DAY 335

PORTRAITS

Use of Perspective

PETER TATE, ACTOR AND STAGE DIRECTOR

When making a portrait, there are many variables to consider and many choices to make. Depending on its final destination, your image should please your client while still exemplifying your best work, true to your style and chosen area of photography.

I had always wanted to use this classic location in upper Manhattan, under a bridge, which exudes depth and perspective easily while a tunnel of curved steel supports surround and frame the subject.

Peter Tate’s intense gaze, casual position and clothing are balanced with his hat and the visual drama of the depth of the background and disappearing perspective behind him. The distant background is off-center and while it adds depth to the portrait, it does not dominate, as your eyes go first to Peter’s face, his position and arms, to the car, and then off into the distance. I used available daylight from the right and a little fill-flash off camera to highlight Peter’s face and to make sure his hat did not cast a shadow over his eyes. —SA