Canary Quinn

[Manfred M]

Moving along with another one of the models I shot last week, this one goes by the stage name of Canary Quinn.

This model is a bit problematic because the tone of her face makeup (the whole foundation) did not match the rest of her skin tone, so I had a lot of work trying to balance everything out.

[lovelife65]

While I don't do portraits (or any professional level photography), what I notice is the following:

Nice hot spot along the nose, it looks like a white line drawn down. And a spot on her forehead.
She just doesn't look human to me, she looks like a mannequin.

-S

[Manfred M]

While I don't do portraits (or any professional level photography), what I notice is the following:

Nice hot spot along the nose, it looks like a white line drawn down. And a spot on her forehead.
She just doesn't look human to me, she looks like a mannequin.

-S

That was the makeup issue I was referring to. Very heavy foundation that was not a good match to her skin tone. Stage makeup is a lot heavier than what people would normally wear because of the intense, harsh lighting. You'll notice the skin in other places looks more natural because it had no makeup on it.

I used medium to large soft boxes and the light that they produce is very soft and diffuse. It makes the skin look very smooth.

[shreds]

For what its worth, I don’t feel the skin is too ‘smooth’. The highlights are a little bit regrettable, but I feel my biggest issue is the crop. The eye is drawn unfortunately to the tattoo, and then to the folds of skin beneath, which a slightly tighter crop could have eliminated?

Portraits are always the most difficult subjects in many respects because we are viewing another human being rather than an inanimate object.

Stage makeup and heavy makeup can make or break the shot, hence a good MUA is essential in achieving a balance. I think we have all experienced problems with differing levels of makeup. Avoiding some heavily promoted software solutions is essential too.

[lovelife65]

That was the makeup issue I was referring to. Very heavy foundation that was not a good match to her skin tone. Stage makeup is a lot heavier than what people would normally wear because of the intense, harsh lighting. You'll notice the skin in other places looks more natural because it had no makeup on it.

I used medium to large soft boxes and the light that they produce is very soft and diffuse. It makes the skin look very smooth.

Thanks manfred, this makes sense. Heavy makeup often does make one look like they are wearing a mask, I wasn’t intending to blame the photographer. Portraits are really difficult, because one often doesn’t want to see their imperfections, yet if it’s pushed too far (thru makeup or processing) it’s obvious.

Did the model use a makeup artist?
I was only giving a very unprofessional critique as portraits are something I have never attempted.
I do think your model in the previous thread with the pink background was a better take.

[rpcrowe]

I have noticed the folds of skin or flesh just forward of the armpit on many portraits of women, including some of my own images) and wonder what could be done to 1. prevent this or 2. fix it in PP.

I suspect (but and not sure) that this is the result of incorrect posture with the subject not standing or sitting with shoulders held back but, rather posing with shoulders a bit stooped and rounded.

I also suspect that this rounded shoulder stance is fairly common with women who do not want to pose with their breasts accentuated. They may think that this is being a "hussy" rather than just taking pride in being a woman...

This young lady is an athlete and body builder and stands very erect with her shoulders thrown back. There are no skin/flesh creases forward of her arm pit. However, if I were to scrutinize my images, I am certain that I would find photos of other subjects who have the creases. It is sometimes difficult to notice the creases since I am concentrating on the subject's eyes...



I have been cognizant of correct posture ever since as a kid, with my parents kept telling me, stand tall with your shoulders thrown back. Those comments were backed up by 32-years in military uniform...

[Manfred M]

I have noticed the folds of skin or flesh just forward of the armpit on many portraits of women, including some of my own images) and wonder what could be done to 1. prevent this or 2. fix it in PP.

This is absolutely true. If you get a "professional model", then they know how to pose to eliminate those wrinkles and they are an absolute pleasure to work with. They do spend hours in front of a mirror practicing their poses in a way that eliminates those issues. Unfortunately, Canary is not one of those and as I am doing the shoot for free, I am not working to the same standard as I would be if the images were entered into a competition. These are going to end up a bit bigger than thumbnail sizes on a Facebook page, so this will be a lot less noticeable anyway.

A very quick touch up with burning and dodging will reduce if not eliminate these issues that are caused by light and shadow areas. Cloning them out results in a fake look, so I tend to avoid that. A few minutes of work gives me this:



I don't want to totally eliminate the area as that will not look right, but reducing the image works reasonably well.

[Manfred M]

Did the model use a makeup artist?

Unfortunately no. The girls all do their own makeup to keep their costs down. They come to me because I don't charge them for the shoot and PP work.

This is very much "amateur hour" stuff and I understand they have a lot of fun. I've never actually been to a performance.

[rpcrowe]

Manfred, nice job on the skin-tuck PP... And you are so right - working with an experienced model is night and day. I also just love it when I have a MUA and a hairdresser on set. It makes my job so much easier. There are also some ladies (men too) who are naturals in front of the camera. However, these people usually exhibit a lot of graceful behaviors even when they are not in front of the camera...