Technique Tuesday: Rembrandt Lives: Part 2

Good Morning Everybody,

You know, a lot of what I teach is based on making people look good in front of the camera.  As a pro, I think that is one of our main responsibilities to our client.  Anything less strikes me as not professional and not befitting of a professional photography studio.

Over the years, it’s always been the job of the artists to flatter the likeness of his/her subjects.  Walk through any good art museum and soak in the beauty of the works from Gainsborough or John Singer Sargent portraits. Their sensitivity to “pose” and “lighting” is what makes those images outstanding.

We can learn from those masters too.  I NOT saying I want my images to look like museum paintings.  What I AM saying is that the light these artists painted into their scenes and on their subject’s was the techniques they created to make their subjects look good.

You know what, light 200 years ago is the same light of today.  And, when used properly, can really enhance the portraits of the people we photograph.  The artists knew it way back then and the same rules they used in their paintings can be brought to bear in good photography today. 

It’s unfortunate that good lighting has fallen out of style with so many photographers these days.  I swear I see some photographers carrying placards proclaiming “FLAT LIGHT LIVES – LONG LIVE FLAT LIGHT!!!”  I don’t think anything could be further from the truth when it comes to good portrait photography. I understand flat lighting is simply easier. But, beautiful lighting makes for beautiful portraits.  Lousy lighting makes for very average portraits.

Why not check out the classical lighting patterns used by the masters over the years and see what a difference it can make in your photography.  There’s a lot of “AVERAGE” available today – let’s take the road less traveled when it comes to creating portrait photography.  Let’s take the road of the masters.  Why not hit the PLAY button below and see how simple it is to “paint” with light - like the masters,  photographically speaking of course ;~)

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  I’m back to work on a few other projects and PhotoPro Expo 2012 .

How about I see you again tomorrow for another scintillating post.

See ya’ then, David