I MC an annual PTO variety show and often take pictures from backstage. It gives me an opportunity to experiment with different techniques, as there is no pressure to get the shot. We really had a great show this year with lots of creative kids and even some parents getting in on the act.
Went for a walk around Libertyville this past weekend and was looking at the portraits of the high school athletes that are displayed in the windows. I don’t think a portrait of a wrestler or football player should have perfectly porcelain skin, but otherwise, Studio West does an excellent job. As for the VIP portraits, well… I think they should stick with Studio West (or give a few to ol’ Tell Draper).
I then stopped into the library and grabbed a big book of Vanity Fair portraits featured from the early 1900’s to present. WOW! really inspiring. What I noticed was the rawness of the images, both in expression and lighting. A shadow under the eyeball!!! Oh my… What’s funny is it takes a lot more futzin around in Photoshop to get a photo to look like the one below, than to get a skin perfect portrait.
I’ve got some catching up to do with this photo blog! Here’s some shots from a Senior photo session with Phil. As you can see, he’s got impossibly blue eyes. Very cool (and nice) young man.
