1: Elmer Eraña Photo Breakdown
Photo credit:
Photographer: Elmer Eraña
Model: Tanisha
Original post on Godox User Group
Here’s what the AI photo coach says about how this photo was made. Italicized comments are my own.
Framing
Pose: The model is in a profile pose, standing with one leg slightly forward to create a flattering curve and enhance the silhouette.
Angle: The camera is positioned at a lower angle, slightly below eye level, to elongate the legs and add a dramatic effect.
Composition: The model is centered in the frame, ensuring that the entire body is captured, from head to toe, with sufficient headroom.
Camera Settings
Aperture (f-stop): Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) to create a shallow depth of field, keeping the model in focus while blurring the background.
Shutter Speed: Ensure a fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/125 or faster) to avoid motion blur, especially if the model is moving slightly.
ISO: Set a low ISO (e.g., 100 or 200) to maintain image quality and reduce noise.
Lens: A medium telephoto lens (e.g., 85mm or 70-200mm) is ideal for portrait shots, providing a flattering perspective. I think this is slightly off; the lens was probably 50-90 mm.
Model Directions
Posture: Instruct the model to stand tall with a slight arch in the back to accentuate curves.
Legs: One leg should be slightly bent and forward to create dynamic lines.
Hands: Hands should be placed naturally; one hand can rest on the hip or gently touch the thigh.
Expression: A relaxed, confident expression adds to the overall mood of the photo.
Lighting
Key Light: Use a softbox or beauty dish as the primary light source, positioned slightly above and in front of the model at a 45-degree angle. This creates soft, flattering light on the face and body.
Fill Light: Use a reflector or a secondary light source at a lower intensity on the opposite side to fill in shadows without flattening the image.
Background Light: Utilize colored gels on background lights to create a gradient effect. In this photo, a pink/purple gel is used to create a vibrant backdrop.
Rim Light: Add a rim light behind the model to separate her from the background and highlight the edges, giving a 3D effect.
Editing
Color Grading: Enhance the color contrast, particularly the purples and pinks, to create a cohesive color scheme. Adjust the white balance to ensure skin tones look natural.
Skin Retouching: Use frequency separation or dodge and burn techniques to smooth skin and enhance features without making the model look unnatural.
Dodging and Burning: Subtly enhance the highlights and shadows to add depth and dimension to the model’s body.
Sharpening: Apply selective sharpening to the eyes, lips, and hair to draw attention to these features.
Additional Tips
Preparation: Ensure the model is comfortable and confident. Discuss the concept and poses beforehand.
Testing: Take test shots to adjust lighting and camera settings before the final shoot.
Backup Equipment: Always have backup batteries, memory cards, and lighting equipment to avoid any interruptions.
By following these steps, you can create striking, professional-quality photos similar to the one you provided.
I asked a follow-up question about frequency separation and dodging and burning. Here’s the elaboration on those:
Frequency Separation
Frequency Separation is a popular technique in portrait retouching that separates the texture of the skin from the color and tone. This allows you to edit the skin texture and color independently, resulting in a more natural-looking retouch.
Steps for Frequency Separation:
Duplicate Layers:
Start with your image in Photoshop.
Duplicate your background layer twice. Name one layer "Low Frequency" and the other "High Frequency".
Blur the Low-Frequency Layer:
Select the "Low Frequency" layer.
Apply a Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur). Adjust the radius until the skin tones are smooth but not too blurry (usually between 3-10 pixels).
Subtract the High-Frequency Layer:
Select the "High Frequency" layer.
Go to Image > Apply Image. Set Layer to "Low Frequency", Blending to "Subtract", Scale to 2, and Offset to 128.
Change the blending mode of the "High Frequency" layer to Linear Light.
Retouching:
On the "Low Frequency" layer, use the Healing Brush or Clone Stamp Tool to smooth out uneven tones and colors.
On the "High Frequency" layer, use the Healing Brush or Clone Stamp Tool to fix any texture issues like blemishes or wrinkles without affecting the color.
Dodge and Burn
Dodge and Burn is a technique used to selectively lighten (dodge) or darken (burn) areas of an image. This adds depth and dimension, enhancing the features and contours of the subject.
Steps for Dodge and Burn:
Create Dodge and Burn Layers:
Create two new layers: one for dodging (lightening) and one for burning (darkening).
Fill both layers with 50% gray (Edit > Fill > 50% Gray).
Set the blending mode of both layers to Overlay.
Select Brush Settings:
Choose a soft round brush with low opacity (5-10%) and flow (5-10%).
Set the brush color to white for dodging and black for burning.
Dodge (Lighten) Highlights:
Paint with white on the dodge layer to lighten areas that you want to bring forward, such as the highlights on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and other areas where light naturally falls.
Burn (Darken) Shadows:
Paint with black on the burn layer to darken areas that you want to push back, such as the contours of the face, under the cheekbones, the sides of the nose, and the jawline.
Blend and Adjust:
Use a soft brush and gradually build up the effect. Subtlety is key to maintaining a natural look.
You can adjust the opacity of the dodge and burn layers if the effect is too strong.
Frequency Separation and Dodge and Burn in Combination:
Using both techniques together can result in professional-quality retouching. Frequency Separation ensures that skin texture and tones are even, while Dodge and Burn adds depth and dimensionality, highlighting the natural contours and features of the face.
Frequency Separation Example:
Before: Uneven skin tone with blemishes.
After: Smooth skin tone with natural texture maintained.
Dodge and Burn Example:
Before: Flat appearance with lack of depth.
After: Enhanced contours and highlights, giving a three-dimensional look.
These techniques require practice to master, but they are powerful tools for creating polished, professional portraits.
As an added bonus, here are full instructions on how to direct the model into this pose.
To direct the model into the elegant and stylized pose shown in the photo, follow these detailed steps:
Initial Setup:
Ensure the lighting is set up correctly with colored gels to create the vibrant and dramatic effect. Position the lights to highlight the model’s silhouette and create the desired mood.
Positioning the Model:
Ask the model to stand sideways to the camera with her feet about shoulder-width apart. This will help in maintaining balance and creating a natural stance.
Leg Position:
Direct the model to place her weight on the back leg (the one furthest from the camera).
Ask her to slightly bend the front leg (the one closest to the camera) and place it forward, ensuring the foot is pointed to elongate the leg and create a graceful line.
Torso and Hip Position:
Instruct the model to gently arch her back, pushing her hips slightly backwards to accentuate the curve of her body.
Ensure her torso is upright and aligned with her hips, creating a smooth and elegant silhouette.
Arm Position:
Direct the model to place her back arm (the one furthest from the camera) naturally along her body or resting on her hip. Her hand should be relaxed.
Ask her to position her front arm (the one closest to the camera) slightly bent and resting on her thigh or just below her hip, creating a natural line with her arm.
Head and Facial Direction:
Instruct the model to turn her head slightly towards the camera, ensuring her chin is slightly lifted to elongate her neck.
Encourage a confident and relaxed facial expression, with her gaze directed towards the camera or slightly away for a more introspective look.
Final Adjustments and Refinements:
Check the overall posture and make small adjustments to ensure everything looks natural and comfortable.
Ensure her shoulders are relaxed and not hunched.
Adjust any stray hair or clothing to ensure the shot is clean and polished.
Remind the model to maintain the slight arch in her back to keep the elegant curve of the pose.
Posing Script
“Stand sideways to the camera with your feet about shoulder-width apart.”
“Place your weight on your back leg and slightly bend your front leg, pointing your foot forward.”
“Gently arch your back and push your hips slightly backward.”
“Align your torso with your hips, keeping it upright.”
“Let your back arm rest naturally along your body or on your hip, with a relaxed hand.”
“Position your front arm bent slightly and rest it on your thigh or just below your hip.”
“Turn your head slightly towards the camera and lift your chin a bit.”
“Give me a confident, relaxed expression, looking towards the camera or slightly away.”
Visual and Verbal Guidance
Use your own body to demonstrate the pose if necessary. Sometimes seeing the pose can help the model understand it better.
Continuously communicate with the model, offering encouragement and feedback to make her feel comfortable and confident.
Final Tips
Be patient and give the model time to get into the pose.
Adjust the lighting and camera angle as needed to ensure the pose is captured perfectly.
Take multiple shots from slightly different angles to find the best composition and expression.
