Using Digitals in Portrait Shoots?

Mary Sparrow · 03-18-2005, 12:12 PM

Terri, I never even knew there was such a gadget as a pc compact flash adapter. I just went to ebay and typed that in and see they are very inexpensive.

They all seem to say for laptop. Do they make them to work with just a regular pc?

Leslie Ficcaglia · 03-18-2005, 01:49 PM

Terri, I like your technique; it sounds most workable for the way I function. Except that I don't have a laptop... If I did, I would still go over the shots the same day with the client, and then I'd also have the luxury of retaking something if I needed to know how that hand would work with that pose, or some such. As I said, some of my clients, like mayors and CEOs, are hard to pin down. Since a lot of my portraits have outdoor settings we need to find a time when I'm free, they're free, and the weather's good. I've also had one client bring two sets of grandnieces and nephews in from several states away for photo shoots. So for me it works well to make the decision then and there, and no one has ever shown any signs of regretting their choice. I used to leave a set of photos with the client in case they changed their minds, but they never did. Then it became an issue if they wanted to use the photos for a Christmas card or some other purpose that I hadn't intended, so I started making only one set.

I still have a few clients who aren't internet savvy, but another practice I follow is to put up a preview page, like the one I listed on the posthumous portrait unveiling thread, and let the client know when I've posted an update so they can see the progress of their portrait. If they have internet access they really enjoy that.

Some good ideas, Michele and Mary and Terri. Thanks!

Terri Ficenec · 03-19-2005, 02:59 PM

Leslie, an alternative to the laptop, but not as good. . .
A lot of the cameras come with cables to connect them to a tv... (like you would connect a video camera)... Before I had the Compact Flash adapter or my notebook, I used these a couple of times to review photos at the client's (on their tv). (Practice on your tv at home first) Generally though the televisions rendition of the images is much less sharp.

Mary, I used to have a similar device for my PC but it was connected with a cable. What I like about the notebook one is no cables it just slides right into the computer slot. Michele how does yours connect to the PC?

Leslie Ficcaglia · 03-19-2005, 03:33 PM

My daughter has an old Mac laptop that she doesn't want anymore. If it's color, it might work for that purpose....I think the laptop is the best idea so far if I want to keep working as I usually do. Thanks!

Michele Rushworth · 03-19-2005, 04:24 PM

The flash memory reader cable plugs right into the USB port on the computer.

Michele Rushworth · 03-18-2005, 01:54 PM

Mary, I also have a compact flash adapter that I use for my regular PC. It plugs into a standard USB port. You can probably pick one up at Radio Shack or Target for $20 or less.

I also plan to take it, along with my laptop, on a very important photo shoot next week. I want to know for myself if I've got good shots, since there may not be a chance for a second shoot in this particular case.

As for how to print out the reference at the size of the painting, here's what I do. I compose and crop the reference in Photoshop exactly how it will look in the painting. Then, under "Image Size" I just type in the dimensions of the actual canvas (30 x 40" or whatever) and Photoshop makes the file that size.

My printer is an Epson R300, great quality, less than $200, but a real ink drinker, as they all are! Since it can only handle standard letter sized paper I digitally "cut" sections of the full size Photoshop image into 8x10" pieces and print them out separately. Then I tape them together on foam core. Voila -- sight size reference!

Julie Boyles · 03-19-2005, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

My printer is an Epson R300, great quality, less than $200, but a real ink drinker, as they all are! Since it can only handle standard letter sized paper I digitally "cut" sections of the full size Photoshop image into 8x10" pieces and print them out separately. Then I tape them together on foam core. Voila -- sight size reference!

Thank you Michelle for explaining that. I have done this before with my 16" X 20" paintings, but never thought about doing it with the larger sizes. Hmm, the light in here just got a little brighter! I wish I'd thought of that sooner.

Thanks,

Julie
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Zephyr/Mkz