Fara Kanters
Model: Fara Kanters | Make-up: Femke de Jong | Canon 5Ds / EF 135mm f/2 L USM | 1/125 - f/5.6 - ISO 100
The idea behind this photograph was to keep the image simple and let the model, the clothing and the lighting do most of the work. Fara Kanters is photographed against a black background, wearing a light blouse and a blue cape. The dark background creates a strong contrast with the lighter parts of the image and immediately draws attention to her face, the blouse and her bare shoulder.
The blue cape might seem to disappear into the black background, but that is actually part of what makes the composition work. Instead of trying to make the entire cape clearly visible, I allowed parts of it to fade into the darkness. This keeps the photograph from becoming too busy and helps maintain the focus on the brighter areas.
The position of Fara's arms also plays an important role in the composition. They help create a sense of balance in the photograph and guide the eye towards her face and upper body. The result is a fairly simple portrait, but there are several small compositional choices that keep it interesting.
For this photograph I used a Canon 5Ds with an EF 135mm f/2 L USM lens. The photograph was taken at 1/125 second, f/5.6 and ISO 100. The relatively long focal length of the 135mm lens also helps to keep the portrait focused on the model without introducing unnecessary elements into the frame.
What I like about this photograph is that it does not need a complicated setting to work. The black background, the light blouse, the blue cape and the position of the model are enough to create the image. The cape does not have to be completely visible to be useful. In fact, allowing it to disappear partly into the background gives the photograph more depth and helps the lighter parts stand out.
It is a good example of how a simple studio setup can still produce an image with a clear visual structure. By carefully controlling what is visible and what is allowed to disappear into the shadows, the attention naturally remains where it belongs: on the model.
