Ashley - 11/11

Octane (Humayun) · #1 10-10-2012, 12:27 AM

I adore this photograph. It took at least 30 minutes for her to get comfortable sitting in front of the camera and lights. I knew exactly when I had the moment she connected with the camera, and my job was done.

Manual duotone conversion in Photoshop to give a high-ISO speed film look. Ended up looking more illustrative than photographic, but, I don't mind; I like my images to resemble paintings.

Canon EOS-5D Mark II, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
Canon 430EX II through 60" Westcott white reflective umbrella
1/125s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso100

Larger version here.

Thanks for looking and any comments/critique.

H

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #2 10-10-2012, 12:35 AM

That's what photography is all about to me Humayun. A superb photograph, one of my favourites.

Poita (Peter) · #3 10-10-2012, 02:02 AM

It does have the feeling of a Sketch about it it, reminds me of the illustrations from Wonderstruck or Hugo a bit.

The only bit of it that I find a bit off-putting is the neck-line around the singlet on the RHS of the image. The shadow and the blur looks a bit off somehow.

Lovely work around the eyes and the hairline.

Octane (Humayun) · #4 10-10-2012, 06:51 PM

Thanks, Chris and Peter.

Appreciate the constructive feedback.

H

Astro_Bot · #5 10-10-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Ended up looking more illustrative than photographic

Exactly - it almost looks like a sketch. The lighting and tone you've achieved are both superb - it really brings out the detail.

Octane (Humayun) · #6 10-10-2012, 07:24 PM

Thanks, RG.

If I didn't say I was pleased with this one, and, felt it was one of my best portraits to date, I'd be lying.

She /connected/ with the camera.

H

ourkind (Carlos) · #7 11-10-2012, 04:50 AM

Beautiful photogaph Humayun, the large version is absolutely captivating, as you say she appears to have really connected with the camera and you caught it!

lacad01 (Adam) · #8 11-10-2012, 03:54 PM

Very earthy looking shot, top stuff H.

Octane (Humayun) · #9 11-10-2012, 04:34 PM

Thank you Carlos and Adam.

Anyone want beautiful pictures taken? Get in touch.

I have a long way to go in perfecting my craft and want to do some natural/window light portraiture.

H

Larryp (Laurie) · #10 11-10-2012, 05:06 PM

Superb photo, Humayun!

adman (Adam) · #11 11-10-2012, 05:19 PM

H - I really like this portrait. Did you have any fill from camera left? Maybe a reflector? Or is it just the key light and back light?

Adam

Octane (Humayun) · #12 11-10-2012, 06:15 PM

Thank you, Laurie.

Adam, well spotted.

There was just one light source. There was a reflector on the left to minimise complications on the shadow side of the face and provide that definition.

H

Octane (Humayun) · #13 11-10-2012, 06:22 PM

I should also add that the light source was enormous compared to her little face, so, you get that beautiful soft, wrap-around the face. It took a little experimenting to get it right.

I don't have to worry about experimenting with light placement anymore, as I'm shooting monoblocks with modelling lamps nowadays. Makes life so much easier. Well, I still have to experiment to find new ways of lighting, but, I don't have to take test shot after test shot.

H

CapturingTheNight (Greg) · #14 11-10-2012, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane

Anyone want beautiful pictures taken? Get in touch.

Sorry H. As much as I know that you are a great photographer, even you couldn't get my mug to look good

Great shot mate. Love this.

pluto (Hugh) · #15 11-10-2012, 07:07 PM

Beautiful shot!