Shooting balding mans portrait

As the subject matter states guys. Any idea on how to provide complimentary informal shots of a bading guy. Obviously shooting from a low angle tends to minimize the baldness,but any other tips on the best way of lighting.

The shots will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor (posed but informal shots , jeans
t shirts etc)
Thanks inadvance
Paul

The biggest issue is the reflection off the skin where hair used to be. There are lighting/makeup techniques to minimize them.

--
Retired commercial photog - enjoying shooting for myself again.
Hoping to see/shoot as much as I can before the eyes and legs gives way

WOW you were able to do that without photoshop!!!!

... then get a MUA/body painter to paint a globe on his head. Best holiday cards he'll ever send out.

Good luck.

kgreggbruce08 said:

... then get a MUA/body painter to paint a globe on his head. Best holiday cards he'll ever send out.

Good luck.

Click to expand...

+1, in fact as my hair is slowly "relocating" with age, I just might do that someday myself!

Paul, I have the same problem photographing balding men. Sometime a hat helps but really this is not a solution. That is like telling the person that he IS bald and needs to hide the balding. I am sure there are experienced Photographers out there who handle this kind of situation easily and successfully. Their advice will be greatly appreciated.

Sam

To quote Billy Joel, "I've always hated my hair so now it's leaving me."
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Just Shoot It.

Have you asked your sitter ? Some of us balding men do not mind being seen as such. Unless the sitter/client has indicated to you he wants to minimise his visible baldness then you may want to use his whole appearance to get a quality set of portraits.

Remember assumption is the mother of all f* up.

rgds,
--
Peter Galbavy

Im curious, Does the subject have a comb-over? If he does, you can bet that hes self-conscious. If not, Id be willing to bet that he could care less. However, with that said, it IS on you to try and minimize the glare. regardless of if hes self conscious, a big glare isnt flattering for anyone.

I like that quote about the hair relocating! lol, I wonder.. if I was to spruce up the neighborhood on top of my head.. would my hair more inclined to move back into town?! us baldies may be onto something!...

I shoot some yoga exercise photos for both women and men. Hot spots sometimes get to be a problem. I found that using a little airbrush make-up can be a real blessing. It doesn't look like MU in the photos – just takes down reflections and does a little smoothing. Most men have been fine with it. There are many little "kits" with an airbrush and foundation make-up with a little compressor on-line. I used to do a lot of airbrush illustrations and so had all the equipment. Hobby and craft stores also have airbrush sets with canned air. The airbrush MU is a bit thinner, but even off the shelf products can be watered down a little. Natural style is best. I acquired the Aqua Starter Foundation 12 Pack from:

http://www.laurelcosmetics.com/Departments/Aqua-Airbrush-Foundation-and-Blush.aspx

http://www.laurelcosmetics.com

If one has lights and a reflective surface, there can be issues. Seems men who appreciate their baldness, would also appreciate being able to shoot it without having to compromise the lighting. It washes off and no one is wiser. And the photo is better.

It's not like full MU which really requires an artist to do right. This is just a knock-down and smoothing for a natural look without lighting issues. Makes post processing a lot easier.

Thanks guys some good ideas.

Just remember- If you don't have hair, you don't need a hair light. Use more or less light on the background behind his head for separation instead of lighting the back of his head.

Remove any hot spots in post by just sampling skin color and painting over the hot spot with a low opacity setting.

Or that people who are bald should mind if that shows in their pictures? Unless of course your client has clearly indicated so!?!?!

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Nicola (mr)
http://www.nicolacammisa.com

Exactly. If you haven't noticed, "bald" is more accepted these days and actually a desired look for many men. Whether they are actually balding or not!

You really didn't elaborate on how or what you are shooting but like any lighting, using larger light sources closer in will deduce the harshness of the light. Or, don't light the head at all. There is nothing that says you have to have a hairlight.

I shoot many bald man, and ones with hair as well, on a daily basis. They are very aware of their baldness and never have a problem with it. That's who they are.

I do use a med. size Chimera strip box for my hair light and it reduces the specular highlight's harshness to a more desired look than say a light with a grid like many use.

Mike

Comb-overs look great..

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Bob

Perth, Western Australia