For the portraiture brief I wanted to create a contrast between the set of images, using a studio setting, a natural setting and a manufactured setting.
Friend
This picture was taking in a studio setting, for lighting, were used a softball light. To go with the studio theme, I did some heavy editing in lightroom, softening the skin, sharpening the eyes and removing blemishes from the skin. I also asked the subject to make a pouty face. This created a look similar to what you would see in a typical magazine shoot.
Stranger
This next image, I went for a more natural setting, this was my first time meeting the subject, in my friend’s flat in the centre of Sheffield. I wanted to capture the subject slightly off guard, so I called for his attention and took the picture as soon as he turned his head. This was using the natural light in the room, using a low F stop to slightly blur the background, drawing more attention to the subject.
Self
For my self portrait I went for a manufactured setting, something akin to a typical Facebook profile picture, to achieve this look, I used the webcam on the mac I was using, holding a torch slightly below the frame, pointed directly at my face, to bring out the curvature of my face.