Facetime shoots - the hidden potentials, and some tips to help you get started
- Conrad Lee
- May 15, 2020
- 8 min read
I thought i'd write a quick blog about facetime shoots since its fresh in my head.
Being one of those photographers a bit skeptical about virtual shoots and its powers at the start, I must say I've had a change of heart after testing it out myself. (I will tell you my own thoughts at the end of this article), but first I want to write some tips from what i have learnt so far.
Whilst I've only done a handful of facetime shoots so far, I've studied a lot of them (as currently we are creating one the worlds first photobook collection of virtual shoots during this pandemic on afi Mag). So this blog will be everything you need to know about doing a virtual shoot - from the technical to the artistic sides to get the best results. (I will include some work from other photographers to show some examples)
(Here is an example of my facetime shoot with Laura Schwerin - Izaio model management in Hamburg)
Video call App/Program
Now, since lots of creatives are Apple lovers, hence "Facetime shoot" has been stuck to describe shoots virtually over video call apps. Facetime is only available on IOS. Android users will have to find other means such as skype, whatsapp, zoom, google hangout etc. (list of alternatives here) I wont go into details of all of them but here are some things you should think about:
Viewing interface - different apps have different user interface and can vary whether using on a mobile device vs on desktop. The onscreen "call / hang up" buttons can be a bit of a nuisance if they cannot be hidden (e.g. in Skype). The position of your own webcam can get in the way of the subject.
Resolution capability - most free video call apps on PC will be HD 720p (provided you have the required internet bandwidth: 1.2Mbps for Skype, and 3Mbps for Zoom). Full HD 1080p is available on Skype, Microsoft teams, Zoom (this is currently disabled on ZOOM) but don't forget you need a fullHD ready webcam too on the subjects end.
Screen recording - for those who likes to make mini video clips from your shoot, most apps also have the screen recording feature. (e.g. facetime, zoom, skype)
Other features - Skype has a background blurring option but its a rather unrealistic depth of field. Facetime has the function built in to take stills during a call.
How to optimise quality
Regardless of what app/program you use, the important limiting factors are internet connection and the quality of camera/webcam used on the clients end. Whilst the bandwidth is determined by your internet provider (which you can't change, but can test), there are a number of ways to improve your home connection. You may want to ask your subject to find out which spots in their home have the best/worst internet connection.
If you and your subject are both Apple users, the builtin function for facetime photos allows the image to be taken from the subjects phone and saves to the photographers device. The images produced this way are thought to produce higher quality images over screenshots.
In terms of camera quality, most new generation smart phones have pretty good cameras. Be aware of the front and back camera on mobile devices may have differences in image quality (so test it out during your shoot). The alternative is using a DSLR as a webcam. It does however require additional software or hardware. (I am yet to see a virtual shoot done this way)
Method of shooting
The 2 main ways you can shoot over a video call is either taking screenshots or take photos of the device screen using a DSLR. Both seems to work just as well. Some might feel more comfortable having the control of a camera in hand. However, a good lens would start to pick up individual pixels from your device screen. Shooting with a DSLR can give you some additional creativity such as using objects in front of the lens to blur or create bokeh, and even some "through droplet on glass" effects. Some photographers have gone for a wider angle to capture a mobile device in a nicely laid out set. Screenshot is quite simple. For window users, pressing both Windows key with Printscreen key together will capture the screenshot and automatically save it to a screenshot folder in Mypictures. I would then use a processing software like lightroom or capture one to Mass crop all your images.
Here are some examples of different methods used:
Finding a subject to shoot with, and planning
One thing that amazed me actually was this. With social media (e.g. instagram), you can literally connect with anyone anywhere around the world (as long they reply you). This creates some amazing collaborations for people in different countries. Don't be afraid to reach out even if you don't have much prior experience in photographing models. Because as to a certain extent, the new concept of virtual shooting is a bit of a great leveler whether you are a pro or not, as your lighting, camera equipment and need for big teams are completely out of the equation. (I have seen many photographers producing amazing facetime shoots who previously doesn't have much of a portfolio in model photoshoots). So spend a bit of time to look for someone to collaborate with on instagram etc. You have nothing to lose. If you are working with someone in a different country, just don't forget the timezone differences! Particularly when you are deciding on a time for the shoot.
You can do simple portraits which doesn't need much planning, but if you want to produce an "editorial" quality project, then it would be worth thinking about the clothing and props that are available at your subjects home. Think of a concept and a story and go from there.
There are lots of great examples to see on:
The shoot (editorial style)
Now time has come for you to do your shoot! You can't physically set up lights and move around to find your composition, so what do you do? My advice here first is to find directional natural light (or available light from lamps etc). Remember, the ISO on mobile devices are not as good as DSLR so light is your best friend here. Ask you subject to hold the camera and show you around the space. Most of the time good directional light will come from the windows, but be creative, think about using white fabric as reflectors, mirrors to deflect light. Look for interesting shadows cast by window frames / blinds etc. If you are using harsh sunlight it can still works well, but just be aware of strong shadows (which you can use to your advantage if you want a moody / edgy style).
Once you have found a good spot, its time to think about your composition. Ask your subject to set the camera down so it is stable (a tripod comes in really handy here you can also tilt the camera angle up or down), alternatively ask the subject to hold the camera. The same photography rules apply like rule of thirds etc (but enjoy experimenting and breaking the rules). Next, decide on the makeup, styling or props to make the story more visually interesting and high-end. This is a matter of playing around and experimenting with what the subject has available. Be creative, think about using reflections, objects to blur, props etc. The last step is posing. Some professional models will pose without much guidance, but if you are stuck, remember you can always take a quick look online for ideas. (really handy when you are already on the computer! you can even use the share screen function to show your subject). If you are giving posing instructions, just remember to direct in the subjects point of view (i.e. left, is the subjects left). Take your shots and once you got it, change the location or clothing etc and repeat. Generally, the more different angles, crops and poses the more interesting your shoot story becomes. (if you are just doing a portrait session then it doesn't matter as much).
So to sum it up:
find the light
set the scene / composition
decide on styling / props use
pose the subject
This is a challenging troubleshooting process, you and your subject should work together to find the best "scene". Remember though, just have fun! It's all in the comforts of your own spaces, grab a coffee and start again if need be.
Post processing
There are numerous editing software out there and you should use whichever you feel comfortable with. Personally, I use Capture One and Photoshop. If you use the screenshot method like i do, then you can mass crop your images in one go in post-production software. From there you can create a "colour tone" for your images and apply them all in one go, with minor tweaks here and there particularly to the highlights and shadows. One of the thing i have noticed is that you can't really bump up the shadows so much as you do in when shooting with RAW on a DSLR. (hence finding the light is important in your shoot, what ever is in shadow is hard to recover in virtual shoots). One good thing is that there is not even any need for detailed retouching as the resolution is low. So overall, it can be quite a quick process of turnaround of literally just an hour or two.
Now this next part can be more time consuming. Once you have got all your exported toned images.You can get creative again by changing the cropping, adding boarders, adding other interesting backgrounds or even superimposing the images. You should think about what social media you are posting the images to, and look at their optimal recommended size. As for you layout, you can squeeze several images into one "post". The smaller the image (within reason) the less noticeable the low resolution.
Here are some examples of creative layouts
My experiences and views
As I said in the beginning of my blog, i was a bit of a skeptic on virtual shoots, but now having seen the potential in it, I have become to think that this is something worth exploring. What really is humbling for me, is seeing creatives connect with each other all the way across the other side of the world, and keeping their creative minds going. Some may not have ever met in person before. Even though miles away, the images have quite a personal feel as they are shot in the subjects home / garden etc. The close ups, the smiles feels intimate. The advantage is that setting up a shoot is literally a phone call away, there is no need to travel, no months of ahead planning needed and it's super quick to produce.
The actual process of the shoot was actually quite similar to doing a shoot in person, but online, it seems to me that it requires a little more collaboration from the subjects side to work out the best spots and lighting etc. So for me, virtual shoots are a great way to continue practicing direction skills, and really great experience if you are like me, missing the process of a photoshoot during the pandemic. There are certainly things i've learnt from online shoots that will be useful in actual editorial productions in the future.
Here is my facetime shoot in a story format
With all this in mind, my editors and I at afi mag have decided to celebrate this new creativity through a printed collection of virtual shoots around the world. Do check it out and submit something if you wish, as we encourage everyone to partake regardless of country, colour and race.
Whilst being both a front-line healthcare worker and a creative myself, It is clear how much this pandemic has affected the creative industry. However, I know that like many of you, COVID won't stop us to find ways to continue pushing our imaginations and creative boundaries.
I hope you liked my article, do leave a comment if you liked it.
Please stay safe and stay creative!
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