Showing posts with label portraits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portraits. Show all posts

Sunday 22 November 2020

VEILED WOMAN - THE ANATOMY OF A PORTRAIT

VEILED WOMAN
This portrait was made using natural light coming in through the window to camera right. Prior to the shoot we talked for a long time before she decided to dress in a way that reflected an identity with many layers. She started with modern western clothing then progressed through five wardrobe changes until we got to this one - she is wearing traditional scarves from her mother's village. This took about 5-6 hours.

We started shooting in digital with a Canon 5D, 85mm - f1.8 combo; this allowed a relaxed pace to develop with minimal hassle. Then I switched to Kodak film loaded in a Hasselblad with a Zeiss 150mm lens - a lens that I love for it's softness. Of course the cameras were tripod mounted.

The way to create the setting or mood for this type of portrait is to keep it real; be respectful of the subject's requests at all times....really listen and be attentive to the body language as it unfolds during the session; for instance move the camera closer to create more intimacy but watch closely for nervous fidgeting, shielding movements etc. If the person is clearly uncomfortable, then back off no matter what they say. Many people, just to be polite, will say they are comfortable when you ask them, even though they clearly are not. I keep talking while shooting....but not superficial chatter - I ask questions, probe, build on the rapport and trust established during our previous meetings. Trust is the key. Respect is the volition. Hiding behind the camera creates a barrier so I try my best to open to the other person in a real way, to give something of myself so it is an exchange rather than a one way street with me in control. If this isn't received well then I just listen and move the session along with a question here and there.

About my workflow: I develop any film myself, then scan it with an Imacon scanner and upload the file into Lightroom.....from there we open it in Photoshop and an action for portraits is applied. Sometimes the next step is to use Silver Efex for B&W conversion. NIK Silver Efex helps me achieve the feel and technical excellence that I want in my work. Then we bring the PS image back into Lightroom to use the 'yellow filter' preset - this gives me the emulsion colour I'm looking for.


Monday 7 July 2014

EMILY'S TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALAND - UPDATE


EMILY
photo ©Michael O'Brien

UPDATE: It's a year since Emily took off her cervical collar and started her next stage of healing.....she's doing well.

ORIGINAL POST: Emily is an exceptional woman that I've had the privilege to photograph. We've kept in touch and over time I've got to know her a bit more. Shortly after this portrait session Emily went to New Zealand to live and work. While there she was in an accident that nearly left her paralyzed. Before leaving NZ to come home and heal she wrote the following. I'm happy to say that she is recovering rapidly. I include it because it says more about her than anything I could ever write. Here it is: 

Dear New Zealand,

This has been one of the most amazing and life-changing years of my life in many ways. 7 great learning experiences (of which I could go on) about life, love and land and explanations as to why you are such a liveable and admirable country:

1. First and Foremost ( Something I have never felt so grateful for in my entire life, and that is something that is very individualistic to your country and you could not experience anywhere else in the world, including as a citizen of my own country): THE HEALTHCARE. Not only have you saved my wallet approximately $100, 000-130, 000 grand for a helicopter, 2 weeks in a hospital and 3 surgeries, 24 hour care, a private room, etc. etc. Your system continues to care for patients through physio, extra help, gym, psychologists, etc. I owe you my life.

2. THE KIWI'S WARMTH AND GENEROSITY. From the moment, I stepped a foot on this country complete strangers to new mates have been so welcoming, giving, selfless and will go the extra mile for you, more so than I've seen in other Western countries. Not only, reaching out to me, but extending a helping hand to my family as well, in times of need. And loved all the kind words, visits and flowers while I was in the hospital.

3.0VER 70 DIFFERENT ECOSYSTEMS. As described by someone I met along the road, "It's like squishing all the good parts of Canada together, into more realistic distances, without the middle bits" I was particularly impressed the geothermal areas and as a mountain girl, could not miss out on the alpine opportunities. The coastline has been breathtaking and have even enjoyed the views out the windows while driving through the bush. As my trip was cut short, I will be back for more!

4.THE PERFECT CLIMATE FOR A GRAPE TIME. Working as a wine consultant in the heart of Central Otago, getting to taste all of New Zealand’s fine wines and getting free wine tours with all the companies. Enjoying wine that is 100% grown, not made and in many cases has sound environmentally friendly practices. From some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs to the tropical flavours of the Savvie B’s, you sure made my working in the Wine sector a tasty and outstanding industry.

5.INVALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCES. Being from such a universalist country where rules are rules, it was refreshing to be hired based on trust of my experience and knowledge. I was given the opportunity to work the job of my dreams teaching in the Adventure Tourism Department in the Adventure tourism capital of the world at the college level in courses that I am very passionate about and doing amazing field trips and allowing for practical learning.

6.SAFETY. Leaving your door unlocked, never having to worry about your things. And when you do loose a purse with an expensive phone, camera and money in it, it’s in the same place you left it the next day. How children are allowed to say hi to strangers and are able to be left roaming freely at a rugby game. (Having a child left unattended at a North American Football game would be a parents worst nightmare!) To hitchhiking posts that are endorsed by regional councils in certain areas such as Wanaka to get to the ski lifts, to be more environmentally friendly. Not many councils would be able to get away with this sort of initiative as the risks would far outweigh the benefits.

7.THE CULTURE. An infusion of the West, Polynesian and Maori ways. Being so laid-back especially in the workplace! Being able to show up late, take off your game face, and letting loose with the best staff parties (which I’ve not experienced outside of Hospo and Tourism in Canada) where the champagne is flowing on the bus starting at 11 a.m. Time is slowed down and is more chilled, there is no rush, even if theres a full line at a store, the salesperson will still have a wee chat to ya. No pushing on the streets or on public transport. And a great sense of humour, with similarities to the Brits but with an added touch of bluntness and vulgarity. Can really let loose and know how to have a good time, and are completely accepting for who people are and can be 100% yourself at all times!

Thank you New Zealand. You are truly a sustainable and great country and the only one I could live in so far that I’ve traveled to other than my own. All you need is a bit more pow pow and better insulated houses and I am sold.

Warm regards, Emily

Sunday 10 February 2013

STREET SHOOTING IN TORONTO

We have a good time street shooting during my workshops in Toronto. 

Street shooting is the way I started into photography in the mid eighties - it's freewheeling, usually unplanned, and spontaneous. Even though I work as a professional now, it is my regular street shooting sessions that keep me sharp and revved up. No subject matter is excluded, no 'style' is required.

These images are from The Power of Light,  Night Photography as well as the Vision and Technique  workshops that I teach - we are on Queen Street and in Kensington Market; everywhere we go we keep an eye open for the light, the people, the buildings, vehicles, dogs and anything else that is coming to us. The rain adds lots of reflection and mood to the shots.


Bob Marley T Shirt in Kensington Market Window

Ontario College of Art and Design building at Night. Shot during the Travel Photography course I teach. 

Morning sun provides sidelight during the Power of Light course I teach

Night Photography is enhanced by rain

One of my favourite shops in Toronto....owned by the ultimate 'collector'



The joy of street shooting in black and white on Queen Street in Toronto

Julia taking aim during a street shooting session at Nathan Phillips Square at New City Hall, Toronto, ON

Sunday 13 January 2013

EL SILENCIO DE MÉXICO


MEXICO IN BLACK AND WHITE - Images by Michael O'Brien

Mexico is a place that embodies many of my interests and passions, however, traveling there didn't happen for me until March 1999. I'd just bought a house, so to reward myself for such an audacious move, I bought a ticket to Mexico City and jumped a plane. Traveling solo in a foreign country is always a little risky, especially if you don't speak the language that well and have lots of camera gear. Luck sometimes favours the foolish, but I believe that finding a guide is always a good idea.

My destination was San Miguel d'Allende, north of Mexico City,.....the bus, which had little TV screens playing the movie 'Alien', was packed but very clean and modern. We made a stop in the town of Carretara - certain features of the bus station spoke volumes about Mexico.....at boarding time each bus had a beautiful attendant at the door, dressed in an immaculately tailored uniform, graceful, friendly and articulate, to help us with luggage and make sure we were on the right bus. They looked like contestants for the Miss Universe contest. We loaded up the bus and continued North.

Upon arriving in San Miguel I met the most amazing guide, named Angelica Juarez. Modest, well spoken, bilingual and incredibly knowledgable, she was a godsend. One of the day trips that we went on took us to the town Guanajuato, a city founded on the immense silver vein that runs underneath it - the Valenciana mine operated for over 250 years, in it's heyday it produced about 30% of the world’s silver - the mine continues operation today. Guanajuato is also birth place of the famous Mexican artist Diego Riviera. His family home is now a museum that contains some of his early works. It was here I made the portrait of Angelica.

Tuesday 8 January 2013

FIRST LIGHT - A PORTRAIT WITH TECHNICAL DETAILS PROVIDED

It's time to start writing about some of the images that I have been posting. My students always want to know what f stop, shutter speed or lens I use for shots....the question drives me crazy....as if knowing that would help. Nevertheless, here goes.

This image was made a few years ago inside Union Station here in Toronto - a notoriously dark and dingy location that was bustling with people (approx.150,000 per day). The Canon 5D Mark II (with a 50mm - 1.8 prime lens mounted on it) was in Manual exposure mode, A meter reading was made off my hand so I was ready for action in that light. The 50mm prime was opened to f4, ISO was 1600, @ 1/30 second which is the slowest shutter speed I will use to hand hold with this lens....any slower and I start getting camera shake.

I love the angle of view that the 50mm gives me for close-in portraiture - I also love the speed and contrast of this lens - it's made for this type of shooting scenario. When I say close in, that means standing within 3 - 4 feet from the subject......this creates a much different feel than if an image made with a 200mm lens from 6 - 7 feet....the difference wouldn't be merely technical ....by moving in close to the subject a sense of intimacy is there.....this comes through in the picture.

There is a big window on each end of the Great Hall at Union Station. I got close and waited until the man turned and looked up into the window. There was only time for one shot.

I find that making portraits under street shooting conditions like these helps me stay sharp and keeps my technique honed to a fine point. It forces me to see quickly, intuitively, and to make the kind of split second decisions that sometimes go into creating a good photograph.