This is a collection of a few of my favourite natural-light portraits from recent shoots. I love people’s faces, and I love to go in for extremely close, intimate portraits. Whenever possible—whether it’s a wedding, engagement, or family shoot—I’ll try to find a time to grab a few of these super close-ups. My one rule is to never ask for a smile (or have ’em “say cheese”)… instead, I have to illicit a natural reaction. The technical aspects are important, but not nearly as important as an honest expression.
Angela Wilson (above). Ben Kane (below). He needed a haircut but we got a few epic “before” shots.
A self portrait (below). Some camera tech/behind the scenes for the photo nerds: Since I was photographing myself the camera had to be on a tripod and triggered by remote, held out of frame. The camera was a 5D mk II tethered to my computer, tethered to my TV, so the images could be immediately played back and reviewed. 5 flashes (three 580 EX II’s and two 430 EX II’s) were synced by Pocket Wizards (Mini TT1 and Flex TT5). The key and fill lights were both shot through umbrellas to soften them up, and a white reflector filled in the chin area. The two back lights, left and right, were flagged off from the lens by those little cards. The final flash was used to light the backdrop, with a mini soft box on it. Lens: 50mm 1.2L. Camera settings: ISO 400, f16, 1/200th. I guess I sorta look like a serial killer in the BTS shot :-)
