Suggestions on photographing a painter

[rjalex]

A painter asked me to take portraits of her while painting.

Any ideas on composition, points of views, props, lighting, you name it, more than welcome.

She has a stunning face and would love to have some about that and cannot quite imagine how to convey she is painting (the painting from behind on her tripod would be ugly, right ?) especially how to get closeups and still see she is painting.

Thank you
Bob

[HastyPhoto]

make everything black and white except her canvas.

[gonzogolf]

Get a a large pane of glass, and have her paint it while you shoot through it. Shoot her from the perspective of the canvas.

[HastyPhoto]

thats cool gonzo, killer idea.

[Andrushka]

Get a a large pane of glass, and have her paint it while you shoot through it. Shoot her from the perspective of the canvas.

dang, thats is a sick idea... did you come up with that or see it done somewhere?

[gonzogolf]

I've been thinking about doing this shot for a while. My father in law is an artist and wants a portrait. The trick will be lighting it. I think the key is keeping the lights behind the glass. For him Im thinking softboxes on each side of him with a light high to give some light from the front.

[rjalex]

YAY very cool ideas !!! THANKS !!! I love this community. Asked the same thing in another forum and was called an idiot :( Sigh
Bob

[rjalex]

I've been thinking about doing this shot for a while. My father in law is an artist and wants a portrait. The trick will be lighting it. I think the key is keeping the lights behind the glass. For him Im thinking softboxes on each side of him with a light high to give some light from the front.

Will try shots through my window (have a balcony out there so won't be forced to fly!) :)

Thanks
Bob

[FlyingPhotog]

You might also consider the Norman Rockwell self portrait concept...

You shoot from behind the artist but you can see her reflected in a nearby mirror.

[rjalex]

You might also consider the Norman Rockwell self portrait concept...

You shoot from behind the artist but you can see her reflected in a nearby mirror.

Very cool ! Thanks.
Bob

[freemanfan]

Very nice suggestions people, Since your going to the trouble consider a simple environmental portrait with her tools and things surrounding her these thing tend to resonate. If you show a genuine interest in her work the dialogue with lead to a honest expression, simplicity is beauty.
good luck