With a zoom lens, I have to use at least three: at either end of the zoom scale and in the middle.
Therefore, I needed to move the camera towards and away from your subject to keep the framing consistent.
Florence and I have been working together for the last 16 years and when, recently, I showed her this blog she generously and spontaneously offered me her help.
"I do not like to be photographed because I never look natural. Moreover, my son Quentin always pulls my leg when I show him photos of me".
Despite the relatively easy brief, given this statement, the shooting did not look as an easy task for me.
So, during lunch time, we decided to go to a park nearby and try to do our best: Florence with her alleged low ability to be photographed and I with my recent new role of portrait photographer.
Frankly, I think she was simply great!
Spontaneous, at ease, able to let herself guided by me: she was a perfect subject.
We spent about 60 minutes with a result of almost 200 shots at 10 different focal distances.
As usual, I showed the post production result to my subject and we decided to post the 8 best shots.
I am sure now Quentin will not be able to make fun of his mother photos any longer!
Image 1.
f 5.6, 1/180 sec, ISO 200, 18 mm
Image 2.
f 4.5, 1/180 sec, ISO 200, 24 mm
Image 3.
f 8, 1/125 sec, ISO 200, 35 mm
Image 4.
f 6.7, 1/180 sec, ISO 200, 45 mm
Image 5.
f 6.7, 1/180 sec, ISO 200, 55 mm
Image 6.
f 6.7, 1/180 sec, ISO 200, 70 mm
Image 7.
f 4.5, 1/350 sec, ISO 200, 150 mm
Image 8.
f 4.5, 1/250 sec, ISO 200, 210 mm
In my opinion, the above images are somehow self-explanatory.
Shorter focal lengths can distort facial features creating a caricature type portrait, hardly flattering.
An altered viewpoint can be used to generate a comical image, often seen in magazines and adverts.
Moreover, using a shorter focal length to capture a close up portrait, also involves physically getting closer and, unless you are really comfortable with your subject, this could be problematic.
In Image 2, 3 and even more in Image 1 all facial features are distorted.
The wider angle and my viewpoint has exaggerated my subjects nose out of all proportion, and causes the image to misrepresent the truth.
Florence's head seems too big.
Additionally, the shorter focal length draws the eye into the frame and the subject almost seems to be coming out towards the viewer.
These are not necessarily flattering portraits, but I find they have a certain charme and I think the wide angle effect can be rather interesting.
In Image 4, 5 and 6, there is less exaggeration of my subjects features. I feel her nose is still too prominent to create a truly flattering portrayal.
The focal lengths I used for Image 7 and 8 (respectively 150 mm and 210 mm), is not a focal length I usually use, but I think it fits perfectly to this exercise.
This focal length flatters the subject as all her features are less prominent and it creates a flatter composition.
These long focal lengths are useful when taking outdoor shots unobtrusively.
Using this lengths seems to have smoothed out Florence's skin.
I do like her facial expression and twinkling eyes.
Overall a good long focal length for a flattering portrait.
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