Event Collaboration
Sunday, 2 June 2019
YOU, A CAMERA AND A SPLASH OF MINDFULNESS
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A SPECIAL COLLABORATION WITH
Goodfeelography, a different approach to portraiture Goodfeelography portraiture workshops and Sylvie’s work as a photography goes beyond simply taking a photograph.
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Sylvie’s love to take photographs of people and capture their deep beauty is reflected in her approach depicted in her inspiring stories of her experiences working with people in a variety of contexts. Her ability to read body language is unique as she applies it to create a genuine connection with people so that she can do her best work.
Not only is Sylvie and incredibly energetic and warm person, but her studio is also a beautiful extension of her and the work she does. A beautiful natural, light-filled space in Mitte energised with the flashes of colours of backdrops, clothes and accessories. |
Welcome to Goodfeelography.
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WORKSHOP SUMMARY
- It is widely agreed that people are interested in wanting to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
- In addition, the desire to be able to take photographs of people, being able to capture that look, is equally important and interesting.
- Sylvie shared a number of stories to illustrate the role of one’s personal mindset and the effect it has when taking photographs.
- We went over useful body positioning, lighting and smartphone techniques and tricks.
- And we finished with a fun photo session helping each other with props, confetti, lighting to make photographing a fun experiment.
Portraits courtesy of Goodfeelography (images can be found on Instagram)
The Workshop
The workshop was set up into two parts. The first, looking at one’s mindset when our photograph is being taken. This also covered that of the photographer taking photos of people. Sylvie shared a number of stories that demonstrated that not one person sees the same thing the same. And when taking a photo of someone, it’s not about you.
In the second part, we discussed body positioning, smartphone techniques and tricks and how to use lighting.
The Self
How we feel inside is reflected in our faces and body. In some cases we may have control but in most cases our faces and bodies tell our truths. If we are concerned with our nose, chin, teeth, and so on, our negative thoughts are spoken in our body. Moreover, it is the thing we are transfixed on, and makes us completely miss out and overlook our uniqueness.
We need to get rid of our thoughts that affect how we feel.
The next time you think that you have a bad and good side, why not realise that you in fact have different sides.
Body and Arms Positions
Yes, body position is important, but firstly, what the story your body is telling starts in the mind. How you stand does play a role.
* Standing with your arms…
*Standing with your arms stuck to your side creates a rectangular full-body shape. This does create a ‘power pose’ and can be a good option for photos that have a particular intention.
The workshop was set up into two parts. The first, looking at one’s mindset when our photograph is being taken. This also covered that of the photographer taking photos of people. Sylvie shared a number of stories that demonstrated that not one person sees the same thing the same. And when taking a photo of someone, it’s not about you.
In the second part, we discussed body positioning, smartphone techniques and tricks and how to use lighting.
The Self
How we feel inside is reflected in our faces and body. In some cases we may have control but in most cases our faces and bodies tell our truths. If we are concerned with our nose, chin, teeth, and so on, our negative thoughts are spoken in our body. Moreover, it is the thing we are transfixed on, and makes us completely miss out and overlook our uniqueness.
We need to get rid of our thoughts that affect how we feel.
The next time you think that you have a bad and good side, why not realise that you in fact have different sides.
Body and Arms Positions
Yes, body position is important, but firstly, what the story your body is telling starts in the mind. How you stand does play a role.
* Standing with your arms…
*Standing with your arms stuck to your side creates a rectangular full-body shape. This does create a ‘power pose’ and can be a good option for photos that have a particular intention.
WANT TO KNOW MORE…
If you attended this Workshop click here to access the full summary.
Attendance to WOM events gives you access to all information.
If you attended this Workshop click here to access the full summary.
Attendance to WOM events gives you access to all information.
Weight on one leg.
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* Each of us has a particular side that we lean into (put our weight on) that is more comfortable. Play around and find which is your side. It allows the body to have a relaxed position. (image weight on one leg)
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* For another relaxed position, allow for space to exist between your body and your arms. You can do this by simply bending your arms or putting your hands on your hips with fingers facing forwards.
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Hands on hips.
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Head position
* And what about the head? As mentioned before your body language says a lot of what’s going on in your mind. If you are uncomfortable with having your photograph taken, you will often adopt a ‘leaning back’ (because we move away from what we fear/don’t like). By titling the head back we are actually exposing our neck and nostrils. Going the other extreme with your chin down, you are exposing your forehead that becomes the ‘largest’ part of the photo.
Experiment:
Tilt your head back and slowly bring your chin down. At one point you’ll arrive to a neutral position that feels comfortable. You can do this also my taking photos in the different angles and see how it affects what is prominent in the photograph.
Relaxing
* If you find yourself tensing up and getting caught up in your thoughts, close your eyes, imagine of a wonderful memory or something you love and then slowly open your eyes. When the eyes are opening, there are three moments that capture the tranquillity of the person.
* And what about the head? As mentioned before your body language says a lot of what’s going on in your mind. If you are uncomfortable with having your photograph taken, you will often adopt a ‘leaning back’ (because we move away from what we fear/don’t like). By titling the head back we are actually exposing our neck and nostrils. Going the other extreme with your chin down, you are exposing your forehead that becomes the ‘largest’ part of the photo.
Experiment:
Tilt your head back and slowly bring your chin down. At one point you’ll arrive to a neutral position that feels comfortable. You can do this also my taking photos in the different angles and see how it affects what is prominent in the photograph.
Relaxing
* If you find yourself tensing up and getting caught up in your thoughts, close your eyes, imagine of a wonderful memory or something you love and then slowly open your eyes. When the eyes are opening, there are three moments that capture the tranquillity of the person.
Height
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Height
* Always take the photo at the height of the person. This may require you to stand on something or squat. |
Lights
There are three common lights used in photography.
1) Ring light. This light was created in the 80s and is widely used by bloggers and the beauty industry because it’s the easiest lighting to use and creates a soft, smooth look and easy to make photo (in particular with the smartphone). When you see a white ring in the eyes of a person (model) in photos, they have used the ring light. It can create intensity. As such, glasses are best not worn when using this light because it creates a reflection. Because of the intensity of the light, it will also show grease and sweat, so blot away any shininess.
2) Soft Box and reflector. This allows for the creation of shadows with soft lines. With this light (and the cinema light) you can create what is called the Rembrandt lighting technique, which is when there is a triangle of light right under the eye on the side of the face that is facing away from the direct light. Rembrandt used light and shadows in his work. Next time you see a Rembrandt have a look at the face.
3) Cinema light is the most dramatic when it comes to shadows. It can be difficult to take because of the hard light and shadows. This is a great light if you want to really see what is meant by the Rembrandt lighting technique. Have a person facing the light (but not looking at the light because it’s really bright) then have them slowly turn their face away from the light and you will notice many changes in the shadows on the face (and background). At one point you will see light reflected under the eye on the opposite side of the light. This will happen when the shadow of the nose and the cheek meet creating the “light triangle”.
There are three common lights used in photography.
1) Ring light. This light was created in the 80s and is widely used by bloggers and the beauty industry because it’s the easiest lighting to use and creates a soft, smooth look and easy to make photo (in particular with the smartphone). When you see a white ring in the eyes of a person (model) in photos, they have used the ring light. It can create intensity. As such, glasses are best not worn when using this light because it creates a reflection. Because of the intensity of the light, it will also show grease and sweat, so blot away any shininess.
2) Soft Box and reflector. This allows for the creation of shadows with soft lines. With this light (and the cinema light) you can create what is called the Rembrandt lighting technique, which is when there is a triangle of light right under the eye on the side of the face that is facing away from the direct light. Rembrandt used light and shadows in his work. Next time you see a Rembrandt have a look at the face.
3) Cinema light is the most dramatic when it comes to shadows. It can be difficult to take because of the hard light and shadows. This is a great light if you want to really see what is meant by the Rembrandt lighting technique. Have a person facing the light (but not looking at the light because it’s really bright) then have them slowly turn their face away from the light and you will notice many changes in the shadows on the face (and background). At one point you will see light reflected under the eye on the opposite side of the light. This will happen when the shadow of the nose and the cheek meet creating the “light triangle”.
Cinema light
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Ring light
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Soft box and reflector
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Smartphone Tips
* It is better to activate the grid on the phone. This helps align the photos and makes it easier if you want to use the 1/3 rule where you place the subject on 1/3 (one of the side grid lines) of the photograph. Not only taking pictures but consciously creating your idea/picture. |
Using the grids on the smartphone.
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* When taking a flat photo (camera is parallel to the subject (such as those many food photographs) the smartphone creates either crosses or dots, that when the camera is perfectly parallel, the crosses/dots become one.
WANT TO KNOW MORE…
If you attended this Workshop click here to access the full summary.
Attendance to WOM events gives you access to all information.
If you attended this Workshop click here to access the full summary.
Attendance to WOM events gives you access to all information.
Did you miss the workshop and would like to have a chance to attend one? Or maybe you think this would be a great activity for your workplace or maybe you’re looking for personal or professional portraits. Then please reach out to Word of Mouth and we’ll make it happen for you.
Please note all proceeds of the workshop go to Goodfeelography to cover the costs of expertise, the location and all other expenses contributing to providing a quality workshop.
Word of Mouth reaches out to experts in areas believed to be of interest and benefit to the community. If you are a specialist and would like to collaborate with Word of Mouth or if you have a suggestion for a workshop you'd be interested in, please share it with WOM.
Word of Mouth reaches out to experts in areas believed to be of interest and benefit to the community. If you are a specialist and would like to collaborate with Word of Mouth or if you have a suggestion for a workshop you'd be interested in, please share it with WOM.
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