Powerful Portraits using Mirrorless Cameras

 

Lesson Info

Specific Portrait Techniques

So we're going to change this thing up again because I like to change up my backdrops and I like to change my lighting. So I'm going to change my light from the regular octa to the deep octa, because I don't know until I actually sit down to retouch. And we're going to pick the images later on to figure out which ones we're going to retouch. But I don't know if I'm going to like the look of a regular octa or a deep octa until I try it out. And so I told you guys I was going to show you the differences, so we're going to take a couple of shots here. I'll grab that. It's caught on the light. Yeah, it happens. Get that there. It's actually caught on the, you might have to unplug. Got it. There you go. It's on the actual cable. Eh, it's okay. We'll make it work. Um, so, because I'm shooting from a distance anyway. So anyway, we're going to keep everything the same. And this is another one of the things, as well, when it comes to changing your lighting. Oftentimes, again, you chan...

ge your light source if it gets bigger or smaller or more shallow or more deep. Your exposure may not be the same. So again, the recipe is still the same. I don't have to worry about the settings, you don't see me sweating like I don't know if the settings are going to work out at F9, 1/60th of a second, ISO 100. If it doesn't, aperture up or down or power of the light up or down. And that's it. So, very very simple, very easy. Putting the modifiers on these heads, by the way, it's very good to do exactly what he does. John is a pro. To basically take the modifier and put it facedown on the ground, then take your light and pop it on. You don't want to try to mount this modifier onto the light while it's on the light stand. I have broken lights like that in the past. It's not ideal. So, yeah, feed that through. All right. Perfect. Get this octa out of the way. Perfect, perfect, perfect. We'll keep it exactly the same as we had it before. Only difference is we've got a deep octa going on. We'll raise the light just a touch, I'll let you know. Up, up, up, up... good. And then kind of feather it off a little bit. Yeah, there we go. So again, you don't want the center of the octa, or the center of any modifier to be pointing directly at them, because it's going to give you kind of a harsh light. We'll try without a reflector first. (camera clicking) Very good, we'll do one more. Nice, back up just a touch. Beautiful, love that. And John, if you could get the reflector in for a couple. Very good. Beautiful, keep doing exactly what you're doing. These look very heavenly. There we go, very nice. Excellent. Love that. If you could bring the reflector in just like, a scootch toward the backdrop, there you go. Just like that. That's perfect. Hold that, let's see how this looks. Much nicer. There we go. And again, I could evaluate that, because I could see the image in the viewfinder and I could see that the reflector really wasn't doing very much. But, where it's at now, you can see it just great. So we got the shot there.

"Miguel's class was exactly what I needed! He lets you in on his practical and streamlined approach to creating dramatic portraits that deliver every time, and I can't wait to use his 'Jedi' posing techniques." - April, CreativeLive Student

Allowing your subjects to feel relaxed and natural when taking their portrait can be a challenge, especially when you’re worried about the technical side of your camera while interacting with clients. Join Sony Artisan Miguel Quiles as he discusses the pros of choosing mirrorless cameras to focus on the creative side of your images. Most mirrorless cameras are built around the same size sensors and have similar lens options as DSLRs. Become more portable while staying professional with your lightweight camera.

Miguel will share:
  • How to use the correct lighting when shooting with a mirrorless camera   
  • Tethering techniques using Capture One   
  • Why it’s important to develop the connection with your subject for a stronger image 
  • Techniques to help you focus more on the creative parts of an image and less on the technical aspects   
By the end of this class, you will feel more confident connecting with your portrait subjects, and less concerned with how you use your camera to take the image.  

Lessons

Class Introduction
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
Mirrorless Camera Advantages
Mirrorless Compatibility
Live Shoot: Mirrorless vs. DSLR
Live Shoot: A7R II, A6300 & A7ii
Compare Mirrorless & DSLR Images
Posing Techniques Overview
Lens Choice for Mirrorless
Savage Collapsable Backdrops Demo
Client Portrait Shoot Overview
Importance of Tethering While Shooting
Lighting Set-up for Client Portrait Shoot
Live Shoot: One-Light Client Portrait
Live Shoot: Modifier Client Portrait
Live Shoot: Side Lit Client Portrait
Communication with Client
Specific Portrait Techniques
Fashion Beauty Shoot Overview
Live Shoot: Beauty-Dish
Live Shoot: Octabox
Live Shoot: Umbrella
One Light Set-Up for Male Portrait
Live Shoot: One Light Male Portrait
Live Shoot: Two Light Male Portrait
Live Shoot: One Light with High-Speed Sync
Live Shoot: Two Lights With High Speed Sync
Retouching Workflow Overview
Culling Images in Capture One
Basic Alien Skin Exposure Workflow
Image Editing in Alien Skin
Add Grain to Images in Alien Skin
Skin Retouching in Alien Skin
Exporting Images in Alien Skin
Cull Images in Capture One
Skin Retouching in Photoshop
Draw Hair in Photoshop
Finish Skin in Photoshop
Change Backdrop Color in Photoshop
Alien Skin Exposure Overview
Sharpen & Add Grain in Alien Skin
Exporting Images for Clients
Mobile Workflow with Mirrorless
 
 
 
 

Reviews

  • I want to commend you for hosting Miguel Quiles. He is beyond competent and knowledgeable. Light is Light, but It is encouraging to see incredible minority photographers on your platform and to see diversity in the presenters. It is inspirational for minorities to see themselves on the center stage. I sincerely thank you for that. I am buying this course although I am not a mirrorless shooter because of my support of Miguel and the quality of his instruction of which benefits all photographers. He is a great addition to the Creative Live Family of Presenters that I have supported as well. Kudos Creative Live!
  • Wow! As a Newb and someone looking to get into portrait/studio photography, this course was perfect and comprehensive. SO MUCH GOOD CONTENT. Miguel is so approachable about questions, positive, and thorough in his explanations. This course broke down the gear and technical side very well. I recommend going to a class live. It was a great experience with food and beautiful facilities. The facility has a positive vibe and really encouraged me to be creative. Thank you for the experience and knowledge!
  • WOW!!! I LOVED THIS CLASS!!! I learned so much. He made lighting soooo simple, I finally understood. I liked the way he explained the why of his camera settings and how to overcome ambient light. he explained and made everything simple!!! I liked the way he talked about connecting with your clients. I am so happy I purchased this class. I finally understood lighting What a great teacher!! Thank you!!
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