It’s the Small Things
Often it’s the small things that make a headshot or portrait go from good to better.
It’s the small things. By small things I mean tiny touches that, may seem like nuisance, are often what sets a detailed headshot or portrait apart from a less detailed shot. I’ll post an example below. In the example photo you’ll notice a bit of a warm accent in the background. This particular client’s disposition and manner was, to me, analogous to morning time. You know, a dash of sunlight here or there. Does that sound ridiculous? Maybe. But I don’t know how else to put it. Anyway, to capture the mood I used two background lights, one with a straw gel and a grid to throw a little warmth on the background, emulating the sun spilling through a window. It’s a small touch, but I think it really alters the nature of the image. I think it goes back to the idea that art is capturing the inside of a thing through the outside. With portraits, the little details here and there are what will bring the inner you out. I think it’s for this reason that a good portrait photographer is also often a good judge of character. Good judge of character or not, it’s important to communicate. Photographer and client need to communicate.