During our freestyle shoot in Liège a while ago Laurent and I had two models to photograph: Dorien and Pauline. But I also couldn’t help to notice the good looks of our make-up artist Annabel.
It was the first time I worked with Annabel but I was very happy with her make-up work and the speed at which she performs her magic. She also took on a pretty low profile and that’s exactly what often triggers the portrait photographer in me. Reluctantly at first, she agreed to step in front of the camera for a couple of pictures.
Here’s a setup shot by Laurent of the pictures above. Just a Sunbounce reflector to turn the beautiful back light into some flattering portrait light.
I believe the camera can be such an amazing excuse to explore someone’s personality. It’s always a challenge to get your subject to reveal something about themselves but I truly appreciate it when someone decides to let down her guard and be open to be photographed.
The amazing Fujinon 56mm lens allows me to create portraits that flatter and respect my subject. It is very often the lens I’ll use at the start of a session. The 35mm is a lot harder to use for close portraits, but it remains my all time favourite because it’s an “honest” lens. It doesn’t have the same flattering perspective as a longer lens, so you have to be very careful with your position. You also have to get physically close to your subject, usually within their personal space and that’s the hardest part. To get this close, you’ll need to have established a good degree of trust between you and the subject. If that’s not there, the 35mm will not lie and show the uneasiness of the subject. But when it does work, you’ll be rewarded with open, honest and intimate portraits.
I also played a bit with double exposures:
To finish this short, improvised portrait session, we moved close to a window with nice light and shot some close portraits.
Thanks Annabel for the great make-up work. And than you even more for allowing me to capture a glimpse of who you are;
