Flat Light for portraits

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JASGordon
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Flat Light for portraits

Post by JASGordon »

OK, so it's foggy and the light is absolutely flat. No shadows. The client wants portraits, a confirmation shot and some ridden stuff. I love the flat light for people, but don't like the flat paper doll effect on the horse. Shoot or reschedule?
Ann Gordon
Gordon Photography
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BarbYoung
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Re: Flat Light for portraits

Post by BarbYoung »

Con-FORM-ation. Nothing personal and this is a common mistake, but it is a big way to show our ignorance, when we are starting out in equine photography.

Explain the flat light to the client, and let her decide. Maybe even put it in your shoot agreement.
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Robert Bruss Photography
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Re: Flat Light for portraits

Post by Robert Bruss Photography »

Ann, I agree with Barb when she said to leave it up to the client. Your time is limited, and your client's time is limited.
One possibility would be to call the client as soon as you see the forecast conditions are less than ideal, and let the client know that conditions will be great for certain shots but not others, and you will meet at the previously agreed-upon time. You would thereby honor your original commitment. Possibly offer a second session during more favorable weather for the other shots. That would allow you to do the first shoot while scouting the site for the best locations and lighting for when the light is right for those photos in the second shoot. You could charge a second session fee, but you would probably be better off charging one session fee and relying on more purchased photos from doing amazing photos in both lighting situations. You might impress your client by offering this extra level of service! You really need to know your client to determine if the extra effort will pay off for you.
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carolcoronios
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Re: Flat Light for portraits

Post by carolcoronios »

GREAT customer service suggestion, Robert. But this would need to be a very LOCAL customer!
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Robert Bruss Photography
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Re: Flat Light for portraits

Post by Robert Bruss Photography »

Indeed! ;) (Or a client so far away that the shoot already involves plane fare, lodging, etc.)
Philip
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Re: Flat Light for portraits

Post by Philip »

Soft led lights are perfect for portrait photography. You can also use flash but sometimes it distract the object which can create blurs in the image. Always use soft light have cool temperature as well as good dimmer control. Check out these two may suit your requirements..
Camtree sun fresnel light
http://www.dvcity.com/dvshop/CAMTREE-2p ... ights.html
Proaim aura led light
http://www.dvcity.com/dvshop/PROAIM-Aur ... 12-PB.html

Thanks
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