For my birthday back in March, I received a gift voucher to do a studio lighting course that I attended last Sunday. Had a blast, learned heaps.
The model, Mel, was very cool and understanding. I found it very intimidating trying to direct her around - I mean, I don't know what I wanted her to do, so how am I supposed to tell her what to do? But she is into photography as well, works at a camera store, so really knows her stuff. Pretty much just let her do her thing, and I madly clicked away hoping to get a few keepers from a hundred or so shots.
These are my picks of the session. Hoping to do more of this with my own gear, just my family and friends.
1, 4 and 5 are great with my fav being #4. The framing of the other two seems a bit plain, but their lighting is just as good! The shadow off her left shoulder on #3 is distracting, but other than that, way to go Troy! Nailed the others! Look at her eyes. You can tell she knows how to look right through the centre of the glass into the sensor.
It's great having the freedom to experiment with light instead of just the camera isn't it?
Thanks very much, guys. We were experimenting with one and two lights (Bowens 500W monolights) with different types of light shapers (softbox, beauty dishes with and without grids, umbrellas, reflectors). Good to see the different effects. Also different backgrounds - black and white.
H - I was quite surprised at the remote triggers. Not sure what brand they were, but they weren't Pocket Wizards. And although he had several receivers, he only used a receiver on one light, the other he used the built in optical slave. I would have thought if you have the triggers, use them.
I've got CyberSyncs and the range and reliability of them is very good for what I want/need. Got some umbrellas too, reversible. Pretty much the basic "Strobist" kit, with stands etc. I went for portability. Now I know a bit more how to put it all together, I'll have to use the bloody things now if I can find the time!
Cheers guys. I was waaaaaay out of my comfort zone. I'm the same as you, Jason. Astro, macro, landscapes - no real pressure, all the time in the world, no feelings to upset.
BTW I just got an email back from Mel, the model. Apparently they did a bit of a shoot with the professional that was doing the course after I left, and he accidentally formatted his memory card before downloading/saving the images he took! Can you say "workflow"?!
And the other guy who took the class with me hasn't sent in his photos yet, so my shots are the only ones she has from the session. Pressure! She wants to see all of the other shots of mine now! I honestly don't have that much confidence in these ones above, and they were what I thought were my best of the bunch, so am reluctant to send off the more crap ones
I hear you mate - I'm just not very good with unfamiliar people in general I think, let alone posing a model. Kinda amusing that the pro formatted his card! But anyway, Troy you need to give yourself some credit mate - they're really not bad images, especially when you're venturing out of your comfort zone. Also I wouldn't worry too much about your other images - the model knows you're not a pro, and probably wasn't expecting images as good as you've delivered anyway - orelse she wouldn't be asking for more
Agreed, Fred. Might have a bit of a play with them over the next few days. Not a fan of the noticeable airbrush look, though. Real art to keeping the texture while somewhat smoothing it out. If you have any tips, happy to hear them I'm off to do some more reading/learning.
but #4 is a standout, great job Troy.
