Welcome you're watching AdoramaTV.
My name is Marcin Lewandowski and in this
episode of the Viewfinder I will
tell you a little bit about headshots
and how I approach making them.
My headshot session usually takes about
one hour so there is time for an outfit change and I
always suggest something light
and something dark in color.
I also discourage any strong pattern,
richly multi colored tops and large
jewelry all of these things pull
attention away from the model's face
and I think that's not advisable.
I guess I'm a bit old school when it
comes to black tops but I think the most
elegant / neutral / safe color and it's
good to see an option with it
On ladies: only very light sort of
effortless makeup is the best let the
casting agents see your natural potential.
On the day I always welcome everyone
personally, offer something to drink,
maybe something sweet
and sit down for a quick chat.
In these few moments that might
determine how the rest of the session
pans out and we get to know each other
a little bit. Talk about personal stuff
and hopefully relax which is important
for both of us.
I don't think I need to mention that
everything is set up before they come
over, right?
They're different schools in terms of
f stops but I like to shoot wide open
and use any focal length
from 50mm upwards.
Generally 85mm is considered a
definite Portrait lens but shooting
3/4 with 50mm gets rid of the
“bigger nose” effect.
I always start with bright
almost shadowless lighting and tweak
it a bit on the go,
keeping it bright and soft for the ladies,
and more contrasting for the guys.
This is naturally not a rule and depending
on the client I will do small changes on
the fly. Once I have a photograph
we're both happy with I switch to a black
background and we make a slightly
moodier version.
All the technical
aspects are not as important as finding
the subjects “good side” which is a priority.
Mastering this trick takes a while and
you have to trust your gut with it.
Make them turn to the side,
chin up, and down.
Play with their hair some emotions going by
talking to them, have a few anecdotes and
interesting stories up your sleeve.
Focus on the eyes and keep them above the
middle get a good feel for the face.
You have to be in charge for the whole time
and be confident as they rely on you
for directions.
Improvise if you're stuck.
Another thing that I never say is; "smile".
I'm looking for quite the opposite.
The trick is to get a slow sort of
natural smirk.
In terms of photo orientation,
I think that both portrait
and landscape headshots work equally well.
It depends on personal taste more than
anything else.
Landscapes might be more cinematic,
but portrait is a more classic approach,
and it looks better on mobile devices.
You know the funny thing is that when you go on
the web and research headshots you will
get a ton of various lists
with do's and do not's.
Sometimes even contradicting
each other
but in principle
they're mostly right,
as long as they have
a professional approach.
The aesthetics that you will choose
as a photographer might be completely
different to what others choose.
It's the same when
choosing equipment, which is very
important, but there is no right
choice as such.
Another thing is that probably
everyone would like a nice big studio with
plenty of lighting options but the reality
might be different so make the best of
what you have and be professional
and convincing from the beginning
to the end, even on your
worst hair day.
Thanks for watching.
Check out Adorama Learning Center
for tips and subscribe
to our channel for more photography
related videos.
This is Marcin Lewandowski
for AdoramaTV.
See you next time.