Senior Portraits: Background, Props, and Shooting Ideas

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Join portrait photographer James Schmelzer as he shares his cutting-edge ideas and concepts for creating and lighting unique backgrounds for studio portraits.

Introduction (01:55) An introduction to the instructor and what will be covered in this course
Zebra Print (08:24) Controlling the light on an animal print background with daylight-balanced fluorescent bulbs by Westcott
CD Wall (02:35) The reflective surfaces of the CDs make for an interesting challenge
Shag Rug (01:43) Breaking up the wall behind the subject with fill light
Beads and Hand-Painted Foam Core (04:34) Creative painting and turning your light into a spotlight with Turbo Spot
Old Boards and Chipped Paint (03:12) Be sure to offer a variety of backgrounds for your customers to choose from
Pillows and a White Background (07:38) Inspiration can come from walking around the mall and looking at the window displays
Rose Petals (05:01) One of the more beautiful and popular poses for high school portraits
Frosted Tungsten Bulb (04:01) Trying to match the color temperature of the chandelier
Black Couch, Tiled Floor (01:56) Mixing these elements with a bead background and the correct lighting
Painted SubFloor as Background (01:59) This eye-catching material works great in this setup because the subjects can lean and touch on the background
3D Wall Paper (02:52) Many different ways to be creative with this background material
Antique Couch (02:54) Antique store is another great source for interesting set pieces for the studio
Glitter Board (03:58) Using studio lights with barn doors attached are great for creating lighting patterns
Ring Flash (02:19) This type of flash can be used to give a fashion look to all of your images
Conclusion (01:04) Learn the rudiments to lighting and have fun taking senior portraits

Course Time: 00 Hours 56 Minutes

G. Poulos

Nov 30 2012

Love the different techniques and the very easy to understand lighting layouts. I am really getting a lot out of the available light type shooters. Love that James steps through his perspective on sets, props and posing. Good guy. Can't wait to hear more from him!
B. Bernard

Sep 15 2012

This was a very helpful series. There were so many details covered that I will be viewing again just to make sure I see them all. I like the style of studio he has. The foam boards are a great way to move a background into place without the hassle of hanging cloth backdrops.
.

Sep 4 2012

Thanks so much for all of your senior videos. They have been invaluable in my growth as a photographer.
P. Schmitt

Mar 12 2012

Im in the process to set up my first studio (for portraits) and those lessons are invaluable to me. Im very impressed with level of details that Mr. Schmelzer put in each light (size, distance, modifiers, etc.). That's Im looking for my photos - quality and distinguish. Thank you

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Your Instructor

James Schmelzer

Portrait & Wedding Photographer

James Schmelzer is an award winning photographer, lecturer, and has been the technical representative for F.J. Westcott Company for over 25 years. James has been actively involved in designing new...VIEW FULL BIO»

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