KISS for portraits

Alexia Shepherd [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

When you are changing lighting setups or camera settings, you cannot pay attention to expressions. Giving a lot of variety with lighting setups may not be the best approach.

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid

Getting great facial expressions takes much more skill than changing a lighting setup. You have to build trust with the person. You have to connect with them so that together you can capture the subject’s true essence.

Alexia Shepherd [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

I do minor lighting changes so I can spend more time getting lots of expressions.

One thing I do with my setup is to change the background from a grey to a white background.

I can pause for a moment and turn on or off the two lights behind my white muslin background. Off I get a lovely neutral grey. The light from the beauty dish is what lights the background and my subject.

When I have my background lights on, they are giving me one stop more light than I have set on the subject. This gives me a spotless white background.

Chance Wills [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

I love to shoot 50 to 100 images before I change the background.

Chance Wills[NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

I encourage people to bring a couple of outfits. It is incredible to me how much wardrobe change impacts the final photo.

Will Oliver [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

Changing from a low-key to a high-key photo can also help change the photo’s mood.

Will Oliver [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

My tip is to pick one outfit and shoot a lot. Go for 100 photos without changing lighting: background, or clothing. Then change the background and repeat. After you have done that, then change outfits and shoot again.

Make the emphasis of the portrait/headshot session about getting an expression. Go past the extremes of sadness and joy. Then try and shoot all the nuances of faces.

Chance Wills [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4, 1/160, Focal Length = 85] 

Don’t forget to get verticals and horizontal photos.

Andrew Mozingo [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4.5, 1/125, Focal Length = 85]

Remember, the thing that makes a great headshot is EXPRESSION!!!

Andrew Mozingo [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4.5, 1/125, Focal Length = 85]

It is much easier to get a pleasant and genuine expression if you have pushed the limits of expressions first.

Andrew Mozingo [NIKON Z 6, 85.0 mm f/1.8, ISO 50, ƒ/4.5, 1/125, Focal Length = 85]
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