6: Per Appelgren Headshot of Edda Ophelia for SLEEK Magazine
Photographer: Per Appelgren
Model: Edda Ophelia
Publisher: SLEEK Magazine
Original post on Instagram including full credits for the crew and some BTS of the shoot.
Framing
Angle:
The camera is positioned at a low angle, pointing upwards towards the subject, which creates a dramatic and imposing effect.
The close-up perspective emphasizes the facial features and accessories, in this case, the large sunglasses.
Composition:
The subject’s face fills most of the frame, with the glasses as a focal point. The slight tilt adds a dynamic feel to the image.
The background is simple and non-distracting, keeping the focus on the subject.
Camera Settings
Aperture (f-stop):
Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to create a shallow depth of field, which helps to blur the background and isolate the subject.
Shutter Speed:
A moderate shutter speed (e.g., 1/125) is sufficient to capture the subject sharply, given the controlled environment.
ISO:
Set a low ISO (e.g., 100-400) to maintain image quality and reduce noise.
Lens:
A standard prime lens (e.g., 50mm or 35mm) is ideal for portraits, providing a natural perspective without distortion. It may even be somewhat wider to produce a bit of perspective distortion.
Subject Directions
Pose:
The subject’s head is tilted slightly forward and towards the camera, creating a strong and confident posture. She’s also bending forward at the waist to put her head closer to the camera than her torso- you can see that in the BTS footage.
The use of large, bold sunglasses adds an element of style and attitude to the pose.
Expression:
The expression is neutral yet intense, conveying confidence. The slight pout and direct gaze into the camera enhance this effect.
Lighting
Main Light:
A softbox or beauty dish positioned slightly above and to the side of the subject, creating soft, even lighting on the face.
The light is diffused to minimize harsh shadows and highlight the skin’s texture.
Background Light:
A secondary light source can be used to softly illuminate the background, creating a gradient effect and adding depth to the image.
A colored gel can be used on the background light to add a subtle color tint, enhancing the overall mood.
Fill Light:
A reflector or fill light on the opposite side of the main light can be used to fill in shadows and balance the lighting.
Editing
Color Grading:
Adjust the colors to enhance the skin tones and make the sunglasses stand out. Slightly increase saturation and vibrance for a polished look.
Consider adding a slight color tint to the shadows and highlights for a cohesive color scheme.
Contrast and Clarity:
Increase contrast and clarity to bring out details in the subject’s face and accessories.
Use selective adjustments to enhance the sharpness of the eyes, lips, and the texture of the skin.
Skin Retouching:
Use frequency separation or dodge and burn techniques to smooth out skin imperfections while maintaining natural texture.
Enhance the highlights on the cheekbones and other prominent facial features.
Sharpening:
Apply selective sharpening to the eyes and the edges of the sunglasses to draw attention to these focal points.
Cropping and Alignment:
Ensure the image is cropped and aligned to keep the focus on the subject’s face and accessories. A tight crop works well for this type of portrait.
Practical Steps for a Similar Photo
Studio Setup:
Set up a controlled studio environment with adjustable lighting to achieve the desired effect.
Model Preparation:
Brief the model on the pose and expression you’re aiming for. Use props like bold sunglasses to add character.
Lighting Tests:
Conduct lighting tests to ensure the setup creates the desired soft, even lighting on the subject’s face.
Continuous Shooting:
Use continuous shooting mode to capture multiple frames and choose the best shot from the series.
Post-Processing:
Spend time in post-processing to fine-tune the colors, contrast, and details, ensuring the final image has a polished and professional look.
