Why do ENG guys keep their cameras so high?

[roxics]

Maybe men want to look soft and approachable.

You mean like the French?

 

[puredrifting]

As it is off topic Ill (basically) agree to disagree. Your whole quote renders all sexual stereotypes. Maybe women want to look rugged and tough. Maybe men want to look soft and approachable.

Of course director wants those 'normal' roles of the woman being soft etc, we deliver. You have indeed noted the methods of delivering that set of ideals.

I was taught how women from a certain era liked to be lit and photographed, not only by carefully studying the classic era DPs work but by shooting interviews with talent like Maureen O'Hara (in her home, in Ireland!), Angie Dickinson, Faye Dunaway, Jane Russell and quite a few others who would actually refuse to be photographed with the camera at eye height, even in their golden years.
I typically light beauty and fashion with butterfly or a book light with the camera above the eyeline. Different than a red carpet obviously, I think most camera people have their tripod up high in those situations simply because of people who will show up and block their lens, publicists, handlers, etc.

 

[Josh Bass]

I prefer to appear approachable to the people I want to approach me and dangerous to people I want to eff off. Have not figured out correct lighting and/or leather jackets for this yet.

 

[Mitch Gross]

The way to know which celebrities are truly physically gorgeous (male and female) is to look at how they appear on a red carpet in front of a step & repeat. Bright, flat light and lots of flashes going off. Mind you, the Taylor Swifts of the world may be constantly working out and doing spa treatments all the time to maintain a look, and they likely primp all day before walking the red carpet. But that lighting and photography environment is pretty harsh.

 

[yoclay]

I was taught how women from a certain era liked to be lit and photographed, not only by carefully studying the classic era DPs work but by shooting interviews with talent like Maureen O'Hara (in her home, in Ireland!), Angie Dickinson, Faye Dunaway, Jane Russell and quite a few others who would actually refuse to be photographed with the camera at eye height, even in their golden years.
I typically light beauty and fashion with butterfly or a book light with the camera above the eyeline. Different than a red carpet obviously, I think most camera people have their tripod up high in those situations simply because of people who will show up and block their lens, publicists, handlers, etc.

It's also because the highest position is able to have their voice heard and distinguished when they call out to the subject and it also forces the subject to lift their head which generally creates a more flattering chin as well as gets rid of eyebags. You definitely do not want to be below the subject or you will have great nostril shots.