Even with only a small table lamp for illumination, nature has made her a perfect subject, as the untouched image from the Nikon D70 shows. More important than lighting and color, the willingness of the model to be photographed is the key ingredient to getting a good portrait.
"Be serene," was the only instruction needed.
A good photo model has the ability to forget about herself and the photographer and think of of herself as an extension of the camera. She usually has the ability to become her own idealized image and uses movement and expression to become that object.
With practice and a desire to become a good model, even subjects who are not generally thought of as being photogenic can overcome that as experience increases and they develop their intuitive "feel" for what they should become. Practice does a great deal in getting closer to perfection!
Allowing the inner person to relax, have fun, and fantasize a little will result in much better, real-life portraits.
All the photographs in the series were made by me, and I retain all rights. Permission to enjoy them is freely given.
Comments from real people are welcomed.
