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Parrothead portraits
Summary: Parrotheads form Cincinnati recently gathered in my studio for a sampling of their apparel for an upcoming Jimm Buffett show at Riverbend Music Center. Listen to how I chose to photograph them and some thoughts on studio photos.
Gathering in my studio for portraits, several of the
more rabid Jimmy Buffett fans that scheduled photo session asked how I
planned to photograph them.  | | This is a photo combo showing several Parrotheads photgraphed in my studio. |
Knowing that the fans and the outrageous costumes
they put together break nearly all the traditional rules of
portraiture, I deceide to photograph them on a simple black
background. That background would really accentuate the virbrant
colors of their shirts, hats, grass skirts and such.
Normally, traditional portrait approaches put the
focus on the person and many times I ask my subjects to wear neutral
clothing that won't distract from the subject's face.
But in this instance, the photos were all about the
outfits.  | | Buffett fans and a couyple as well in a traditional pose. |
For Parrotheads, it seems the more colorful and extreme
the better.
I also chose to use a simple lighting setup with studio lights at a 45
degree angle positioned to the front with the subjects in the center of the viewfinder.
If you were to photograph in this kind of
situation in your home studio
or in a makeshift studio, a simple lighting setup would be  | | Using the zoom lens to get closer to my subject, the focus is on the decorated sunglasses and the sparkle in her eyes. |
the best
approach. Your could use your lighting setup with or without *reflectors
or diffusers. In fact, direct lighting even with your point and shoot
camera and the direct flash could work just fine. Remember, the
background in these types of portraits are really unimportant. So
again, you are ignoring many of the rules and concepts of traditional
portraiture.
As you see there are some options in the composition
and in the case of the young couple in a traditional pose, I used the
zoom lens on the camera to get closer and focus on the face and the
ornate and decorated glasses of the subject.
The catch light in her eyes is a result the direct flash and adds life and vibrance to her beautiful face.
In the case of another male fan in a grass skirt, i
chose to photograph him in a full length portrait, but chose too a  | | Parrotheads throw catuion to the wind when putting together their concert apparel. |
closeup that captured the personality that came through in his
expression.  | | Getting close with a zoom lens the personality of the subject comes through. |
He was a bit timid at first, but took some coaching
to adapt his choice of grass skirt to reflect his cavalier, devil may
care attitude of Parrotheads.
The last photos shown here are of two members of the
Virtual Parrothead Club. They came in shorts and sandlas, but they
chose to drape their banner in front of them.  | | These two Jimmy Buffett fans chose to expose only their faces and feet to promote their fan club. |
Not a great portrait as portraits go, but it was a
true reflection of what they wanted to say and how they chose to
pose. They seemed satisfied with their choice and in the end the
subject's satisfaction with a portrait is what really matters.
For more tips on lighting and posing search this site. Keyword: portraits and lighting
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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