The Unexpected Portrait

One face, 32 ways. With garden foil, colored tape, a glass of water and the light that was already there. No studio needed, no expensive gear. With your phone or your camera.

Try it free Full version, €9.95

Instant access to the online guide, plus the PDF to print.

WHAT'S INSIDE

Six parts, 32 techniques

For every technique you see what I did, what you need and a tip to try it yourself. With sliders to compare before and after, assignments along the way and, at the end, your own three favourite photos as inspiration.

01 TO 09

Light

Sun and shade, light through the trees, a star from the sun, hair light, silhouette, playing with a flashlight and making your own shadows.

10 TO 14

Viewpoint and composition

Bird's eye view, worm's eye view, small in the frame, half behind a tree and the extreme crop.

15 TO 22

Shooting through and reflections

A wet window, glasses, a mirror, a glass of water, a toilet paper roll, a plastic bag and a puddle in the street.

23 TO 26

Bouncing light

A polystyrene board, garden foil as a background and a reflector, holographic foil and colored tape.

27 TO 29

With an object

A tree to hold on to, something personal in their hands and a cloth over the head or along the lens.

30 TO 32

Emotion

Eyes closed and breathing, letting your model run, and asking someone to share something personal. The human layer, after all the technique.

FROM THE SERIES

Same face, same day

All the portraits are of Nomi, made in one afternoon in the woods and in my studio. This is a small selection.

Reflection

Shooting through

FROM CHANCE TO INTENTION

Get started this afternoon

Pick three techniques, find someone with half an hour to spare and go and photograph. That is all you need.

€9.95

Yes, I want the guide

Opens right away on your phone, tablet and computer.