IMG_8042_Snapseed

Last week, my studio was ‘invaded’ by photography majors from Montclair State University. Klaus Schnitzer, the head of the photography department at MSU, brought 17 students as part of their field study to see how different types of photography are done.  Their field trip to see a commercial photography studio brought them to see me.

Photo Credit: the photographs of the class were taken by Klaus Schnitzer on his iPhone 6+

After discussing the business of photography and how I got into photography, I spent the rest of the class demonstrating how a professional portrait is done. Using my Elinchrom studio lighting and volunteers from the group, I demonstrated how different lighting creates different results…some very dramatic!IMG_8015_Snapseed

I picked one student out of the crowd who’s hair was made for a portrait…the photo speaks for itself, if you ask me!

MSU_portraits_0003

With another student I highlighted her colorful and artistic eyes.

MSU_portraits_0004

We discussed how slight changes in the direction and the size of the light, and varying the pose by the subject can create entirely different moods.

IMG_8036_Snapseed

This behind the scenes shot may look like your every day portrait, but once the flash is set off and the background is eliminated, a whole new look is achieved.

MSU_portraits_0005

I look forward to seeing how these students fare in their photographic careers. Some may pursue portraiture, some art, some commercial…the possibilities are endless, really! Who knows what the future holds for them AND for photography…but I hope they find the field rewarding and a passport for seeing the strange and interesting corners of this world.

IMG_8046_Snapseed