Fashion, lifestyle and commercial photographer Irezz Pratama started his photography career about 10 years ago, and now runs a photography business called Lenterra, specialising in fashion, food, interior and lifestyle in Indonesia. We fire a series of quick questions to get a better understanding of his work and top tips to becoming a good portrait photographer. Let’s get started!

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 28mm, 1/2000 sec, ISO100

What’s in your bag?

I usually bring along my Canon EOS 5D Mark II and an EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens.

Top three tips for aspiring portrait photographers?

How does one find the right light? 

Use your sensitivity and senses, see where the light hits the object. I prefer natural light, but if necessary, I would use flash.

How to get started as a portrait photographer?

Take photos of your close friends, capture their uniqueness because everyone has a different set of characteristics.

EOS 5D Mark II, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/1.6, 50mm, 1/1000 sec, ISO100

Ideal camera setting?

When the light falls perfectly on the object OR

Best lenses for portrait photography?

For me, I still choose an EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens.

Thoughts on the EOS R camera.

It suits my grip and feels like holding a DSLR but smaller in size.

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 70mm, 1/250 sec, ISO100

The most useful tip to direct a model.

Get into a conversation with them, treat them like a friend and not a model.

Colour versus black & white, what’s the difference?

Black & white is more dramatic for a picture. Colour is more eye-pleasing because of its wide colour range.

EOS 5D Mark II, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/1.4, 50mm, 1/800 sec, ISO125 

What happens after a good shoot?

I want to do the post-production right away!

Favourite photographer?

Neil Krug.

Best moment in your career.

I've done quite a lot of portrait photoshoots, but I remember my first time shooting a wedding, which venue happened to be in Como, Italy. It was such a surprise.

The biggest lesson you've learnt.

I've learnt to convey a hidden message through my photos.

Who/what inspires you?

Music.

EOS 5D Mark II, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/1.4, 50mm, 1/2500 sec, ISO100

What is the thing about street portraits that you find the most interesting?

I am more attracted to a street portrait photo that can bring up a specific feeling or story. It's more of how a photo can trigger your emotions.

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 43mm, 1/800 sec, ISO100

See more of Irezz’s portrait work below.

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 70mm, 1/100 sec, ISO500

EOS 5D Mark II, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/1.4, 50mm, 1/200 sec, ISO500

EOS 5D Mark II, EF85mm f/1.8 USM lens, f/4.0, 85mm, 1/800 sec, ISO100

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 51mm, 1/2000 sec, ISO100

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 70mm, 1/320 sec, ISO160

EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, f/2.8, 42mm, 1/125 sec, ISO320

EOS 5D Mark II, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/1.4, 50mm, 1/500 sec, ISO100

For more photographer interviews, check out the following articles: 

Exploring Malaysia: Capturing the Different Faces in the Heartlands
This is What Happens When a Documentary Photographer Shoots Landscape
Can the EOS R Survive the Harsh Winter in Canada?
Minimalist Photography for Weddings: Tips From a Pro
 

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