Your photo sharing community!

Share On

I've heard that some filters are better for portraits and I was wondering what kind? Any suggestions about doing portraits, poses, etc. Anything really would be of help, lighting, any ideas for places or how to step up something myself. The local areas around her are too expensive and we think we are a lot more comfortable taking eachothers, so the pictures will be more natural. Also my yearbook advisor said that non-professional pictures dont turn out as good (quality) in the yearbooks.. so could I take my film to get developed somewhere more professional? would that help? Anything would help, please comment! Thank you

I'm sorry I forgot to ask about Film too, what kind is best? Thank you!

You're really opening up a can of worms, here. What you're basically asking is how to get several years' worth of experience from an Internet forum. 'Tain't gonna happen. ;-)

I'd forget about using filters. On second thought, put some black tulle (think fishnet stockings or bridal veil -- but in black) over your lens. It'll soften up the photo without looking too mushy. But make sure to do some straight shots, too.

There's a reason the local pros are really expensive. It's hard work for them and takes a lot of patience and experience to do a good job. The non-professional pictures probably don't work well because they're not exposed or processed correctly.

I'd use Fuji NPH for your film. I don't know where you're located so I can't comment on where to take it to be developed.

I'd certainly give this project a try, but don't wait so long that if it doesn't work out you won't be able to schedule anyone to do them.

I wouldn't worry too much about filters either. My father did mine (semi-pro at the time) and they looked just as good as the professional, but I wouldn't say better.

I'd say plan to shoot a MIN. of 3-4 36exp rolls for each of you so that you hopefully end up with 6-8 decent shots to choose from. In your portfolio you don't have any portraits except for your self-portrait, they are much different than a lot of your macro's and still-life.

I'd recommend an overcast day in perhaps a botanical garden. That should keep your backgrounds relatively simple and pleasing in most angles. Use a telephoto unless you want to see a lot of your background.

See if a local photographer will take your yearbook photo for a more inexpensive price or go to a place like walmart's instore studio for a $4 package and use that one. Make sure the photographer knows it will be your yearbook photo and let him know if you have head measurement requirements.

As for poses do an internet search for Seniors galleries and poke around and see what you like. Make sketches so that you will more readilly remember later. And you might like poses your friend does not so just mark them.

If you have the time go out with a simple point and shoot digital camera and play with poses, backgrounds, clothing, etc etc. You will be more prepared and more at ease when you put it on film.

Remember to keep images simple, relaxed, and frame filled.

OH! And make sure to get them processed and printed at a camera shop or a professional lab on MATTE paper.

Like the previous poster said, you aren't going to get from here years and years of experience, but hopefully these help a little bit. Hope I didn't talk down to you at all. I just wasn't sure how much you knew about portraiture. I am still new to it, but have learned a lot along the way. Good Luck and HAVE FUN! :)

hie ...
i m photo editor of the yearbook in my univ. publication.... we did setup our very economical DIY studio and help every of the seniors take their senior potrait... with the table lamps, soft notice board as background, a small light for hair.. we manage to get a quite satisfied overall result...

i would suggest to use a digital camera.. since u can try for the best result before u send to print and u can play with the white balance and get a more dramatic color scheme...

ohya .. 1 more thing .. tht's very conventional way of posing ...
if u wish to pose in tht way... just sit 45degree away from the camera, turn ur body facing to the camera(though sitting 45deg off to the center) and tilt ur head abit... it's abit uncomfortable, but will look ok...

1 main light from either 1 side ...and a reflector at the other side... we use the car sunshade which is silver in color to be the reflector ... everything is cheap ;)

Wow, a bunch of stuff to answer here.
1. Many yearbook staff's/printers require you to have the actual yearbook photo taken by the designated or offical studio. Generally, if you want it in the yearbook, you'll have to have it taken there. However, you won't be obligate to buy those photos. You can have the ones you are giving to friends and family taken by anyone you choose.
2. Film, I agree with others, Fuji NPH will work well. As for processing, check in the phone book yellow pages for a custom/professional processing lab. Processing will run about triple what having them done at Walgreens or Walmart but the results are worth every penny. For additional fees these labs can handle blemishes and other things like that.
3. Filters, I wouldn't depend on them but are actually fun to try. Cokin makes a filter system that you can use on nearly any camera and lens. They run about $20 per filter plus about $20 for the adapter setup. I would use some diffusion filters and oval center spots. Again, I wouldn't recommend them for a first timer to try for the photos, but you could try them, and might enjoy the results. A lot of the success will depend on the camera's ability to work with the filters.
4. General help. Go to the Library. Our local libraries all have some books on taking portraits and weddings. These will give you some basic posing and lighting setups. If you can find them, Amherst Media prints a lot of photography books and I have found many of the helpful.
Good luck and practice as much as possible prior to the deadline. Give yourselves time for any reshoots as needed.

Radovan M.	Maria H.	Ayan M.	Jan S.	Jill B.	Paul H.	Srna S.	Martin P.

	Sign Up Now! \| Log In \| Help
	Your photo sharing community!