Fine art portraits, what exactly is that you might wonder? I've certainly wondered it myself, particularly when I see this term being bandied about from a variety of photographers, some of whom doing nothing out of the ordinary. Well the dictionary defines Fine Art as the following:
noun
plural noun: fine arts
1.
creative art, especially visual art whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content.
2.
an activity requiring great skill or accomplishment.
The Fine Art Portrait is trending highly at the moment. This is something that stands out from average photography and gets noticed. In a world where everyone is a photographer its important for me to do something that people will feel is worth paying for. Phones and consumer level camera equipment being rather incredible these days means most people can capture wonderful snaps of their lives and the people in them. So for me hiring a paid professional is really only necessary if they can create something for you that you cannot do yourself. Which is why I believe its important to create something with imagination, beauty and good use of light relying on great skills that the average person does not have. I have spent years building these skills and countless hours continually honing my creativity so that I can provide pieces of art that can grace the walls of my clients for many years to come.
I've also been collecting ideas and elements for these Fine Art sessions for years now. In Pinterest I've collected poses and lighting ideas, at car boots I've collected dresses, tops, scarves and pearls and at antiques fairs I've collected props and anything that grabs my attention really. I've been using much of it for a while now but it was this shoot that I finally used some of the clothes I've been collecting for older children and I concentrated on creating a truly Fine Art Portrait.
Emily arrived not really knowing what would happen but I would assume she expected the usual big smiles kind of posing, which she gave me instantly while I took test shots to assess the lighting. I had to explain that smiling wasn't essential for this session. As we went along Emily seemed to understand quite quickly and we got everything I wanted and more.
It's odd I know, that someone could want and even prefer portraits without smiles. But this is something I've loved for such a long time. Although I adore photographs of a smiling and happy child or baby there is something that draws me more to a thoughtful, less obviously happy portrait. I will linger longer on a portrait of this nature. Perhaps it tells us more of the person or more of a story, I don't know. But it is certainly more appealing as a piece of wall art than the big smiles sort in my opinion.
And I have to say that these images you are seeing digitally, possibly on a very small screen do not come close to the impact they have as a large printed wall piece. When you see them printed and hanging on a wall it is then that you can really appreciate them as a piece of art.
Thats not to say I don't do smiles. These are included in all sessions where possible. Its just that the subtle smile or the non smiley ones seem to have more of an impact for me. And for shy children or moody teenagers it helps to tell them they don't have to smile for the camera. This also alleviates any cheesy smiles they've been practicing before the session.
Something else I've been toying with lately is the Moving Portrait. I came across this not long ago and I absolutely love it. As a photographer I capture a single moment in time. Ultimately this is what I want to do. I have no interest in video. However, the moving portrait gives just that bit more of a glimpse into our subject. As a memory I think it adds value. I certainly don't want this to replace the still portrait but I do love the idea as an add on, in addition to the printed portrait. I'm still developing my skills and working out the lighting for these. I can't use flash in video so I am currently limited in how I light these and this is an entirely new skill so I'm still working on this concept. Here's an example.
This type of session is probably my favourite of all. I so enjoy working with one person, particularly a child who's of an age where they can understand and be patient for this sort of thing. Although I've always said I prefer a variety of different shoots and of course I still do, this type of session wins out just a little over the rest. Editing these portraits has been a pure joy also. Its times like this when I truly love my job.
If you would like a session such as this please do get in touch. I'd love to do more of this work. You can reach me on 01455 611069, follow this link to our contact us page on our website, or send me a message via our Facebook page here. You are welcome to come in for a free consultation as well so that you get the chance to see large printed portraits in person so you can see for yourself what an incredible impact they have. I look forward to hearing from you.
Meet Leo. Leo is 15 and currently going through an epic transformation that has momentarily turned the lives of himself and those around him upside down. A mum who once had the daughter she always longed for is now coping with the realisation that she will be living the rest of her life with a son instead. When your child is born you have certain expectations of the typical life they will lead but most of us know and accept that it won't necessarily end up the way we imagine. Not every person wants to marry, have kids or be involved with the opposite sex. Most of us have come to accept this and can adjust to whatever comes our way relatively easily. But few of us have expected to have to deal with a change in sex. Its not that we've hoped it won't happen, but just that it never occurred to us that it might. This is a new adjustment that we as a society are being presented with today, just like so many others that have come before. When I first heard that Phoebe ...
This year for the first time I decided to join the MPA (Master Photographers Association). As a qualified member this entitled me to compete amongst other professionals throughout the UK. Last night the awards ceremony was held at the Hinckley Island Hotel (amazingly close to home for a change) where I received the news that my family portrait won its category. I am over the moon that it was a unanimous decision from all judges who felt it stood out against all others in the category making it the clear winner. And to have John Stoddart, a man who has photographed a great number of A list celebrities, present the award telling me this is a fantastic image was the icing on the cake. I'll admit that I have never really regarded family groups as my strong suit. They are hard work and not always the most challenging creatively. Until now that is. This project which I consider to be a joint effort along with my clients involved much planning and creativity. Together we came up...
As I mentioned in my last blog, I achieved my Associateship in Portraiture with the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers). I just thought I would share with you the panel I submitted. Having sat through the assessment I see that there are a couple of images that I wish I hadn't chosen, more so due to not having enough variety rather than the lack of quality. but overall I am pleased with my submission. I always thought that once I achieved my Associateship I would be done with qualifications. Working towards a Fellowship just seems so unattainable. I don't think I can just sit here not striving towards a goal though. Besides, my husband has already set 5 year plan. So I guess I've not seen the end of qualifications just yet. But don't be expecting any news on this front for quite some time though. A fellowship is on an entirely new level and its going to take a lot of work.
Dates: Thursday November 19th ~ 2pm to 7pm & Saturday November 21st 10am to 4pm 30 Minute Session for just £99 which includes 4 full resolution digital files. These sessions are ideal for capturing a special holiday memory which can be used in calendars, on Christmas cards or for variety of gifts great for Christmas. Ring us on 01455611069 or email us at christina@christinalauderportraits.com to book an appointment. And as an added bonus we are going to use these sessions to scout out our next model for one of our original signature sessions which will include a complimentary fine art canvas print. We'll be looking for character and that something special that sets them apart.
Now this is exactly what I like to do. This was not only a fun and creative session but it was also quite relaxed and low stress as each of these girls were old enough to both be patient with me and follow instructions. This allowed me to use my skills to pose and direct as needed, rather than what can happen with very young children who either don't understand the instructions or who really just want to do their own thing. Although the very young bring their own magic to a shoot, like a cuteness factor that can't be beat, being able to take my time and direct my subjects means I can create the vision that is in my head. Probably what is most frustrating about the very young is that I can often see exactly what I want to create but without a little help from the child its not always possible. In this case all four girls worked very well and I think they all enjoyed themselves too, even the youngest performed beautifully and I couldn't be happier with all their portra...
I've also been collecting ideas and elements for these Fine Art sessions for years now. In Pinterest I've collected poses and lighting ideas, at car boots I've collected dresses, tops, scarves and pearls and at antiques fairs I've collected props and anything that grabs my attention really. I've been using much of it for a while now but it was this shoot that I finally used some of the clothes I've been collecting for older children and I concentrated on creating a truly Fine Art Portrait.
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