Portrait vs Special Effects Photography

In this assignment I will be comparing the styles of photographing Still Life and Special effects. Showing how the photographer approaches the subjects, sets the scenery and produces the outcome. Photographing a portrait is a balance of the subject and the photographer. Knowledge of how to use the equipment is a great part, but also how the photographer sees the person and the surroundings. It can be difficult because most people feel uncomfortable being photographed. The photographer must put the subject at ease so they can relax and help them look their best. Starting a conversation regarding something they love or their hobbies is a good way to get through the uneasiness. Photographing children portraits can be easy or an adventure; depending on the photographer’s experience with the attention span of a child. A playground or park is an ideal location for scenery, lighting and the use of less equipment. By going for authentic smiles, letting a child act like a child will produce a genuinely beautiful portrait in a matter of a few clicks. To produce a real, timeless image, avoid the word “cheese”; try to connect with the subject, take a deep breath, relax and have fun. Special effects photography is a technical photography that can be created in the camera, using a variety of lens, or using image editing programs. Using the camera and lens option can take time in the field as opposed to using the effects in an editing program once the shooting is finished. In special effects photography, the subject can be stationary or moving; the outcome will depend on the lens, shutter speed and the aperture being used. Shutter speed is critical; the photographer will try many different ways to find the perfect shutter speed that produces the results wanted. A slow shutter speed will produce movement; car lights in the night will look like streaks of color. A faster shutter speed will result in frozen time; individual water drops suspended in midair. Subjects that work well tend to be colorful or have well defined shapes that can be recognized through the print. Editing programs will make it easy to create and transform shots into magnificent artwork. These programs can create many of the same effects as a camera and more with a click. Some of the tools include exposure blending, combining images, and color and background changes. Digitally changing photographs is generally for commercial use such as web pages and magazines. In comparing Portrait Photography and Special Effects Photography I found that Portrait Photography is more personal; it displays expression and personality of the subject. The focus is the person and the environment identifying them. Special Effects Photography is an illusion, a digitally altered photograph.

WORKS CITED
NPhoto Magazine web Feb 7 2014 http://www.nphotomag.com
Digital Camera World web Feb 7 2014 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com