3 Portrait MISTAKES That Helped Me IMPROVE

[@EliInfante]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/eliinfante11201

[@robhallphoto]

Thanks for the shout-out Eli! I remember Justin brought up a good point in that podcast, that using the widest aperture available is the visual representation of why we pay so much for these lenses. If you pay for it, damnit you're gonna use it, right? But I think all your shifts in mindset are well described here. It's natural for us to be repetitive when we find something that works well. It can take a long time to recognize that the repetition may be holding us back. Another thing I've found that can lead to an explosion of fresh ideas is trying a completely new niche of photography entirely. For me, I photographed a professional wakeboarder over the summer and I went in hell-bent on getting a specific flash-lit image. About halfway through the day I realized how much the flash was getting in my way of timing, and once I abandoned it completely the image quality went way up. A tough pill to swallow for a devout strobist🤣. Keep up the great work!

[@EliInfante]

Of course man I miss the podcast. I usually listen to it when I'm out running. I agree about the new niche. This year I've had to learn a different style of photography to teach my students. Due to COVID I've been learning new techniques with my smartphone. I haven't seen my students all year long.

[@robhallphoto]

@@EliInfante Justin should have his move done soon and we'll be back to recording regularly. I can't imagine teaching in this environment, definitely forces you to get creative!

[@tedmartinpadres]

Self assessment and keeping an open mind are vital qualities to maintain in one's life in general. Thanks for reminding us !

[@EliInfante]

Absolutely Ted!

[@_stevenfoster]

This was one of your most insightful videos yet. Good stuff Eli!

[@EliInfante]

Glad to hear it! More videos coming soon :)

[@uxmanxardar4809]

I still love dramatic clouds , bokeh and HSS cuz you have been inspiring us for so long taking amazing shots using these techniques. 👍

[@EliInfante]

The dramatic clouds still love you!

[@lancelenoir2875]

I was lucky when I first started shooting in the early 90's because I came from an art background. My understanding of light and shadow along with color theory was already in place. Everybody goes through different experiences and changes throughout a career. I was very fortunate in my career to have met and heard Dean Collins and Monte Zucker talk about lighting and portraits. Although I can't quote either one of them I'll share the two things that I learned. 1. The big secret about lighting is not the light, but rather the contrast and relative brightness of areas in the photo which triggers the brain to react and move the eye in a photo. 2. Be very careful with your composition so that you end up with a portrait that has a nice composition and not an awesome composition with a person in it. Loved the video!

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Great teachers there for sure! I saw Monte a few times in the 1980’s, plus Leon Kennamar, Linda Lapp, and more. What a golden era of portraiture!

[@lancelenoir2875]

@@VintageInsightPhotography Absolutely!

[@EliInfante]

Thanks for your insight Lance! You taught me a few things.

[@DaniDo]

Those are some amazing tips Eli!! This is so good! I also gotta challenge myself now and shoot in uncomfortable settings

[@djzee4571]

Wow! You just opened a new window of possibilities for me. I never thought of it the way you explained it and almost ALWAYS put sun behind my subject and my key light on the opposite side and try to do 90% of my wedding photography shots with a 70-200mm lens at f2.8...or a 85mm wide open with blurred background. Thanks for opening my mind to new possibilities. I will still shoot with a telephoto lens but will definitely try other type of shots as well and focus more on composition. I love your more recent work you have been posting on FB.

[@EliInfante]

Appreciate the feedback DJ! Remember DJ nothing wrong with what you're doing but add more luts for more looks :)

[@aramdominguez]

All of these are great points. I am so focused on getting the lighting just right that I forget about my surroundings. Slowing down and focusing on my surroundings could really help. Thanks for sharing Eli!

[@EliInfante]

Glad it was helpful Aram! Keep me updated on your progress!

[@pjflo7816]

Very useful brother. Thank you for sharing.

[@EliInfante]

You're welcome, bro! Thanks for coming in and leaving a comment! :)

[@pjflo7816]

Eli Infante Anytime!

[@toreaasland8085]

I totally agree. A good photo with good composition and good backdrop, is so much better than just to blur out the background. I have also done this alot, but have found out that it is much more pleasing to find the right spot, and incorporate a good background.Good video!

[@EliInfante]

Appreciate the feedback Tore!

[@tool1gt]

I'm new to your channel, I must admit I am really very impressed with your work, very professional, and how you educate your subscribers/viewers. Really well done, keep it up!

[@EliInfante]

Thank you very much!

[@apamacam4838]

First of Eli, thanks for sharing. I for one, wouldn't think of those as mistakes. If they were, I would also be guilty of the first 2. Personally, I think those are the path each of us has to go through and experience for ourselves. When we find something that works, we tend to stuck in the rut (so to sepak), till we are so sick of doing the same thing over and over again only then it will push us out of the routine and try something new. Again, my point is, they are not mistakes, but stepping stones that we shouldn't stand on them for too long without moving on. Of course, as you've mentioned, it's ok repeat them from time to time.

[@McDaddy141]

I’ve been shooting for about 6 years and about 2 with artificial lighting. Watching this perspective is really interesting because i fee like a lot of us can get stuck doing the same look over and over again, especially when bokeh photos do so well on Instagram

[@vishpatel8476]

For anyone who wants to listen to the podcast it's on Spotify too - open.spotify.com/show/5LSP9DAOmInjMpARGQ3hIi

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Solid advice here. When you stop growing and evolving, the work becomes stale and dull. Keep pushing and experimenting.

[@EliInfante]

Well said James! Kudos!!!

[@hectorsimagesphotography2567]

Outstanding! Great insight. Life long learners almost most successful! Since I don't have a "go to" shot, I always look for what the light is doing and compose my shots accordingly.

[@EliInfante]

Appreciate it Hector!

[@mr.shihab4089]

Thaaaaaaank you soo much. You got the right words really its all about being outside of comfort zone

[@atxrich]

It’s all in the evolution/journey of a OCF photographer. For most, that blown out background look is why many of us get larger sensor cameras and fast glass. But it definitely can become a crutch. Love your work and how you continue to push your creativity.

[@EliInfante]

Well said!

[@mcjiehembile3992]

Thank you. This hit me really hard to always have a go to look and then stuck with it.

[@EliInfante]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@Pirasafra]

You remain my best

[@salvadorgalvan5024]

I just got a sonny iii and got the lens that comes with it. And was already contemplating getting the 85mm gmaster. I have zero experience. This video has opened my eyes about to maybe look at another dirección. Will be watching all your videos to learn from you. Thank you for a the good content.

[@gaborsztraka6053]

Eli, I agree with every single word, what you’ve said. My photos became much better since I use the environment and place the model into it and create depth on the image. The photo with a blurry background was too 2D look and the model looked like been photoshoped on the image.

[@EliInfante]

I appreciate the feedback Gabor! The environment is a crucial part in my work!

[@JuanOzuna]

Haha, damn, man, calling me out on Number 1! 😂 I have to admit, that’s a big part of my mindset right now when I do portraits - gotta have that bokeh. But I’m glad you brought it up, and I’m going to try and start challenging myself to think differently. Great stuff in here, man.

[@EliInfante]

Thanks Juan! Keep using bokeh but make sure try different things throughout your shoots to keep growing. :)

[@atomkane]

Bro, I feel exposed!!! Thank you for getting us to think!

[@EliInfante]

Hahahah I exposed myself! :)

[@bryzf1]

Great video! I’ve found myself in this same rut and this video was very refreshing

[@EliInfante]

Glad you enjoyed it Bryan! Appreciate the feedback man

[@collinanderson3432]

Great info, thanks Eli.

[@EliInfante]

My pleasure!

[@Fifthimagez]

A much needed video thanks 🙏🏾

[@EliInfante]

No problem!!

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias.

[@tamayo_fotos]

Thanks a lot for this Video Eli!!! thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@EliInfante]

My pleasure Vicente!

[@AYIII1000]

Thank you so much for this video! You are the best Eli!

[@EliInfante]

You're so welcome Antonio!

[@tweebsdeathwish]

Loved the whole concept of this video. It also helped me recognize my mistakes as well. I noticed that I always shoot low angle to make the subject more tall and I don't challenge myself enough to utilize different compositions

[@EliInfante]

Thanks Timothy! I think it great to recognize of tendencies and add it some new looks to grow.

[@MonroesArtStudio]

f2.8 is the best aperture! :P I only use the low aps for video streaming and cute close-ups ^^

[@EliInfante]

Thanks for sharing

[@carlahicks9114]

Helpful and awesome video!!

[@EliInfante]

So glad!

[@stelapaya]

Nice tips! Thanks.

[@EliInfante]

You bet!

[@HarshvardhanSaboo]

Thanks a lot for making this video. Such a lovely video. So much to learn from.

[@EliInfante]

My pleasure 😊

[@hqmh48]

thank you so much man the same thinking

[@EliInfante]

My pleasure

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

We've all been there! I'm sure I wasn't the only one nodding my head at home :) Thanks for this inspirational video Eli!

[@EliInfante]

Glad you enjoyed it David!

[@PaulwebdesignCa0606]

Yoo that literally Me 😩😭 thank you Eli 🙏🏾🔥

[@EliInfante]

Hahaha no worries work on them and keep improving :)

[@Ema8687]

Thank you so much. Nough said!

[@EliInfante]

You are so welcome!

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!!

[@EliInfante]

Thanks!

[@sholombrummel1637]

Damn, thanks so much. Thus is critical to hear at this stage in my photography. ❤️❤️❤️

[@EliInfante]

You're welcome Scholom!

[@maxrogers9639]

This was well done and very informative. Can you do another same subject but show your work? More like a tutorial going into depth with thought process.

[@EliInfante]

Great suggestion Max! I have a few photo breakdown videos on my channel.

[@paulsingh5961]

Love the insight! Also, what light stand were you using at 7:52?

[@EliInfante]

I have all the info on my kit link.

[@paulsingh5961]

@@EliInfante thank you!

[@jaikumarvairavan6507]

Helpful video.. Me too.. Thanks for sharing.. 👍🤝

[@EliInfante]

Welcome 👍

[@DOGAGAMING458]

I love your work bro

[@EliInfante]

Thank you so much 😀

[@JovinGerald]

This is so helpful thanks a lot Eli

[@EliInfante]

Happy to help!

[@patricklewis6007]

Dude thanks a bunch, your talk, pardon the pun, was illuminating

[@EliInfante]

Thank you so much Patrick!

[@A.M03]

I’m guilty of all 3 lol 😂 great video.

[@EliInfante]

You and me both! Hahaha

[@emmanuelowusu-prempeh2151]

Thanks for sharing this educative information with us and again for the 14 days skillshare link

[@EliInfante]

My pleasure! Thanks for supporting my Skillshare link! That really helps me out Emmanuel

[@MAD_D9]

I love your photos 😍

[@EliInfante]

My photos love you!

[@romiemiller3093]

High speed sync. is also good to balance the sun as a key light with speedlight fill. High speed sync. can cut back the strength of the sun compared to the speedlight which isn't as powerful as bigger flash units.

[@ApexFuturesTrader]

Thanks, great video!

[@EliInfante]

You're welcome!

[@yangtorres8784]

I miss the magic words 🥲 lets cover TODO EL PEDO. Nice video eli 👍 you are awesome 🙌🏽

[@EliInfante]

Hahaha I wanted this to be a quick video so I decided to leave it out!

[@simonsuen5946]

Good tips

[@EliInfante]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielagomez7998]

Im glad his my teacher your the best

[@EliInfante]

Gracias Daniela! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

[@carlosmartins6503]

Você é show Eli!!!

[@EliInfante]

Thank you Carlos!

[@adileluna9329]

Good job ser 🤪

[@EliInfante]

Gracias Adile! :)

[@Rholmes2010]

What was the name of the book regarding the brain's look up tables?

[@alexanderglockner892]

Thank you Eli for that great inspiration of thinking :-) I think i do the same - bokeh bokeh an shoot every time wide open. Thanks a lot ;-)

[@EliInfante]

Nothing wrong with that Alexander but think about trying new things to develop growth in new areas. :)

[@trancer03]

How do you avoid getting stuck spending insane amounts of time editing 10-15 images per shoot for your models? I spend like 2 hours shooting and 40-50 hours editing that shoot. That means I get to do 1 shoot a week at most and the rest of the time I am at home behind my computer selecting and editing, especially skin retouching takes a insane amount of time, I feel like it's holding me back from getting more experience/better doing shoots. I have to turn down like 80% of the models that ask me for a shoot because I got a backlog of previous shoots I need to edit for 40-50 hours each

[@denniswilliams4789]

In regards to your title- I still think of portraits as a photo that is an honest representation of who the person is. There is not one portrait in my portfolio. Those people were all working off a script. They go back to real life when the work is done. While your mistakes are not issues for me , whatever helps you better serve your content can only be a step in the right direction.

[@craig8195]

Can you share the name of the book that discusses LUTS?

[@EliInfante]

Teaching Photography :)

[@greggv12345]

Excellent, thank you Just a question, what do you mean by « key Light same direction as the sun »?

[@EliInfante]

If the light direction is coming in from the right you would keep your key light on the right side too. On Instagram you will see by BTS photos for reference.

[@greggv12345]

@@EliInfante OK thank you, for some shoots, I can see that your soft box is perpendicular, of the light which is coming from the back

[@nakedtruth6874]

Ur thumbnail is better than the photos in the video

[@EliInfante]

Thank you!

[@jeanubiera3053]

Infante ! no tienes videos en español ?????

[@EliInfante]

I don't sorry!

[@MileyonDisney]

Michael Zelbel sent me here.

[@DOGAGAMING458]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@EliInfante]

Thanks Sid!

[@takudesigns]

that was me too

[@EliInfante]

We've all been there at one time hahaha!

[@emiliovmusic]

Damn I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt roasted watching this

[@EliInfante]

Hahaha I was roasting myself!

[@omarmarroquin1445]

Someday I’ll be that good

[@EliInfante]

You're already good vato!

[@bowl0noodles]

I have friends that still only shoot wide open. Ah the #bokehcrutch

[@EliInfante]

I still do it too! Its nice to mix it up though

[@leonardoleoncastano4638]

excelente pero seria bueno en español...

[@EliInfante]

Gracias Leonardo!

[@yanquan7416]

Subtitles please

[@EliInfante]

Yes sir!

[@TheLordCyberex]

So many New LUTS but no word about emotions or feelings of models... I think you're thinking too much about tech and post things ;)

[@EliInfante]

That's for a new video Paul 😎 trust me man emotion is everything for me.