Adam E. J. Squier
(K=9803) - Comment Date 10/22/2004
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Here's what some folks do: Take two photos. One with the subject smiling, and one without. Then, in Photoshop, combine the open eye with the smiling face.
Works pretty well, but maybe not what you're looking for.
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 10/22/2004
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Thanks for the suggestion Adam. Unfortunately, I am a bigtime beginner when it comes to photoshop. I have bought a few books. Little by little. That might be doable. I was kinda hoping someone had a facial posing suggestion. A year or so ago, I did a guy who would blink as I took the shot. Eventually, I got the expression I would want, had him close his eyes and on the count of 3 he'd open them. I'd already be ready and shot the photos. Worked well. She has such a lovely smile and expression when she smiles and does so all the time. That is why I didn't like the serious shots as well, it didn't really capture her.
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al shaikh
(K=15790) - Comment Date 10/23/2004
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BILL MAHLER
(K=5882) - Comment Date 10/23/2004
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Mike ..since you didn't describe the whole scene..I have to ask " were you in open shade?" Many times the portrait of a beautiful woman is best rendered in a somewhat pleasent relaxed expression...... In open shade. ( no squinting).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ try it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bill Mahler
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Christina Stout
(K=30) - Comment Date 10/27/2004
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Yes, if the subject is facing sunlight in order to illuminate the face, have subject turn out of sunlight and use a white reflector card to bounce light back onto the face, reducing shadows. Other than that, try shooting in open shade.
If you're shooting indoors with artificial light, try toning it down and go for a more 'natural' look with side window lighting.
Apart from lighting, maybe the squinting adds to the character of the shot. You need to make compromises when dealing with real people!
Good luck
--Chrissy.
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 10/27/2004
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Thanks for the suggestions Bill. We were in a grove of trees, complete shade. I found the next day at work she squints indoors when she smiles too. She smiles and laughs alot and I was trying to catch that bubbly personality but never had noticed before the shoot that she squints when she smiles. During the shoot she even said so. Once I get a photo release from back from her I'll post a few. I was just curious if anyone had any suggestions for someone who always squints regardless of the lighting.
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 10/27/2004
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I don't know about her, but I was about ready for one. Actually it was a public park, no alcohol allowed :(
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 10/27/2004
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Thanks for the suggestions Christina. See my description to Bill's suggestion. Basically, I guess she has a response that when she smiles, the eyes squint. Never ran into that one before. Once I get a photo release back, I'll post a few. They turned out pretty well. Just an odd thing I'd never run into before and had only moderate success at overcoming it.
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Christina Stout
(K=30) - Comment Date 10/27/2004
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If you have a good rapport with your subject, and can re-shoot, you could try some "almost smiling" poses. You can get a lot of emotion from someone's eyes. Maybe the best you can get is a half smile, with eyes open; looking like she's seconds away from bursting into laughter.
You could have her experiment in front of a mirror.
Other than that, there are other ways to capture a vivacious personality, not just through a big toothy smile.
Good Luck!
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Mark Stein
(K=6210) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Sometimes if they squint too much then you just have to live with it because that IS that person. However, here is a technique I use when shooting models who either squint or don't squint...it's just a good technique. I have them look down and imagine the expression we want in the photo and then when they are ready I have them "look up" at the camera with that expression. Of course, with this lady you just want a nice smile and so you can be talking to her getting her to smile and then as she "looks up" at the camera, her eye muscles will tighten up and you will get brighter eyes. I've used this technique for many years and it truely helps to brighten up the eyes and make them look alive! They won't have that starey look as often either. Just an idea for you...
Mark
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Thanks Mark. I've been really busy lately so I hope to post of shot or two of her. I'll try your suggestion out. It is kinda what I was having her do anyway. But yours makes a little more sense.
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