Review Digital Camera World 07-11-2013

Digital Camera World

Close-up portrait photography: how to shoot unusual portraits in stunning detail Jul 10th 2013, 23:01, by jmeyer You might not realise it, but people can be some of the most challenging and rewarding subjects for macro photography. There's almost an infinite number of ways in which the human body can be photographed, from friendly snaps to extreme abstraction. With close-up portrait photography you can play around with all the camera angles, creating unusual portraits, exotic close-ups, and abstract artistic interpretations that use extreme lighting and imaginative, original photo compositions. In this tutorial we explain everything you need to know to get started. Close-up portrait photography: capturing colour and detail The human body has more potential for immediate emotional impact than any other subject. Unless you're aiming for extreme abstracts, it's almost impossible to take photos of people and their bodies without packing an instant emotional punch. Compared to other kinds of macro, people shots are less about pure geometry and composition, and more about balancing those elements with emotional content. The range of styles extends from clinical close-ups – often unappealing by definition – through portrait photography, to erotica at the far extreme. Whatever the goal, it's always important to consider the emotional content in the photo, and the possible reaction of a viewer. For example, eye close-ups are inherently expressive, so you don't need to show the rest of the face to create an impact. The shape of the eyelid alone relates what the model is feeling. A good shot depends as much on capturing this successfully as getting the basics correct. This modifies some of the rules of composition. The point of interest will usually be where the expression is strongest and most obvious – it may not be where the geometry balances and this can make thirds less useful. It's worth keeping them in mind, but sometimes you'll get the best result by putting your subject in the middle of the frame. As with other kinds of close-ups, focus doesn't have to be precise and full-field. You can use it creatively to enhance mood, and the right expression will carry a shot even if it's not technically perfect. People macro is very intimate, and potentially intrusive. Having someone poke a lens in your face is difficult for many people. If you're going for extreme close-up work with a compact instead of a DSLR macro lens that allows imaging from a distance, it's important to keep the subject relaxed and at ease. This isn't just good for them, it's also more likely to result in a better photo, because some of their mood and attitude will carry through to the image. Artificial lighting also has to be handled very carefully. Flash units are bright and lighting an eye shot with flash may be dangerous. Flood lights run hot, so models have to be protected from this, too. Common sense is usually enough to prevent health and safety risks, and the safety and comfort of models should never be ignored. PAGE 1 – Close-up portrait photography: capturing colour and detail PAGE 2 – Close-up portrait photography: getting accurate flesh tones PAGE 3 – Close-up portrait photography: capturing textures PAGE 4 – Close-up portrait photography: how to compose faces PAGE 5 – Close-up portrait photography: using light and shadow PAGE 6 – Close-up portrait photography: using props READ MORE 10 portrait photography mistakes every photographer makes (and how to avoid them) 14 portrait photography tips you’ll never want to forget Free family portrait photography cheat sheet Shoot Like A Pro: outdoor portrait photography made easy Master your home photo studio: settings, setup, accessories explained Olympus PEN E-P5 review Jul 10th 2013, 10:00, by jmeyer Olympus PEN E-P5 Review: the new 16-megapixel Olympus E-P5 offers a sleek retro body design, built-in Wi-Fi and the same sensor as the OM-D. But how does it perform? Find out in our E-P5 video review. The Olympus PEN E-P5, the manufacturer’s latest flagship PEN camera, offers a slew of advanced features, such as Wi-Fi and a 1/8000sec shutter speed. It also incorporates the same 16 million pixel sensor and TruePic VI image sensor as the Olympus OM-D. This should mean that it’s capable of the same impressive image quality.But is it? Amy Davies takes a look at what the new PEN camera has to offer in her Olympus PEN E-P5 review video. Olympus PEN E-P5 Review Video Transcript Hello, I'm Amy Davies and this is the Olympus PEN E-P5, which sits at the top of Olympus’ PEN line, replacing 2011′s E-P3. It uses the same well respected sensor as found in the 16 million-pixel Olympus OM-D. Outwardly, the body of the PEN has quite a few similarities to the camera it replaces, such as the same basic shape and this grip here. However, there have been a few notable differences which offer an improvement on the basic operation of the camera. Firstly, the 1 million dot 3-inch touchscreen at the rear of the camera is now a tilting device, which can be pointed upwards or downwards to help when shooting from awkward angles. Despite its tilting function, it still sits remarkably flush against the body of the E-P5 for an overall sleek finish. Secondly, this small switch found around the movie record button is a useful way to quickly access different settings. Place the switch into the "1" position and the front and rear dials control aperture or shutter speed (depending on the mode you’re in) and exposure compensation. Switch to the "2" position and the dials control white balance and sensitivity. As with its predecessor, a mode dial can be found on the top of the camera for quickly switching between the various modes the camera has to offer, including fully automatic, semi-automatic and fully manual. A new addition here is PhotoStory mode, which allows you to create a montage of images in camera. If you’ve used a PEN or OM-D camera before you’ll be familiar with the quick menu which can be accessed via a tap of the OK button on the back of the camera. Here you’ll find access to the most commonly used settings, such as art filters and image ratio. All of the cameras in the current PEN range have a touchscreen, which is extremely useful for setting the autofocus point, or for firing off the shutter. Unlike the touchscreens found on Panasonic cameras however, this one can’t be used for menu operation, instead relying on button navigation. Speedy operation was one of the claims made by Olympus for the new PEN, and with extremely quick start up times and fast processing, we’ve been impressed when using the camera. Autofocus times are also extremely quick, being almost instantaneous in good light, and only dropping slightly in lower light conditions. As is now becoming commonplace, the E-P5 features inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity. A new Olympus app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets allows remote control of the camera and for images to be transferred across to your device for uploading to social networking sites. Unfortunately, remote control of the camera is only available for fully automatic mode, so you can't use the advanced settings. Perhaps this is something Olympus will consider changing for a firmware or app update in the future. Unlike the OM-D, the E-P5 doesn’t have an inbuilt viewfinder, but this hotshoe and the port below means you can add an optional external device. The VF-4, which is an electronic viewfinder, was launched at the same time as the E-P5 and offers a very clear and bright view. With that excellent OM-D sensor, a fast processor and some interesting changes brought with the body of the E-P5, we had high hopes for this camera. Luckily, we have not been disappointed by the images it outputs. Pictures are bright and punchy, while the sensor is capable of resolving plenty of detail. Low light performance is also good. Overall, we think this is one of the best compact system cameras on the market, and certainly the best PEN to date. For my full review of the Olympus PEN E-P5, along with plenty of sample images, visit TechRadar.com. Read the rest of the review for more information on the E-P5. See this month’s issue for my full review of the Olympus PEN E-P5. PAGE 1: Olympus PEN E-P5 review PAGE 2: Our original Olympus PEN E-P5 announcement story READ MORE Famous Photographers: 100 things we wish we knew starting out How to see photos like famous photographers… every time you shoot 14 portrait photography tips you’ll never want to forget 30 celebrity photographers who are actually celebrities

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