Portrait

Projection Workshop at MIPP

Calling all Maltese photographers! Join me for a hands-on workshop exploring the exciting world of projection photography. On April 16th, 2024, at the Malta Institute of Professional Photography, we'll dive into using gels, projectors, and unique techniques to craft stunning, artistic portraits.

What is Projection Photography?

  • Projection photography is a technique where you use a projector to cast images (patterns, textures, light, etc.) onto your subject during a portrait photoshoot. This creates a layered effect, where the projected image blends with the features and background of your subject. The possibilities for creative expression are endless!

  • Here are some examples of what you can project:

    • Abstract patterns and textures: Geometric shapes, swirling nebulas, lace patterns, or even cracks on a weathered wall – anything that adds visual interest and depth to your portrait.

    • Graphic elements: Words, phrases, symbols, or logos can be used to add a specific message or theme to your image.

    • Natural elements: Project a starry night sky, crashing waves, a field of flowers, or a flock of birds for a touch of nature's beauty.

    • Light and color effects: Use colored gels with your projector to bathe your subject in a specific hue, create dramatic shadows, or add a pop of color.

  • Benefits of using projection photography in portraits:

    • Go beyond reality: Projection allows you to layer dreamlike imagery, textures, and colors onto your subject, creating a world that transcends the ordinary. Imagine a portrait bathed in swirling galaxies, a cyberpunk subject adorned with glowing circuitry, or a child's face illuminated by a fantastical underwater scene.

    • Emotional depth: Carefully chosen projections can add depth of emotion to your portraits. Project a pattern of roses for a romantic feel, thorns for a darker concept, or soft florals for a touch of serenity.

    • Symbolic narratives: Use projections to weave symbolic narratives into your work. Project a bird in flight for a message of freedom, a clock for the passage of time, or an animal spirit to represent your subject's inner character.

Workshop Details

  • Date: April 16th, 2024

  • Location: Malta Institute of Professional Photography

  • Number of Participants: Limited to 10 photographers (emphasizes exclusivity)

  • Topics Covered:

    • Projector setup and best practices

    • Creative uses of gels and color

    • Compositional techniques for projection portraits

    • Hands-on shooting with models

Why You Should Attend

  • Expand your skills: Learn a new exciting technique to broaden your photography portfolio.

  • Express your creativity: Projection photography offers endless creative possibilities.

  • Small group: Get personalized instruction in an intimate setting.


Link to the workshop booking (limited places available): https://mipp-malta.com/product/projection-workshop-with-kurt-paris/

Shooting Portraits in Harsh lighting

One of the things we have an abundance of in Malta is bright bright sunlight. This post unfortunately does not apply to our harsh sun when it’s at it’s peak. This is because the overhead positioning and bright light will result in a white studio background with the added haze that will lose a lot of fine detail.

In these conditions, moving to the shade will produce much better results. However! if you are in harsh sunlight in the morning or afternoon hours before golden hour. Simply place the subject with their back to the sun and use them to shield your camera from the glare. This will produce a lovely blown out background and a golden halo for your subject. To achieve this make sure you expose for our subject’s face, otherwise the camera will try and average out the light in the scene and leave you with a dull background and dark underexposed face

This will not work well for all subjects but for kids, and young beautiful people this fits quite nicely.

Here are some example of this technique show during Milan Fashion Week

portrait-model-streetstyle-milan-fashion-week
In this photo of Birgit Kos, a bit of toning was applied to the highlights

In this photo of Birgit Kos, a bit of toning was applied to the highlights

Black & White Portraits

Righy, let's get this blog on the road. 

I'm currently very much in a Black and White mood, so this is a perfect time to take some Portraits (in Black & White of course :)) in the studio. Click on each photo to see the full shebang.

Firstly, let's start with the lovely Claire Ciantar from Supernova Models. Whilst we were working on another shoot we took a quick time-out to take this portrait. Make-up by Shasha and Hairstyling by Jonathan @ Screen

The lighting setup for this shot was simple: a Bowens Gemini Pro 500w w/ Bowens Beauty Dish - above and to the model's left.

Simple styling, light  and less-than-my-normal contrast in editing, provide a softer look for Claire

The second shot is of Gaby Curmi, also from Supernova Models. Makeup was done by Krista Paris.  The lighting setup of this shot is very similar to previous shot. 

Curly hair & an oversized Boyfriend's Shirt with high contrast B&W editing for Gaby's Look

And last but not least, this shot was actually the first in this current round of black and white portraits - showcasing necklaces from Aura and the expressive Estelle (Also from Supernova). Hair and Makeup also by Krista Paris

Dark Shadows, Bare skin and a statement necklace for the fierce Estelle

Comments, Criticism & queries are always welcome :)

That's all for now, hope everyone's having a lovely weekend

Kurt