example when a large number of subjects within an organization are to be photographed for a website or directory, the desire is for a conservative, innocuous, repeatable, fairly plain backdrop, so the portraits will look clean and consistent across a page. But plain white and gray backgrounds can be boring, and look cookie cutter-ish.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Environmental portraits are very popular these days and for good reason. For one thing they tend to be a bit more interesting looking, and eye catching...very helpful if a potential employer and/or potential business contact is scanning through resumés or online profiles. Furthermore, a portrait that looks like it was taken in some kind of real place, as opposed to a portrait studio, invokes a greater sense of authenticity, and uniqueness both in terms of the individual subject and of the organization they are representing. But...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The challenge from the photographer's point of view, when shooting on site at clients' offices (which I do 90% of the time), is finding office space that is conducive to an attractive environmental portrait. White and beige walls provide no texture or detail to throw artfully out of focus. And, if there are windows at all, often whatever is visible through them does not work very well as a backdrop either. It is amazing how rare it is to find an available environmental background that really works. Just recently we set up a portrait in a large office and included part of a plant, some wall, some window, and some interior design details (<i>see photos below</i>), and when the executive walked in for his "close-up" he announced that he really did want a close-up...all the lovely out of focus details in the background disappeared with the tight crop we were now facing. As a result the background looked boring and not very attractive, so I ended up digitally compositing in details to bring the shot back to life -- time consuming and not billable.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbJgYp-R-lXClV83NqMBezzGEyO3CYAZO_tCg58Bu6Agf7l8a8GpLN23fE6G4w1zN04lC7pcXEAYpn_EyohhefVau6aF1DFXi3RFMU0B3zCwP8_k2UbPyvOP_qkwv8P6IzKk9FdCmn48/s1600/ExecGoodBadCompdBackgrd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1285" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbJgYp-R-lXClV83NqMBezzGEyO3CYAZO_tCg58Bu6Agf7l8a8GpLN23fE6G4w1zN04lC7pcXEAYpn_EyohhefVau6aF1DFXi3RFMU0B3zCwP8_k2UbPyvOP_qkwv8P6IzKk9FdCmn48/s640/ExecGoodBadCompdBackgrd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Left: Aesthetically pleasing environmental background for a horizontal portrait. Middle: The "close-up" vertical portrait the client actually wanted. Right: Digitally altered, improved background in the final portrait.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even in my studio, I am limited to using photo backdrops because I don't have a big beautifully appointed boardroom to simulate an executive environment...so I needed something I could use in studio as well. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like every corporate photographer I have paper (plain) and fabric (fairly plain) backdrops I bring on location, and there are a variety of mottled fabric photo backdrops as well as environmental image backdrops available for purchase; however the dearth of options that I actually like or would expect clients to like has frustrated me for years. In the past I painted many of my own backdrops, but they look dated now, and they can be unwieldy to take on location. Recently it got a lot easier and more economical to digitally composite in a different background using Photoshop, but doing that adds time and expense that may be tough to justify, especially if you are doing a large number of portraits at a time. Furthermore, if you have a bunch of portraits on a page and the backdrop looks exactly the same, to the pixel, in each one, they fairly scream "Photoshopped!" (and "inauthentic"!). Having said that, I do have a growing collection of digital corporate backgrounds ready for compositing into portraits. And yes, one can place the background just differently enough in each frame that they do not look cookie-cuttered, so if budget allows, we have the technology and the resources! <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few blurred background digital files in my archives</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Client photographed on white, background added later.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But back to my point: it was important to me to figure out a way to provide a more manageable, flexible, and economical solution. Having suitable backdrops custom made was not a very reasonably priced option until now. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My goal was to create a backdrop that suggested some kind of structure in the background, out of focus enough not to be distracting or identifiable, and generic enough that it would be appropriate for a wide ranging clientele. So I selected one of my digital background files, took pieces of it, and blurred and combined them to simulate a distant background. I used a combination of experience, and a bunch of tests, to determine the amount of detail, texture and blur needed to make it appear not too busy if I included a subject's torso (looser crop) or too plain if I did a tight head shot. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It also had to be vertical (unlike the digital backgrounds above, unfortunately!) to allow for easy portability and use in the often narrow spaces we encounter in boardrooms (beside big boardroom tables for example), and for flexible placement of the subjects who may be sitting or standing, and short or tall. All tough to balance, which is part of the reason I leapt at the chance to do a two-sided backdrop, when I discovered I needed to redo my order, having screwed up the first time by making the colour saturation too intense. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even the new one is still actually a little bluer than I would maybe have liked -- it doesn't look nearly as blue to the eye, as the reader will see if we work together -- so I will likely be spending an extra few seconds desaturating these backgrounds as I use them on upcoming jobs. As I write this, I just completed a shoot with four business women. Three stayed with the blue, and one chose a slightly grayer look:</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmrJlIFzzsEJWG98bkyC1B8DFIJm7mhikAcwvKVdhyq6YTHWJMXh_8P1YAURcF5w3A_gsyNtQ2kT8bMeZmnQJZJ5-N_d66-RPbvJJLslN_HhNjOQJbNNxJ9IrsNiXVshPElo-nz0cWOk/s1600/3WomenExecs2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1228" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmrJlIFzzsEJWG98bkyC1B8DFIJm7mhikAcwvKVdhyq6YTHWJMXh_8P1YAURcF5w3A_gsyNtQ2kT8bMeZmnQJZJ5-N_d66-RPbvJJLslN_HhNjOQJbNNxJ9IrsNiXVshPElo-nz0cWOk/s640/3WomenExecs2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 portraits against side 1 of the blue background</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ymG30FbmZxtadG2g-bvndposFgvIYLJAFZR0W7XPoiE_0s0KLZLYVbecDEKQBXO0vOlEzSz1DmwjF9PWi3tOnXWu3TR6EJ1tyItwZY6PyxyIh3p-MWifGd23CMNUYRhVQQA3N6sIp8/s1600/1WomanExecLessBlueBackgrd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ymG30FbmZxtadG2g-bvndposFgvIYLJAFZR0W7XPoiE_0s0KLZLYVbecDEKQBXO0vOlEzSz1DmwjF9PWi3tOnXWu3TR6EJ1tyItwZY6PyxyIh3p-MWifGd23CMNUYRhVQQA3N6sIp8/s320/1WomanExecLessBlueBackgrd.png" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 portrait with the blue desaturated during retouching</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2Uba_IWDx90DNogjoe3eY4pVqG3Yr82BM7QqplFdqup434AscIQNNx_biThnIdmwRRdbNq6Poj9TsEbkToquXdf2cLVIzxWV6PViAuQ1iAd0EvtvJCSOA-MqKK8WRkmzksjV2835gZA/s1600/KHollinrakeRvrsblCorpBckgrdCrpd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="800" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2Uba_IWDx90DNogjoe3eY4pVqG3Yr82BM7QqplFdqup434AscIQNNx_biThnIdmwRRdbNq6Poj9TsEbkToquXdf2cLVIzxWV6PViAuQ1iAd0EvtvJCSOA-MqKK8WRkmzksjV2835gZA/s640/KHollinrakeRvrsblCorpBckgrdCrpd.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me x 15! My new 2-sided corporate background showing variations made possible with lighting, processing and cropping. <i>A large-enough-to-read version is available by e-mail upon request.</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Realistically, I don't think clients want to have to think about backgrounds. They want great, appropriate, usable portraits. It's my job to figure out the details. So far clients are responding enthusiastically to this new backdrop, which makes me very happy. I'm looking forward to using it lots more, and to designing new ones going forward. I'm also considering offering custom designed backdrops for exclusive use by individual client organizations. If that sounds useful, or if you are in need of portrait photography, let's talk!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:kathryn@hollinrake.com"><b>kathryn@hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://hollinrake.com/"><b>hollinrake.com</b></a></span></span><br />
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<br />KathrynHollinrakePhotographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12162322597357176533noreply@blogger.com0