I got inspired by Fergus Ford (and if you want to see a real pro’s results, take a look at his latest – awesome work). In this post he offers his “how-to” and I used it as jumping off point. Sort of. I didn’t use a flash through an umbrella. I was on the north side of the house in shade and I shot this at noon so the sun was high and bright and bouncing off our yellowed winter grass to camera left and the white of the house acted as a reflector. ISO 100, f/2.5, 1/1000s, 85mm. My tripod was perched on the dog house, and I’m pleased with the perspective shooting down provided.
And this is the result. Pretty much out of the camera. I brightened my eyes and teeth and added a light blur vignette, but I didn’t touch my skin – this is how it came out. My skin is creamy and smooth, which is exactly what I was going for. I’ll keep working on this.
Needless to say, doing this as a self-portrait was quite hard, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to photograph others.
It looks beautiful and the colors just pop! Love it!
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Thanks, Sally! One of these days we’re going to have do a shoot together.
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Beautiful! A keeper.
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Thanks, Rita!
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Makes me realize how badly I need more classes! This is so well done, and it’s wonderful that you used items you had available.
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Great portrait! Nicely lit, framed and composed, Carissa! 🙂
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Thank you, Richard!
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Oh Clarissa it is just gorgeous! Love the red blouse and also thanks so much for the exif info and shooting angle, great to learn new stuff!
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You are most welcome.
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Thanks for the mention Carissa – that was very kind! You have created a beautiful soft, flattering light here, and all the more impressive you have done it with what you had available. Bravo! 🙂 x
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I do so love your work, and the stories you tell!
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😀 Beaming ear to ear now!!! 😉
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This is great! I’m so impressed with it. Love the new theme for your site, too 🙂
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Thanks on both counts!
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Beautiful and well done 🙂
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Thanks, Inga.
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