Shooting for Beauty by David Maynard |
When the photographic subject is Miss Cuba, one might believe that a stunning portrait shot is easy. But as Professional Photographer David Guy Maynard advises, imagination in composition is what turns a good portrait into a great one. “The greatest piece of art can come out of the simplest shoot,” says Maynard who advises his workshop students to be creative. “For a photo to stand out, it must have an edge.” His extraordinary black & white image of Miss Cuba, taken at the WPPI tradeshow, was composed using inspiration and keen insight into blending the technological aspects of lighting, camera and lens. “Glass choice is very important,” says Maynard. “You want clarity, sharpness, and the proper range (focal length). I usually shoot portraits between 50 and 120mm.” His choice for many of his portrait shots including the black & white photo is the Tamron AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) lens. “It’s a sharp lens,” says Maynard. “There is no getting around it. It has a fast focus and I love the wider aperture.” Because the image was shot on location at a tradeshow and not in a studio, Maynard employed several techniques that resulted in the flawless image. He used a Canon EOS 5D in full manual with the Speedlite 580EX II Flash. “I shot in E-TTL with the 28-75mm right up close to the subject using a Ray Flash Ringflash adapter.” The technique helped to diffuse and shape the light, creating a sharp crisp image, free of heavy shadows. “The trick is to choose the right diffusion to control the contrast,” adds Maynard. For subjects whose skin may be less than flawless, Maynard cautions, “Lighting from the wrong angle with a person that has flaws in the skin, can exaggerate those flaws.” Though software programs can assist in smoothing and sculpting, Maynard admonishes, “Get it right in the camera, first.” That includes choosing the right lens. “Choose the glass that’s appropriate for what you are shooting. The sharpness, quality of build, and compatibility with digital are very important to me. The Tamron Di line fits that description well for me. Plus, they have a major cost advantage.” According to Maynard, lighting, lens and composition are three factors that, if employed properly, can reduce time spent in post edit. “You’re a photographer. Get it right in the camera.”
HOT TIPS 1. Choose the lens (focal length) that is appropriate to what you are shooting 2. Use the lens and light angle to contour the subject’s face, and maximize positives 3. Employ techniques such as Broad Lighting (to broaden narrow faces) and Short Lighting (to create a narrowing effect on the subject)
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