Key Elements to Consider When Describing How You Got the Shot:
1. Concept/Vision/Inspiration: What was the initial idea? What feeling or story were you trying to capture? What inspired you?
2. Subject (Model/Person): Who is the subject? What are their unique features/personality? How did their presence influence the shot? How did you connect with them?
3. Location/Environment: Where was the portrait taken? Why did you choose this location? How did the environment contribute to the overall mood/story?
4. Lighting: What type of light was used (natural, artificial, combination)? What was the direction, intensity, and quality of the light (soft, harsh)? How did you shape or modify the light?
5. Camera Settings: Aperture (f-stop), Shutter Speed, ISO, Focal Length, White Balance. Why did you choose these settings? How did they affect the image?
6. Composition: Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Symmetry, Use of Negative Space, Framing. How did you arrange the elements within the frame to create a visually appealing image?
7. Posing/Expression: How did you direct the subject's pose and expression? What were you trying to convey?
8. Gear: Camera body, lens, lighting equipment (strobes, reflectors, softboxes), modifiers. Why did you choose this gear?
9. Post-Processing (Editing): What editing software did you use? What adjustments did you make (color correction, exposure, contrast, sharpening, retouching)?
10. Challenges & Solutions: What problems did you encounter during the shoot, and how did you overcome them?
Example "How I Got The Shot" Narrative:
"Concept/Vision: For this portrait, I wanted to capture a sense of quiet strength and introspection. I was inspired by classic Rembrandt lighting and wanted to create a timeless feel.
Subject: My subject, Sarah, has a naturally expressive face. I aimed to highlight her piercing blue eyes and the subtle lines around her mouth that hint at a life well-lived. I spent some time talking with her before the shoot to help her feel comfortable and to understand her personality better.
Location: We shot in my studio against a dark grey seamless background. I chose this because it would minimize distractions and allow the focus to remain solely on Sarah.
Lighting: I used a single strobe with a large octabox as my key light, positioned at a 45-degree angle to Sarah's left. A reflector on the opposite side filled in the shadows slightly, creating a soft, flattering light. I aimed for a classic Rembrandt triangle on her cheek.
Camera Settings: I shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an 85mm f/1.8 lens. My settings were: f/2.8 to create a shallow depth of field and isolate Sarah from the background; 1/200th of a second to sync with the strobe; and ISO 100 to minimize noise. I used manual mode to have full control over the exposure.
Composition: I framed Sarah from the chest up, employing the rule of thirds to place her eye on one of the intersection points. I left some negative space on the left side of the frame to give the image room to breathe.
Posing/Expression: I asked Sarah to tilt her head slightly and look just past the camera. I guided her to relax her shoulders and soften her gaze. The goal was to create a natural, unposed look.
Gear: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens, Godox AD600 Pro strobe, 48-inch octabox, reflector.
Post-Processing: In Adobe Lightroom, I made minor adjustments to exposure and contrast. I also slightly sharpened the image and removed a few minor blemishes. I kept the editing minimal to preserve the natural feel of the portrait.
Challenges & Solutions: The biggest challenge was getting the light exactly right. I had to adjust the position and power of the strobe several times to achieve the desired Rembrandt lighting. Communicating clearly with Sarah and providing positive feedback also helped to create a relaxed atmosphere and elicit the expression I was looking for."
How to Adapt This Template:
* Be Specific: Don't just say "I used a softbox." Say "I used a 36-inch octabox positioned 4 feet from the subject."
* Explain Your Reasoning: Why did you choose that particular lens, lighting setup, or pose? What were you trying to achieve?
* Don't Be Afraid to Be Honest: Talk about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
* Use Visual Examples: If possible, include a behind-the-scenes photo or diagram to illustrate your lighting setup.
* Write in Your Own Voice: The example above is just a starting point. Tailor your explanation to your own style and experience.
* Practice Makes Perfect: The more you analyze your own work and explain your process, the better you'll become at creating compelling portraits.
By following these guidelines, you can create a detailed and informative "How I Got The Shot" narrative that will help others learn from your experience and improve their own portrait photography skills. Good luck!