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If only adults trusted the lens like kids...

from Matthew Keller (matt_keller@hotmail.com)
After receiving a batch of rather greyish skin tones from a roll of Kodak Portra 160 VC developed by my normal, high-quality lab, I'm reevaluating whether I want to shoot candid portraits (typically the only kind I shoot) with Portra, Fuji NPS, or Fuji Reala. Although Reala is not typically regarded as a portrait film, it gives a nice, warm cast to skin tones. I'll post similar images taken with both Portra and Reala later for a comparison. This photo was taken of my cousin's 2-year-old daughter. I loved Portra's results in this instance. She's adorable and every budding photog's dream, a complete ham for the camera.

Canon AE-1, 135mm prime, about f/2, Kodak Portra 160 NC

I find children so much easier and fun to photograph, because they haven't yet learned to "distrust" the camera. So many adults fear you're not going to take a good picture of them that they freeze up, get stiff, appear frightened or reticent . . . any hints on loosening up the post-12-year old crowd to get natural, relaxed portraits?

(posted 8818 days ago)

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