Template:
1. The Vision (or the Goal): What were you aiming to achieve with this portrait? What feeling or story did you want to convey?
2. The Subject: Describe your subject. What were their key characteristics that you wanted to highlight? What was your relationship with them (friend, stranger, professional model)?
3. The Location: Where did you shoot? Why did you choose that location? What were the pros and cons of the location?
4. The Gear: What camera, lens, and lighting equipment did you use? Why did you choose those specific pieces of equipment?
5. The Settings: What were your camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance)? Why did you choose those settings?
6. The Lighting: Describe your lighting setup. Was it natural light, artificial light, or a combination? How did you shape and modify the light?
7. The Posing & Interaction: How did you direct your subject? What kind of mood were you trying to create? What specific instructions did you give them?
8. The Capture: Describe the moment you took the shot. What was special about it?
9. The Post-Processing: What editing did you do to the photo? What software did you use? What were your goals during editing?
10. The Final Thoughts/Lessons Learned: What did you learn from this shoot? What would you do differently next time? What are you most proud of?
Example 1: Natural Light Portrait
1. The Vision: I wanted to capture a relaxed and authentic portrait of my friend, emphasizing her natural beauty and kind personality. I wanted it to feel warm and inviting.
2. The Subject: My friend, Sarah, has a naturally radiant smile and a calm, approachable demeanor. I wanted to showcase her genuine spirit.
3. The Location: We shot in her backyard, near a large oak tree. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves created a soft, natural background. The location was convenient and comfortable for Sarah, which helped her relax.
4. The Gear:
* Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
* Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
* Reflector: 5-in-1 reflector (used as a bounce)
5. The Settings:
* Aperture: f/2.8 (for shallow depth of field and a blurred background)
* Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec (to freeze any slight movement)
* ISO: 200 (to keep the noise low)
* White Balance: Daylight
6. The Lighting: I primarily used natural light. The sun was slightly diffused by the leaves, creating soft shadows. I used the reflector to bounce light back onto Sarah's face and fill in any harsh shadows. I positioned her so that the main light source was coming from the side, creating dimension.
7. The Posing & Interaction: I asked Sarah to simply relax and be herself. I chatted with her about her hobbies and favorite things to help her feel comfortable. I suggested she lean against the tree and look towards the light. I encouraged her to smile naturally.
8. The Capture: The moment I captured was when she let out a genuine laugh after I told a silly joke. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile was completely authentic.
9. The Post-Processing: In Lightroom, I adjusted the exposure slightly, increased the contrast a touch, and warmed up the white balance. I also did some minor skin retouching to remove any blemishes, keeping it as natural as possible.
10. The Final Thoughts/Lessons Learned: This shoot reminded me that the best portraits come from genuine connection and creating a comfortable environment for the subject. I learned the importance of observing and waiting for the authentic moments to unfold. Next time, I might experiment with different angles and compositions, but I was very happy with the overall result.
Example 2: Studio Portrait with Artificial Light
1. The Vision: I wanted to create a dramatic and powerful portrait of a local musician, showcasing his intensity and passion for his craft.
2. The Subject: Mark is a talented guitarist with a strong stage presence. He has a striking face and a natural intensity in his eyes. He was a paid model for this shoot.
3. The Location: I shot in my small studio, which allowed me to control the lighting precisely.
4. The Gear:
* Camera: Sony a7III
* Lens: Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
* Lights: Two Godox strobes with softboxes
* Background: Black seamless paper
5. The Settings:
* Aperture: f/2.8 (for shallow depth of field)
* Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec (sync speed for strobes)
* ISO: 100 (to minimize noise)
* White Balance: Flash
6. The Lighting: I used a two-light setup. My key light was a large softbox placed slightly to the side and in front of Mark. The fill light was a smaller softbox placed on the opposite side, at a lower power, to soften the shadows. I used black V-flats on either side to further shape the light and prevent spill.
7. The Posing & Interaction: I asked Mark to channel his energy and imagine he was performing on stage. I gave him specific directions on where to look and how to position his hands. I played some of his music to help him get into the mood.
8. The Capture: The moment I captured was when Mark closed his eyes and seemed lost in the music. His expression was intense and full of emotion.
9. The Post-Processing: In Photoshop, I dodged and burned to enhance the highlights and shadows, creating more depth and drama. I also did some skin retouching and sharpened the image. I converted the image to black and white for a more timeless feel.
10. The Final Thoughts/Lessons Learned: This shoot taught me the importance of precise lighting control and directing the subject effectively. I learned that even in a controlled environment, you still need to capture genuine emotion. I might experiment with different lighting modifiers next time to create even more dramatic effects. I am happy with the result as it shows Mark's passion.
Key Considerations When Writing Your "How I Got The Shot":
* Be Specific: Don't just say "I used a softbox." Describe the size and placement of the softbox.
* Explain Your Reasoning: Why did you choose f/2.8 instead of f/8? Why did you use a reflector? Explain the *why* behind your decisions.
* Be Honest: Don't be afraid to admit if something didn't go as planned or if you made a mistake. It makes your explanation more relatable and helpful.
* Use Visuals (If Possible): If you're sharing this online, include a photo of your lighting setup, or a before-and-after of your editing.
* Tailor It To Your Audience: If you're writing for beginners, explain things in simpler terms. If you're writing for experienced photographers, you can use more technical jargon.
By following this template and examples, you can effectively explain how you captured your portrait and share your knowledge with others. Remember to be specific, explain your reasoning, and be honest about your process. Good luck!