Appunti di fotografia [180] – Ritratti, suggerimenti

28 Set 2024 | 0 commenti

Ho da poco seguito il webinar “Ritratti fotografici con Sony” del 25/9/2024. Era ovviamente fatto ad hoc per pubblicizzare il nuovo Sony 85 mm f/1.4 GM2, ma ho comunque cercato di andare oltre, ascoltando tutto ciò che di interessante poteva essere detto dai tre fotografi professionisti invitati.

Nell’ultima parte del webinar veniva chiesto loro di dare dei consigli o degli spunti di riflessione a chi fa ritrattistica o per chi comunque lavora con persone.

Voglio condividere con voi le risposte (non ho messo le virgolette perché potrei essermi perso qualcosa, ma in sostanza è ciò che è stato detto):

Sandra Hallnor: I think one of the biggest things for me was when I worked up the courage to actually step back to not stress when I have the subject and the model in front of me, whether it’s a child or a family or whoever I’m taking a picture of, just take a moment, take a step back, and think about the light, can I use it in a better way? The composition, everything that’s around. Because I think a lot of photographers, they feel really stressed and worried about how is the person feeling on the other side of the camera. So they shoot, shoot, shoot and they’re like they want it to be quick and they want the person to feel comfortable. But just take a few seconds and actually analyze the location, preferably before you get there, but also when you start to shoot, because sometimes the first idea isn’t the best one. So that would be my advice. Just take a moment, take a breath and look through the images.

Morten Rygaard: I would say have fun. Come out and just play around. Just don’t take the same photo; when you have taken one photo, just play around. Come up in the hide and lay on your stomach. Look at your background. It just have a really really good time and again, create a positive environment, because you will get so much more from everybody who is on the shoot when we are laughing and when we’re having a good time. Be kind to everybody, smile, respect everybody, just make this beautiful, beautiful environment when you are out shooting. Again, play around, make a lot of mistakes. Because if you are making a lot of mistakes, come home and see “how can I do it better next time”. And I remember when I was four years old, my dad gave me my first advice. He said “Morten, when you do a portrait, always get the sun shine on the nose, and after that you can always break that rule. I like that rule when you are starting out. I was four years old. So then you know the light […]. After that, he gave me a lot of more assignments, […]. After that, when you learn all the rules, composition and lighting, everything break the rules. So, have a lot of fun, come out there and play around, make a lot of mistakes, analyze and go back out the next day. The most important thing: photograph what you love and you will be really good at it.

Jana Weisbrich: In my opinion, there are two key points in portrait photography that are important aside from the technical aspects. The first is understanding the light, how to use the available light to your advantage. […] And even more important for capturing great portraits is your relationship with the person you are photographing. When they trust you and your work, and feel comfortable enough to let go, you have the possibilities to capture some authentic photos. And I think people are fundamentally different, so observe them and give them what they need in that moment. Tell them what they are doing well, so they can reflect on it. And so here’s a tip from me: if you are starting out in photography, book a mentoring season with a photographer you look up to, because you don’t have to go it alone. And I made it also in the beginning of my career as already mentioned. I think that this can significantly shorten your path to the kind of photos you want to create. And practice photographing every 3 minutes you have, wherever you want, vacation or at the home with your family. Take every opportunity to improve.