Behind the Scenes: Crafting Personalized Portraits
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a client who reached out for a short, no-fuss portrait session. He needed just 2–3 high-quality photos for his website, LinkedIn, and social media. I suggested we meet at Icon Studio—a familiar space where I know I can control the lighting perfectly.
The Process Behind the Perfect Portrait
For this session, I used a flash with a softbox to create soft, direct light. Since we were shooting a man’s portrait, I decided to let the shadows play a bit stronger to add extra contrast and depth to the image. The goal was a close-up portrait, which meant our creative options were all about subtle adjustments—playing with light, angles, and facial expressions.
Here’s how the session unfolded:
Studio Setup: We booked Icon Studio to have complete control over the lighting. The familiar space helped ensure a smooth workflow.
Lighting Choices: I used a flash with a softbox to produce a gentle yet direct light, purposely enhancing the shadows to create more contrast.
Creative Options: I suggested two different background options—a white background for a fresh, modern feel, and a black background for a bold, sophisticated look. We also experimented with sitting poses and varied cropping to capture different facets of his personality.
Real-Time Adjustments: During the shoot, I kept him in the loop by showing him the shots as we went along. This way, we could make immediate adjustments and ensure there were no surprises when he reviewed the final images.
Final Selection: The very next day, I sent him a gallery with proofs. He picked three standout photos for editing, and here are the final results!
This session not only produced high-quality images but also showcased a collaborative process where the client felt involved every step of the way. It’s all about ensuring that the final portraits truly reflect your personality and professional image.
