Brian Smith
This one was hard to do because I couldn't figure out how I could manipulate the black and white in the image. I wish I could have lightened the face to be more similar to the image. I also could have taken a picture that was more appealing my models eyes. I should have considered her glasses and her dark eye when taking the photo. I also should have used a darker color so her hair would contrasted with my models light hair color.
The exposure was really fun to do because I had to actually do more than enhance the brightness/contrast on the image. During the process I edited each photo and had to cut them into one art board. I had to cut out the background for the images that I put on top, and then I changed the occupancy. This was different then the double exposure because I couldn't just change the blending mode of the layer.
I feel like when I was making this image I could have done somethings differently to bring out my models feature a little bit more. One thing is I wished I had used a darker background so it would absorb the light rather than reflect it. Another thing is I could have gotten closer to my model but I was trying to make sure they were comfortable.
Background
Brian Smith was born in Amens, Iowa, on July 16, 1959. He got an education at the University of Missouri. Brian was accomplished many things in life
including winning the pultizer prize at age 25, appeared on X-factor, dined with the president, ate cupcakes with Anne Hathaway and other things. Now instead of Journal photography he does commercial photography. He's most famous for his celebrity portraits.
Style
When Brian is taking portrait pictures he emphasizes textures and facial features. Using high contrast and a high definition camera you can see all the little details on the person and their clothing. He also uses a blank background either white or black to keep the focus on the people in the photo.
Philosophy
Sources
“About Miami Celebrity Portrait Photographer Brian Smith.” Portrait Photographers Miami l Celebrity Portrait Photography Florida, briansmith.com/about/.
“Celebrity Portrait Photography Miami Photographers.” Portrait Photographers Miami l Celebrity Portrait Photography Florida, briansmith.com/celebrity-portrait-photography/.
Gampat, Chris. “Brian Smith on How to Take Better Portraits.” B&H Explora, B&H Photo Video, 18 Mar. 2014, www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/content/brian-smith-how-take-better-portraits.
“Meet The Artisan: Brian Smith.” Sony | Alpha Universe, alphauniverse.com/stories/meet-the-artisan--brian-smith/.
“Smith.” Sony | Alpha Universe, alphauniverse.com/artisans/bsmith/.
Influences
When I was taking the pictures I found it difficult to take images with the right contrast and detail as Brian Smith portraits. This was do to the lack of equipment. The lack of lighting or to much lighting in the locations I used also inhibited the contrast on the models facial features. In Brian Smith's works, his models have life and their own energy; I feel like I was able to capture the same energy in my models; Although, they were a little awkward about it at first. Another thing was when I was editing my photos I had trouble editing it to look more like Brian Smith's photographs.
Personal Artist Statement
I took these photos on the warm day that happened during the beginning of March. My friends and I went downtown to get some milkshakes when we decided to take these photos. It was a really fun experience. The day was really sunny with some clouds in the sky, not exactly the best day to take photos, but it was warm and that meant I could take a picture outside.