{"id":52374,"date":"2026-01-15T12:24:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neilvn.com\/tangents\/?p=52374"},"modified":"2026-02-10T02:10:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T06:10:20","slug":"lighting-a-portrait-for-visual-weight-and-gravitas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neilvn.com\/tangents\/lighting-a-portrait-for-visual-weight-and-gravitas\/","title":{"rendered":"Lighting a portrait for visual weight and gravitas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"formal<\/p>\n

When I was contacted by Judge Caposela’s daughter about possibly doing a portrait of him, I knew I would have to create a portrait that has some visual weight. It would have to show the dignity and character associated with his standing. Even more pressure when she told me that a B&W version would be framed and all hang in the entrance of the rotunda in the Passaic County courthouse.<\/p>\n

The days preceding this photo session, I worked out in my mind what I would do for the lighting. I wanted somewhat dramatic lighting, but also very flattering. I wanted the lighting to show the gravitas, but still keep it so that the final portrait looks appealing. I took some time in the studio beforehand to figure out a lighting setup and settings for the lights that would create a portrait that would show all this. (There is a description and pull-back shot below.) This is the image that was picked. And I really do like the final result.<\/p>\n

There is a story about this specific book. It is a rare collector’s item – a book written by Clarence Darrow, the principal defense attorney in the infamous Scopes trial. (Check out the relevance of this in the Wikipedia article.)<\/p>\n

What was it like working with him in the studio? He was one of the nicest people I have met, and it was a real honor to have photographed him.<\/p>\n

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\"dramatic<\/p>\n

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Camera settings, and camera gear used<\/h2>\n