Portrait
Shoot – My Journey Behind the Lens
In the early 1980s, when I first
stepped into the world of photography, learning this art was both challenging
and fascinating. There were no online tutorials or digital conveniences back
then. I immersed myself in books and magazines from prestigious libraries like
the British Library in Patna, gaining valuable insights that shaped my
understanding of photography.
During this journey, I was fortunate
to meet legendary photographers like Venu Sen of Kolkata and Raghu
Rai of Delhi, whose work inspired me deeply. Trial and error became my
greatest teacher, and slowly, through patience and practice, I began to master
the craft.
Those were the days of Black
& White films, while Ektachrome and Konica Chrome color
films were available at a premium. Every click counted because once the shutter
was pressed, there was no going back—no Photoshop, no Lightroom, no retakes.
Precision in exposure, composition, and light was paramount. I always carried
two cameras— of Nikon —with interchangeable lenses to suit different
situations.
The
Portrait Session
One day, a young woman with a dusky
complexion and striking features approached me for a portrait session. Being in
my learning phase, I applied everything I had studied—diffused light,
bounced light, direct light, rim light, aperture control, shutter speed
adjustments, depth of field, and more.
To make her comfortable, I engaged
her in light conversation about her studies and life. I offered tea and snacks,
helping her relax before the lens. At one point, I asked her to gaze at the
camera with a subtle, captivating expression—and she did, perfectly.
As the session progressed, the sun
began to set, creating a stunning rim light around her hair. However, my
camera’s reflected light meter suggested settings that would underexpose her
face. Drawing on my learning, I used a thermocol sheet to bounce soft light
onto her face while maintaining the glowing backlight. Using a long zoom lens,
I compressed the background, resulting in a portrait that felt alive and
timeless.
Tips
for Portrait Photography
- Use creative lighting – golden hour, window
light, or backlighting for a dreamy effect. - Experiment with angles, props, and natural frames
like doorways or windows. - Ensure the eyes are in sharp focus—they are the
soul of the portrait. - Capture genuine emotions and candid moments for
natural storytelling. - Try lifestyle portraits at home, incorporating
surroundings or even pets. - Play with silhouettes, reflections, and black &
white to add artistic flair.
Final
Thought
Photography is about more than just
technical skills—it’s about emotion, connection, and the story behind the
frame. That portrait session taught me the power of light, creativity, and
human connection—elements that still guide my work today.
Text & Photo by: Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com
#PortraitPhotography #BehindTheLens
#PhotographyTips #RimLightPortrait #CreativeLighting #PhotographyJourney
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