I have one of John Hedgecoe's books and in it he seems to indicate that a formal portrait has the subject in more of a classical pose, such as you would see in old paintings of a person looking towards the camera with only maybe upper 50% or less of body showing ( example ) or someone standing ( example ). Most of these images are in "portrait" and not "landscape " orientation.
An informal portrait would be something like someone lying down, not looking at the camera, in a handstand position, etc. Basically anything that shies away from the classical portrait setting.
So basically, it's ok as long as:
1) you're taking the picture of a person (or an animal too I guess) in a way that doesn't stray too much away from classical potraiture. HOWEVER, there is nothing to say that image has to be serious. Goofy portraits would work too.
and
2) you're indoors.
The challenge does not indicate that self-portraits are out, so that can be a viable option too.
Ami, you should be able to read the challenge description by clicking on the word 'Challenges' - either on the menu bar, or on the front page just above where the challeges are listed.
Ami, you should be able to read the challenge description by clicking on the word 'Challenges' - either on the menu bar, or on the front page just above where the challeges are listed.
Thanks! I hadn't tried that before.
Originally posted by Tallbloke:
So a person laughing or with their hand covering their mouth for example would be classed as within the "formal" boundries of the challenge?
Can we expect a deluge of "it's not formal because...." comments on this one?
I'd be afraid of that. I can imagine that some people will think of all the portraits they've had taken (in studios) and use that to judge by. This website is a basic guide to classic portriature, and I don't think you could go wrong by following some of it's advice.
1) you're taking the picture of a person (or an animal too I guess)
The challenge details specifically mention "person", so if you want to avoid "doesn't meet the challenge" comments, you'll avoid "portraits" of dogs, cats, etc. =]
