how to get a "silvery" effect in portrait photography?

Question

hi - I was having a look at this portrait shot : http://www.wired.com/imageviewer/?imagePath=/images/article/magazine/1510/ff_scott_580_f.jpg&imageCaption=&imageCredit=Robert+Maxwell
and I was wondering how they get that "silvery" effect. what sort of lighting set up? Also what sort of flash would you use to get that light reflection in the eyes?

thanks!
Warren Miller

Answer 1

A macro style ringlight can produce nice catch lights in the eyes of a subject in portraiture, the silvery effect is from the use of soft diffused light from either a soft box or umbrella (shooting in front of a soft box facing your subject can also produce nice catch lighting). It looks like there was only one source of light used, most likely a soft box judging by the shadows on either side of his face. And there was likely a fair amount of post work (i.e., desaturation, levels and contrast adjustment) that contributed to the 'look' as well.

Answer 2

Every generation makes this exact same complaint about the generation following them. The current generation about which everyone is moaning is little different from the generation now doing the complaining when they were young. There is such a thing as maturity. Young photographers don't have it because they haven't been knocked around enough. Yes, the schools try not to discourage them because someone taking criticism too hard might make a wrong decision about an activity that might after a few struggles become a major factor in their life's fulfillment. Let's face it: everybody is lousy when they first start out. One of my earliest mistakes was trying to make sure the blue sky was in focus. I mean, duh! After a few hard lessons, those who are truly dedicated to mastering the craft will rise to the top. The other 95% will do what the 95% of other generations did: something else. I read a photography forum that has a critique section. There are no holds barred. So there's an exception to the original poster's complaint. Some visitors are offended because they came expecting everyone to tell them how great they are. They seldom come back. Others, however, keep coming back and they get better all the time because they take the criticism to heart. I also belong to a writers group. We are encouraged to say something nice when a new writer reads their stuff. But then the gates are opened and suggestions are made in an encouraging way.The one thing that you do have today that is different is the internet and the easy access it provides for one to show how silly one is. In the past, it was your own social circle. Now it's the world. By the way, @Tim, by one definition of average (the median), half of the population is above average, the other half below. So your point is?

Answer 3

silvery effect portrait photography

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

There are toners that can do it too, but if you don't have a great photo, you can't save a piece of junk.