I began taking photographs and studying photography around 1982. I photographed people almost exclusively. I photographed my friends—usually with my 2 1/4 format Rolleicord camera. For the longest time I had only one lens and I only used natural light. I did later go on to using studio lights and flash and different lenses, but all of my “serious” portraiture was done pre-digital. (Actually digital existed by the early ’90s, but was really, really expensive.) By the time digital photography was in full swing, I was working more in the field of design.
Since my return to photography, my focus (pun intended!) has been my garden and dogs. While I love photographing both of those, I’ve started yearning to return to portraits. Perhaps it’s also indicative of where I am in my life now. Since moving to France 5 years ago, I’ve been in a fairly isolated cocoon while I built my creative world. (See my studio in the previous post). It’s interesting how photographing my studio and presenting it to the world feels like a marker. The time in the cocoon has been fulfilled and it’s time to be a bit of a social butterfly! (That metaphor is stretched a bit to illustrate the point. I’ll still be spending a lot of time working alone in the studio — you get the idea.)
I’m also eager to finally develop my portrait vision with new techniques and to hone the skills I had. Starting this month, you’ll be seeing a lot of posts and tutorials on portrait photography. I have a great featured photographer lined up this month, so stay tuned.
American Photographer and Designer living in France with my French husband, 2 Weimaraners and Cat Rescues. Camera, Mac, studio, garden.
I’m looking forward to your portrait work as I love to take informal (not studio) portraits of my grandchildren and would love to pick up some inspiration and tips.
Karen S. recently posted..Theme: Road Trip
This is such a classy portrait, Leslie! Even though portraiture is not my thing at all, I will nevertheless stay tuned as I always learn from you.
Thanks, Celeste. 🙂
Looking forward to it Leslie !
This is truly a classic portrait of a classic beauty! As a portrait photographer, I relish learning from you about portraits. Did I miss anything? I can’t find the posts and tutorials on portraits. Very excited and very grateful for any tips and insights you might like to share.
Thanks so much!
Lorelei
Lorelei recently posted..Little Princess at Tea . . . Knoxville Children’s Photography
No, I haven’t posted yet about portraits. Too many pots on the fire. It’s coming!