How to Photograph Women; Close Up Photography

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Vision of an Artists Eye

Photography can convey a message, thought or emotion, and leave a long lasting impression on the viewer. A close up or tightly cropped scene is one way in which a photographer can create a mood and relay a concept.

This is especially true when photographing women, and the artist wishes to use a minimal number of elements or props to communicate a strong impression. Emotions can be expressed with as little as a raised eyebrow or a slight curl of the lips. Concepts and ideas become intimate, and draw people into the space of personal boundaries and innermost thoughts. Quiet moments of reflection captured by the camera lens through the vision of an artists eye.

The Correct Perspective

Be sure to choose a lens that does not cause unwanted distortion or perspective. Unusual angles may sometimes be the intention, but when it is unwanted or unexpected the results can ruin a good moment. A tender instant can easily be lost when the wrong decision on lenses gives your subject over sized eyes or a pointed nose.

Equipment

The proper equipment can make or break a great photograph. There are a wide variety of lenses available for today's cameras, from macro to telephoto. Consider your distance from the subject, a long telephoto lens will allow the photographer to be several feet away but will often flatten a persons features; while a short lens tends to round or "peep hole" an image.

Cameras

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Angles

Photographers should also be cautious of where they aim the camera lens. Looking into the nostrils or ear canal may distract from the message you intended to create. Shooting from slightly above a woman's eye level is good for soft, glamorous moods, while perspectives taken from lower are usually best in demonstrating power or control.

Casting a Good Light

The way a photographer lights a scene has a lot to do with the atmosphere that is created in the image. Natural or studio light, all factors that illuminate the subject should be considered when attempting to relay emotion in an artists creations.

Photographic Lighting books

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Soft Light

Soft, diffused front lighting works well in giving a woman more flattering and feminine features. It is also frequently used in fashion and glamour photography. Wrinkles and imperfections soften under smooth and even illumination. This type of light is perfect when a photographer wishes the emotion to be gentle or contemplative.

Studio Lighting on Amazon

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Hard Light

Passion and drama are well illustrated with the use of strong, direct lighting. From the side, front or above, the effect of long shadows and bright, washed out areas, creates strict contrasts. Hard lines and deep scars are the result when this form of controlling ambiance is used. Anger, pain and depression are well suited for the harsh degree of emotion usually generated from this type of light.

Portrait Photography Books

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Conclusion

These are just a few of the numerous considerations a photographer should keep in mind when choosing to photograph close up, and to share an emotion or message in a woman's features. It is an intimate moment that invades the normal restrictions of personal space, and allows an audience to participate in a passionate instant captured by the artist.

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Leave a comment

  • glockr Mar 27, 2012 @ 12:37 pm | delete
    Lots of good tips:) I wish my wife wasn't so camera-shy.
  • xposedbydesign Jan 10, 2012 @ 1:50 pm | delete
    Thanks 4 sharing.
  • yano_jl Nov 3, 2011 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    I receive applications from Artists/Photographers everyday - the problem is that everyone with a digital camera these days thinks they are a photographer. It's nice to see professionals (like you) who not just talk-the-talk; but also walk-the-walk. Thank you!
  • nbrandt123 Oct 7, 2011 @ 3:51 am | delete
    Women really love photography especially self portraits. please post more photos.
  • myvirtuallady Jul 31, 2011 @ 9:38 pm | delete
    As Digital Artist, I love glamour photography and for this reason I love this lens about Photography, Lighting and Poses...Thank you for stopping by my Modern Pin-up Girl Victoria Lens!
  • Michey May 3, 2011 @ 9:53 pm | delete
    Great lens I like the Studio equipment, you provide a lot of good resources.
    Thanks
  • DaveStone13 Apr 27, 2011 @ 9:45 am | delete
    Another great lens, useful and a visual pleasure as well, just what articles about photography ought to be. As a Squid Angel, I'd like to make a couple suggestions to help get readers and rankings. First, I'd activate the table of contents in the intro. This has been shown to get more clicks. I'd also add Bookmark Lens Love capsules.

    Are you sharing these lenses elsewhere, on Facebook, Twitter, etc.? You should be, and a Bookmark capsule will encourage others to do the same thing. I always share mine on 10 to 15 social networks where I'm a member, and I automate it by using Amplify.com. This lets me get exposure with a lot of different followers.

    Finally, as a quick aside, and something that can bring you cross over attention, you can substitute your bio info, lens by lens, or leave it the same, by promoting your Zazzle products. This will give you up to five products advertised down the right side of the lens. If you don't know how to do that, but would like to try, drop me a note outside this lens, and I'll try to scare up the lens with instructions and send you a link.

    Cheers. Keep up the impressive work!
  • RGebbiePhoto Apr 27, 2011 @ 3:40 pm | delete
    Thanks for the advice, good input is always welcome. We will use the advise.

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