I’ve been working on the side, outside of my action photography, to develop a strong portrait offering. Several Sundays ago, I had the opportunity to photograph eight-year old Softball pitcher Jessica on the field to create a set of images for a poster.
My goal in portraits is always to evoke the athlete’s natural personality, show their competitive side, and create some unique, powerful images that take advantage of what can be done in portraits versus what is available during a game.
I create several concepts before the shoot and then work each lighting concept from several angles and with different lenses to create different looks. The 300mm/f2.8, which I regularly use as a sports lens, pulls double duty as an incredible portrait lens.
The eyes always are a huge part of a portrait, and of a competitor. I’ve come in tight on Jessica to pick up her gaze at the catcher.
I use lighting to create specific effects, as well as isolation, on my subject. The lighting in these two examples create more of a theatrical look by being brighter than the overall light provided by the sun. A pair of Alien Bee 800′s, with the front light using a twenty-two inch Beauty Dish, and the rear an Apollo softbox.
Great job Dennis!! I think you’ve succeeded here.