unsubtle symbols symbolic symbol subtle Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 55: Symbols

I've talked earlier about the role of props in shots and how they should be symbolic. In this case the symbol is about as unsubtle as you can get!

maja shots post location background Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 54: Different Angle

As I said, the vertical hanging shots were difficult in the location, but this much lower shot I really like.

maja weren wasn unhappy trapdoors Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 53: Aerial Ropes

Well of course those trapdoors where placed for a reason! And it just so happens that Maja is a trained aerialist!

height waist portrait maja ladder Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 52: Floortraits

I love the word "floortrait" - it is basically a portrait where the model is lying on the floor. It joins in my lexicon with the made up word "fasmati" which means a post on social media that implies something dramatic without giving any details.

larger lighting graduated camera brightness Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 51: The Larger Scene

In general I advise always getting closer, filling the frame with your subject. But sometimes your image is actually the larger environment and your model is only an element within it.

models model troubles trick toy Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 50: Exuberance

There are two kinds of models in the world, those that can pull this kind of shot off and those that can't.

masks holes visible varied props Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

AOP part 49: Masks

Masks can be really great props, they instantly add a little mystery to a headshot. However many masks have eye holes which are too small, leaving the eyes obscured.