Thursday, April 15, 2004

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


New photo section: The Lonely Eye.


I'm beginning to have fun with my $20 Ricohflex camera. Yes, folks, it's even cheaper than a Holga. To think I had it for so long and have not taken it seriously.

Anyway, as you read in the caption above, I've added a new dimension to this site: The Lonely Eye. It is an ongoing series of portraits that I've dedicated to for this year (so that I won't waste money taking anything else). The idea is to understand the relationship between people-subjects and the lens, I think.

For my portraits, I do intend to take more posed shots instead of candids. I know that, right now, my portraiture is quite horrible. I mean, what kind of photographer doesn't take portraits anyway, whether professional or amateur?

What I learnt so far is that portrait requires special care in terms of lighting and exposure. Diffused lighting is preferable. The subject's eyes and the areas round them are the most important part of the face. The focus point is best placed on the eye. It is also always good to catch 'eye-light' when possible. And, like any other form of photography, composition is all-important. Use 50mm or 85mm lenses so you get minimal angle distortion. Don't use films that are too saturated (anything under 100ASA). No 'dutch', please. Try not to expose colour film too long - the longer the exposure, the more saturated the colours. Oversaturation is bad for skintones. Therefore, don't be afraid to use film speeds like 160ASA and 400ASA.

Phew! These are not rules I live by for portrait-photography. These are guidelines that actually work, stuff that I've learnt by practicing.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

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