Portraiture Photography

[macrolandscape]

hi all, i decided to post this here as what im about to mention is in regards to the definition of portraits and whether or not the debated pictures should be posted here.

just a few days ago, i posted a series of what i considered street portraiture in this section. they were of random street people participating in the festivities of chinatown.

this is the link http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465569

last night, a cser Rashkae came into the thread and said "this is streets and candids"
i asked him why so. his reply was "Because these are candid shots of people you took while walking the streets of chinatown. They're not posed portraits."

POSED PORTRAITS. do portraits only mean pictures of models or people that pose intentionally for the photographer? i have to admit, i was pretty taken aback at that so called "reason" as well as slightly miffed with the "i know for a FACT" attitude that was displayed. he probably meant well.

i am not a professional photographer nor a wikipedia guru. but in my own knowledge based on what i understand from the word "portrait", its simply an image of a person and his/her expression. that may be a loose definition and may even be wrong. which is why i would like some clarification on this.

 

[jOhO]

for the purposes of this forum, and not the english language, yes i too, feel those images should be under street and candids.

regarding the attitude of the said member regarding how he delivered his message, i won't comment here, report the post if you think it's not in order.

anyone can feel free to discuss what a "portrait" is, if you have enough time off from actually shooting them.

 

[Cheesecake]

hi all, i decided to post this here as what im about to mention is in regards to the definition of portraits and whether or not the debated pictures should be posted here.

just a few days ago, i posted a series of what i considered street portraiture in this section. they were of random street people participating in the festivities of chinatown.

this is the link http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465569

last night, a cser Rashkae came into the thread and said "this is streets and candids"
i asked him why so. his reply was "Because these are candid shots of people you took while walking the streets of chinatown. They're not posed portraits."

POSED PORTRAITS. do portraits only mean pictures of models or people that pose intentionally for the photographer? i have to admit, i was pretty taken aback at that so called "reason" as well as slightly miffed with the "i know for a FACT" attitude that was displayed. he probably meant well.

i am not a professional photographer nor a wikipedia guru. but in my own knowledge based on what i understand from the word "portrait", its simply an image of a person and his/her expression. that may be a loose definition and may even be wrong. which is why i would like some clarification on this.

when such an incident happen the next time, simply report to us and we will take a serious look into such issues.

 

[macrolandscape]

when such an incident happen the next time, simply report to us and we will take a serious look into such issues.

roger.

 

[brenton]

Are guys easier to shoot or girls easier to shoot??

Wondering if female models make a easier subject that's why the forum is flooded with portraits of female models...

 

[AndiMaric]

Bravoooo .... aaa uuuuuuuuu ...... applaud to Wolfgang ... i agreed with u

 

[krissears]

Agree Agree :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[tausar]

elderly subjects are easier to shoot too...more approachable

 

[night86mare]

i really like what is posted in the first post.

perhaps it should also be taken to a further extent of saying that shooting portraiture isn't just taking the chance to socialise and flirt either.. of course.. that takes a even more tasteless and vulgar sort of person to do i guess.

saying isn't just enough. we should also take steps to ensure that if we openly frown on this behaviour in writing, then actions should also speak louder than words. after all, open talk is cheap. how we behave when no one else is looking, now that speaks volumes about a person.

 

[hellfire88]

good read for all trying to improve on portraiture photography imho

http://digital-photography-school.com/10-ways-to-take-stunning-portraits

 

[Zzmaimai]

This section had become a breeding ground for GWCs. Very disappointing. Just look at Zeckson's or Mambostevie's, all full of sleaze.

pfft

 

[forward]

This section had become a breeding ground for GWCs. Very disappointing. Just look at Zeckson's or Mambostevie's, all full of sleaze.

pfft

Looking at only one side of the coin can lead people into inflexibility.
Airing such observation can be dangerous and contagious to the point
of destruction for the pure up and coming portrait photographers to be.

Positively we could take this thread to discuss the different approaches
that we can adopt to all kinds of portraiture viz from classic to erotic.
A breeding ground is Yes, but isn't that how inventions are started?

 

[Zzmaimai]

Looking at only one side of the coin can lead people into inflexibility.
Airing such observation can be dangerous and contagious to the point
of destruction for the pure up and coming portrait photographers to be.

Positively we could take this thread to discuss the different approaches
that we can adopt to all kinds of portraiture viz from classic to erotic.
A breeding ground is Yes, but isn't that how inventions are started?

True that but you can see for yourself. The rate of the number of poorly executed shoots and the results are increasing. The problem persists for so many years but no one had found a solution yet. Posters seem to be only looking for praises you criticise them and they get on the defensive.

The quality is poor.

 

[hellfire88]

this portrait photo never fails to amaze me. http://www.flickr.com/photos/isak85/2468605186/

taken by a P&S!

 

[Alan Koh]

I take photography as an art. Everyone can snap a nice looking picture with their best camera and lens. But that 'nice looking photo' may lack the artistic touch.
In portraiture of a subject, I go for the facial expression and body language.
Many people like to take photoshots of pretty female models including myself.
The question is how do we bring out the beauty of the female form in a decent way.
In fine art photography, the lines and curves are important. We make use of proper lightings to create the right shadows at the right places. We also select matching background and color to match the theme.
There is a big difference between a professional models and someone who do not know modelling. Just like an experience actor or actress that knows how to act. There is also a difference between journalist photography and art photography.
Many photographers have their own preference. There is no right or wrong. It's a matter of perception. What do you want, and do you get the satisfaction from your photoshots?
And if you intended to take part in photo competition, then you need to understand what the judges look for.
I have taken portraiture of not only paid models, but also senior citizens and chidren.
I go for the value of the art and not just a photoshot.

 

[benwal]

Zzmaimai... I understand where you're coming from and I must say that I agree with you to a certain level on the sleeze factor. (Inevitably, they do get the most views and attention)

However, I also think we should try to look at photos of models or sexy bikini babe from a photography point of view. Possibly, these photographers have found their life's calling as an aspiring fashion photographers (etc) and are showcasing their mastery of poses and lighting. I don't know... it's just another way of looking at things I suppose.

Personally, portraiture is very widely defined. From McCurry to Jane Brown to Herb Ritt, we get a whole spectrum of categories. I hope Clubsnap WILL breed a more well balanced group of portrait photographers in due time.

I've never tried fashion photography before, and I would like to give it a go one day to learn the technicalities (I'm sure it's complicated). But for now (and definitely forever) I continue to stand by poignant portraits that carry deeper meaning & emotion. That's the direction I see myself going.

Maybe there should be a thread for Fashion in addition to Portraits and poses? That could draw a finer line in the classification I suppose. Just a thought.

Thanks.

 

[askpaul]

felt so disappointed with portraiture photography nowadays...

while browsing through the galleries to learn from others, there are large quantity of shots without putting in efforts to bring out the beauty of the subjects... too many of the photographers are dependent on sex appeal instead of staging a theme or emotion, creating a feeling for the audience

 

[tausar]

thumbs up:thumbsup: good thots

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www.portraitsbyedita.com