Portraits with LF

[vdonovan]

Camera: Shen Hao 4x5
Lens: Fujinon 210/5.6
Film: New55 Atomic X (EI 50)
Developer: Xtol 1:1

 

[Alan Gales]

Oooops! Wrong thread.

 

[markbarendt]

... i wouldn't get too hung up on focal lengths
just get used to having fun with the LF camera, setting it up, and focusing and standing next to it, and having
a conversation with your subject to relax them, direct them &c .. its never easy, big cameras can intimidate people,
but it gets easier every time you do it ...

I agree completely.

Two things that I see in people that are impatient about getting their photo taken is that 1-they simply aren't interested or 2-they don't trust the photographer.

If a photographer can engage their subject in a comfortable conversation there is a good chance of success. If a photographer is struggling with a subject in conversation it's a distinct sign that the portrait is going nowhere good until the photographer fixes that rapport problem.

I find that true regardless of the camera at hand.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Therefore you should know your equipment intuitively. Once someone is familiar with a specific view camera and lens, it's really no different
than any kind other camera, except that you'll get more respect, but probably no contracts for photographing NBA games. The tools and subject matter obviously need to equate.