Family Portraits?

[John Geerts]

In 2008 my daughter (she was 15 at the time) and I made a series of portraits. It was a lot of fun, making a daily session.

She wanted to look very 'serious' which was a bit of a problem as 95% of the shots included lot's of smiles and laughter. 

For the series only natural light and outdoor scenes were used.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Well, she succeeded - sort of - in this portrait. The positioning of the image elements works very well for my taste. Nice golden reflections of the earrings as well. However, but not making eye contact she also detaches herself from the scene and we are left uncertain about her intent and commitment. Is whatever she is looking on the real subject, or not?

[frankv]

I think that all the elements come togheter very nicely in this portrait. The use of natural light, with reflections and shadows appeal to me. Good work balancing the sunlight (I suppose) against shadows. It all looks quite casual, but with closer inspection there is a lot thought involved in making this. I like it.

The detachment Bjørn mentions suits the image very well.  I recognize it from every 15-year old I have ever known.....

-frank-

[Erik Lund]

Very cool shot, I think all elements work as intended

Nice looking girl as vel!

[John Geerts]

Thank you all.

It was natural light, and around the longest day of the year (23 June) which gave extra possibilities at that particularly location.

[Jakov Minić]

John, nice background and model
I would perhaps open up the lens a bit, so that the face pops out of the background...

[ColinM]

I like them both John.
I probably go back to the first one more, as I like the warmth and the fact it's not a traditional portrait but more a view "into a scene".
I really like the texture of the background and the way it curves away - makes the viewer feel like they've stumbled across the scene.

For the second one, the tone feels "cooler" just by comparison with the warmth of the first image. Because she's looking at us, it changes the feel completely and suddenly the "serious" look becomes more significant.

Got any more from this series?

[Frank Fremerey]

In the first pic she plays Melissa Etheridge. Possibly because she likes her style?
Good Singer/Songwriter portrait.

In the second picture she looks much younger softer  granddaughterlike. More fore the family
less for the fame and shine of her searching self.

I like the watery appearence of her eyes in #2. Light shining through.

technically Bjørn said it all.

The BW edit looks not good on my phone. Tones not smooth but cut.

[John Geerts]

Thank you all for the remarks

Jakov, opening up was an option,  but this was an attempt to 'harmonize' subject and this specific background.

Frank, I had to google who Melissa Etheridge is, so I think it's coincidence

Colin, yes, there are more, 7 days and different locations.

Plus a number of  try-outs like this one in the Oisterwijkse vennen en bossen.

[Peter Connan]

I quite like both. The detached teenager in the first one is perhaps the dread of every parent, very well captured.

But the way the eye is captured in the second one draws my eye very powerfully. it is as if they are of two different people!

[Erik Lund]

for me the balance is quite off in this last shot, horizon and model lean.

But a very nice shot and girl anyway!

[Frank Fremerey]

Last one too sexy for my taste, unpleasant lighting and a tad to near so that perspective distortion is set into work

[armando_m]

She keeps looking younger on every shot

What a fantastic opportunity you had with your daughter willingly letting you shoot her.

[John Geerts]

Thank you Armando.  Indeed, it was a great opportunity and therefor quit a challenge as well.  Looking back it's a unique time-document.

Erik, Frank Thanks.  Yes I agree, the last photo was part of a number of try-outs. What I learned about it was to wait for the sun to prevent a bleak background, and have better skin tones. Also it was evident not to use a too wide lens. My daughter also took notice of her clothing style as well, but that was something for her to decide.

[Frank Fremerey]

A reflector is the standard solution for the shot by the lake and 2.5m distance with any lens.

Bounced flash will also help in a situation like that.

Almass is the right guy to ask. He is into so much talent and lighting...