7: Ely Honkpo, Headshot of Bella Yorke & Naomi Glazee
Photographer: Ely Honkpo (I’m just guessing that’s his name based on the IG handle)
Models: Bella Yorke and Naomi Glazee
Original post on Instagram — This photo is the third image in the series.
To recreate the striking and stylized portrait of the two models with wet hair against a red background, here's a detailed guide covering framing, camera settings, subject directions, lighting, and editing.
Framing
Pose:
The models are positioned closely, with one model leaning on the other. This creates a sense of intimacy and connection.
The angle and positioning emphasize their facial features and expressions.
Angle:
The camera is positioned at eye level with the models, capturing their faces and wet hair in detail.
A close-up perspective ensures the focus is on their faces and expressions.
Composition:
The models are placed in a way that their faces fill the frame, with a slight tilt adding a dynamic feel.
The red background provides a stark contrast, making the models stand out.
Camera Settings
Aperture (f-stop):
Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to create a shallow depth of field, ensuring the background is blurred while the models are in sharp focus.
Shutter Speed:
A moderate shutter speed (e.g., 1/125 to 1/160) to capture the models 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 85mm) is ideal for portraits, providing a natural perspective and sharp focus.
Subject Directions
Pose and Interaction:
Direct the models to lean into each other, with one model slightly lower than the other to create a layered effect.
Emphasize natural expressions and interaction between the models to convey emotion and connection.
Expressions:
Encourage relaxed and confident expressions. The top model’s gaze towards the camera and the bottom model’s playful expression add depth to the portrait.
Lighting
Main Light:
Use a softbox or beauty dish positioned above and slightly to the side of the models to create soft, even lighting on their faces.
The light should be diffused to minimize harsh shadows and bring out the texture of the wet hair.
Fill Light:
A reflector or a second light source on the opposite side can fill in shadows and balance the lighting on both models.
Background Light:
A separate light source can be used to illuminate the red background evenly, ensuring it is vibrant and consistent across the frame.
Highlights:
Use additional lights or reflectors to create subtle highlights on the wet hair, enhancing the texture and adding a glossy effect.
Editing
Color Grading:
Adjust the colors to enhance the skin tones and make the red background pop. Increase saturation slightly for a more vibrant look.
Apply a subtle color tint to the highlights and shadows to create a cohesive color scheme.
Contrast and Clarity:
Increase contrast and clarity to bring out details in the models’ faces and hair.
Use selective adjustments to enhance the sharpness of the eyes, lips, and the texture of the wet hair.
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, nose, and lips to add dimension.
Sharpening:
Apply selective sharpening to the eyes, lips, and hair to draw attention to these focal points.
Background Adjustment:
Ensure the red background is even and free from any unwanted shadows or blemishes. Use masking tools to refine the edges around the models.
Practical Steps for a Similar Photo
Studio Setup:
Set up a controlled studio environment with adjustable lighting and a red backdrop to achieve the desired effect.
Model Preparation:
Wet the models' hair before the shoot and direct them on the pose and interaction you’re aiming for.
Lighting Tests:
Conduct lighting tests to ensure the setup creates the desired soft, even lighting on the models’ faces and hair.
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.
By following these guidelines, you can create a dramatic and intimate portrait similar to the one you provided, with a strong focus on the models' faces and expressions, complemented by the striking red background.
Just for fun I decided to put the AI to the test with the following question:
What about those arrows on the sides on the dots on the bottom? What are those?
The arrows on the sides and the dots on the bottom indicate that this image is part of a carousel or gallery, typically found on social media platforms like Instagram. Here's how you might navigate and understand these elements:
Arrows on the Sides:
These arrows allow you to navigate through multiple images or videos within a single post.
Clicking the right arrow will take you to the next image or video in the sequence.
Clicking the left arrow (if available) will take you back to the previous image or video.
Dots on the Bottom:
The dots indicate the number of images or videos in the carousel or gallery.
The highlighted dot shows which image or video you are currently viewing.
Clicking on a specific dot will jump directly to the corresponding image or video in the sequence.
These features enhance the user experience by allowing them to swipe through multiple pieces of content within a single post without having to open each one separately.
If you want to view the other images in this carousel, you can either click the right arrow or swipe to the left if you're on a touch-enabled device. Similarly, you can navigate back using the left arrow or by swiping to the right. The dots at the bottom provide a visual cue for how many items are in the carousel and your current position within it.
So that’s cool.
