I started shooting here in Singapore around 6 years ago, and since then I’ve met a number of interesting people who have helped me out with my photography, ranging from entrepreneurs, creatives, talents, and fellow photographers. Just last year, I started a personal project where I invited these guys for a portrait shoot – all of which were taken in a studio.. with studio lighting.. something I was actually absolutely clueless at.
Going into this project, I had 2 objectives in mind: First was to reconnect with all the people I met through my photography here in Singapore. Some I’ve been in contact with regularly, others I actually just met once – so this also gave me a chance to know more about the people who I want to know more about.
The second objective, and a selfish one, was to learn how to shoot with studio lights. Prior to this, I’ve been content on being an ‘available light’ photographer, always welcoming the challenges of coming up with good images without having to use flash. But I eventually felt this was very limiting, and realised if I want to up my game in portraiture, I needed to learn and push myself further out of my comfort zone.
I worked on this project for around 6 months. For each session, I would rent a studio, allot one hour per person, and shoot 2 or 3 people consecutively. I’d have around 2 to 3 sessions per week, usually scheduled after office hours or on weekends. It was a delight meeting and catching up with all the people who said yes to my invite.
But it was undeniably a slow process of learning studio lighting. I remember the first 5 sessions were fun but the resulting images were so underwhelming – the lighting was either flat or harsh or generic. It took me until the 6th session where I got a foothold and start getting comfortable around the studio. After which, I promptly invited the first 11 people for a reshoot. Luckily, they said yes again.
Each shoot was divided into 2 different light setups: the first one was more of a photo booth setup where I would have a conversation with them, during which I’d take a few shots hoping to get a sort of candid, animated look and that genuine grin. It was at this point that I get to ask them questions, getting to know these faces more.
The second setup was more serious and deliberate. I had complete control over how they posed, their expressions, where they looked. My personal challenge here was creating a studio portrait that looked a bit different than the usual studio portrait I always see on the net. Well, at least that’s what I tried to do. I also patterned the light setup to complement the subject’s facial features and expressions. Ultimately, the goal was to create a portrait that hopefully they would like :)
I actually started with a list of over 70 people, but midway in the project, the cost of renting the studio was beginning to pile up and hurt… so I had to stop at 40. So the end result is a set of portraits of 40 faces that I have come across with in my years of photography here in Singapore.
The whole project was quite an experience, getting to reconnect with the people who have helped me in photography one way or the other, and at the same time, I was able to overcome my incapacity with shooting in the studio. Of course I still have heaps to learn, but I’m better off now than when I started.
A few years ago, I photographed portraits of strangers. This time, I set my sights on the people I know. It’s a different challenge, but an equally interesting one. It’s something I would highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in photography.
Here’s a quick collage of all the awesome faces who helped me out in this project:
For a closer look at all the portraits, along with quick descriptions of each face, please click here.
Big big thanks to all the people who said yes to being photographed by me: Stefen, Bethany, Atika, Fleecircus, Eunice, Caz, Jan, Candy, Mindflyer, Tracy, Janka, Jon, Jim, Pat, Claude, Jeremy, Ox, Mun, Tanguy, Helene, Reuben, Ana, Fergal, Ben, Catherine, Aik Beng, Mathias,Shavonne, Callan, Michael, Julia, Sarah, Todd, Adam, Jacinta, Meerly, Arh Chun, Allan, Jun, and Jing Wen. You guys are truly awesome.
Big thanks to Reuben for assisting me throughout the project. And to Jon for helping out early on in the project :) Special thanks to Camera Rental Centre for providing all the studio equipments I need. And to House of Style studio for filling in. You guys rock!
Thanks for finally talking about > Shooting Portraits of Familiar Faces | Danny Santos II
– Professional Photographer in Singapore < Loved it!
Love this series.
Your work is amazing! Wondering what are the rates for portrait shots like those above? The black & white shots especially looks super.
I’ve found this website http://bit.ly/emails4less .Thought you’d be interested in getting some more visitors to your site. Works like a charm for me.
I just want to tell you that I’m newbie to weblog and seriously savored you’re web blog. Very likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You actually have beneficial stories. Thanks a bunch for sharing your website.
his is the right blog for anybody who desires to find out about this topic. You realize so much its virtually laborious to argue with you (not that I actually would need…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any manner you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
check this top casino slot games real money
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
I have to show appreciation to this writer for rescuing me from this instance. Right after looking out through the the web and coming across methods which were not productive, I thought my entire life was well over. Existing without the solutions to the problems you’ve fixed by means of your main post is a critical case, and those that might have in a wrong way affected my career if I had not encountered the website. Your primary mastery and kindness in controlling every aspect was very useful. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not encountered such a solution like this. I am able to at this time look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot so much for this reliable and results-oriented guide. I will not think twice to suggest the sites to any person who wants and needs counselling on this problem.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, as well as the content!
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a great example of it.
Thank you for every other informative website. The place else could I get that type of info written in such an ideal approach? I have a project that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
I will right away seize your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me realize in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
What is blogspot when it comes to live streaming football?
Great weblog right here! Additionally your site so much up fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate hyperlink in your host? I desire my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
You made certain good points there. I did a search on the subject and found a good number of persons will agree with your blog.
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What an ideal site.
Great site. Lots of helpful info here. I¡¦m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks to your effort!
Excellent blog right here! Also your website loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link on your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Thanks for any other informative site. The place else could I get that type of information written in such a perfect means? I’ve a mission that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I¡¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site :)
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and include approximately all vital infos. I would like to look more posts like this .
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.
Great ¡V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content!
Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this info. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is really irritating. A good site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can aid me. Thank you
I definitely wanted to type a brief comment in order to thank you for all the nice hints you are sharing at this website. My time intensive internet lookup has finally been rewarded with wonderful facts and techniques to go over with my guests. I would assert that most of us readers actually are undeniably blessed to dwell in a wonderful community with very many wonderful individuals with beneficial guidelines. I feel extremely happy to have come across the web site and look forward to really more fabulous times reading here. Thanks once more for a lot of things.
It is in point of fact a nice and helpful piece of information. I¡¦m glad that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
Thanks for any other wonderful post. The place else may just anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such info.
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this information for my mission.
I want to express appreciation to you just for bailing me out of this particular situation. As a result of browsing throughout the search engines and obtaining tricks that were not productive, I figured my life was over. Living minus the strategies to the problems you have sorted out by means of your entire write-up is a critical case, as well as the kind that could have negatively damaged my entire career if I hadn’t come across the website. The understanding and kindness in maneuvering almost everything was crucial. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not discovered such a subject like this. I’m able to at this moment relish my future. Thanks a lot so much for this expert and effective help. I won’t be reluctant to recommend the sites to any person who wants and needs support about this problem.
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, let alone the content!
It is actually a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, superb blog structure! How long have you ever been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The total glance of your site is fantastic, let alone the content!
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am satisfied to exhibit that I have a very good uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much indisputably will make certain to do not omit this site and give it a glance regularly.
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Hello. impressive job. I did not anticipate this. This is a excellent story. Thanks!
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!