Sitting Pretty

Portrait: Sitting in a Chair

Either a formal sitting portrait or a re-interpretation of this classic. Photograph your subject sitting in a chair.

I’ve never really done a formal portrait, but I’ve seen enough to have an idea what it should look like. I find them rather staid, static. Luckily, this didn’t have to be a formal portrait!

Took my pup to have coffee with a friend I haven’t seen in ages. We live in the same village, but never seem able to find a Saturday morning when we are both at home. Finally, last week, we managed it.

She’s at the other side of the village, so it’s a good chance to take photos and walk the dog. I never leave my house without my camera, these days. Was I ever glad I have that habit that morning.

As we chatted and caught up, I realised that the combination of light and colour in my friend’s conservatory was framing her beautifully. So, I asked if I could photograph her for the challenge. She hates having her picture taken, so I was most gratified when she said yes. I kept it short and sweet so she wouldn’t be too uncomfortable. Four photos. Two, I really like. One, perfect for the challenge.

I did use some developing tools on this: light EQ and white balance. However, the adjustments are minute in nature.

I’m sure there are things I could have done better – tweaks to the composition, perhaps letting more light in through ISO and bringing contrast through F-stop and shutter speed, but the feel of this is right. I’ve been experimenting with using developing tools on the RAW image, rather than using the editing tools. My aim is always to get it right when I take the picture, but until I get there, as long as what I do could have been done in the developing stage of film, I’m happy.

This is as close to what I was seeing as I can manage at this point. I hope she likes this, because I think it and she are beautiful.