Lens-Artists Challenge #340 – Portraits
As with most photography genres, capturing story-telling portraits is not always easy. Several elements come into play when a photographer wants to create captivating portraits. When you see the American Goldfinch I featured above, does it tell a story to draw you into the image? As you look at the bird’s posture and feathers, I hope you can feel how cold it was. That was one of the many shots I captured during the 2021 Snowmaggedon precisely four years today.
This week, Ritva brings us up to speed about portraits, or as she puts it, “the essence and personality of your subjects.” That is the Lens-Artists challenge for the week. She mentions “favorable light” and several other details. You will undoubtedly want to check out her post for her instructions. She dissects the challenge to its essential elements. She is a master in portrait photography.
I wanted to focus on wildlife for my portrait examples. However, I also want to include two self-portraits I did, one of which is my current head shot used when I give presentations.
For the first self-portrait, I wanted to convey a relaxed vibe. I used natural light, of course, and a background that reflected a peaceful surrounding. I also wanted clothes that would complement the scene. Although the photo is not a close-up, there are not many distracting elements in the portrait. I could have cropped the image tighter for starters. I used it the way you see it to contrast with the next shot.
This is also a self-portrait and my current head shot. Daylight was used again. I made sure the light would not be directly on my face. Luckily, our backyard provided the necessary set-up to accomplish that. I used a place mark on the bushes behind my head to get the camera set with a tight crop without having to do much in post-processing.
As you all know well, I do not often photograph people. When traveling, I may capture people in their natural surroundings, but I prefer photographing nature. So, wildlife portraits, although not always easy to capture, make photographing them more rewarding. That was the case for the goldfinch above and the last two photos below.
Of course, when talking about portrait photography, a family portrait is always a special treat.
Anne’s life-changes challenge was terrific. It allowed us to get to know one another better while sharing great photos. I’m sure that Ritva’s portrait challenge will generate similar responses. You often surprise the team with your creativity in your responses. This week will be no exception. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, Tina returns with another challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
All photos were captured in our old home’s backyard except for the self-portrait with the sweater. Those are the stories behind the shots. If you liked these photos, you might also be interested in other posts featuring American Goldfinch, Austin, Birds, Green Anole Lizard, Lens-Artists, Texas, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Anne Sandler
Excellent Egidio! Your self-portraits are great, and I loved your nature images, especially that poor little bird, cold in the snow.
Egidio Leitao
Anne, thank you for your feedback and validation.
Leanne Cole
Self portraits are not something I’ve ever been comfortable doing, so I don’t do them except maybe for fun when I’m with friends. I love all your portraits, the owls in particulat.
Egidio Leitao
Leanne, I had to get myself out of my comfort zone. It’s so hard to do self-portraits. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Lakshmi Bhat
Cute little bird .
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much for the comment.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Egídio, your first self-portrait is lovely, the depth of field. Your expression is natural, you look like a man comfortable in his own skin and content. It is lovely. Your animal portraits are beautiful, a skill that I am not all that good at. Beautiful photos as always
Egidio Leitao
Ritva, thank you for this valuable feedback. I am not comfortable with self-portraits, but I thought this challenge was a good way to test the waters.
margaret21
These are great! Though your natural world photos – especially the owls – take the prize from me.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Margaret. I am definitely more comfortable with nature shots.
margaret21
👍
photobyjohnbo
Those owls are a great capture, Egidio, but the lizard is my favorite. So colorful and technically perfect!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. I really like photographing green anole lizards. They have great personality.
Randy Schoener
Wonderful set of potraits you have there. I really like the lighting with the finch photo.
Egidio Leitao
Randy, many thanks for the feedback. I appreciated it.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Your self portaits speak volumes of you being a nature lover, Egidio. I prefer nature shots too, but the Goldfinch huddled in the snow really tells the story, as well as the gecko peeking from the leaf. Stupendous captures at just the right moments!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for this wonderful remark about my selfies. This was a tough challenge for two reasons: (1) I rarely do portraits, and (2) I made it harder by sharing self-portraits. Thanks again.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful portraits Egídio, the family portrait is especially gorgeous! 😊
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Xenia. They were so cute.
Rebecca Cuningham
Good portraits, especially like the owls.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rebecca. They were adorable.
Joanne
Your self-portraits are very good. The animal portrait are terrific. I especially liked the owls. Their personality shines through.
Egidio Leitao
Joanne, many thanks for your compliment.
Toonsarah
Your self-portraits are very good but it’s in wildlife that you excel! I particularly love those owls 🦉🦉
I. J. Khanewala
Wonderful portraits. I’m glad you included a few humans too