Headshot Lighting Setup

This session focused on the play of light and shadow as it travels across facial features. I have included a wide-angle setup shot for the final portraits with placement and modifiers labeled within the image. Power settings were adjusted up or down depending on the dramatic effect I was trying to achieve in each portrait. Please also note that the exposure settings for each setup shot may be altered from the finished portrait to allow for better visualization of the lights and modifiers within my shooting space.

My New Open-Air Studio

When I was arranging a portrait session with Dylan and Melissa, it became clear that we would be unable to find an indoor location to hold a photo shoot. I knew I wanted more that just natural light portraits, so I simplified my kit even further than usual to include two cameras, two lights, and a shoulder bag for my backdrop. My usual kit includes a hard case for holding my light modifiers and stands, a separate bag for backdrops, my backdrop stand bag, and my camera bag. An extra case for props can be brought along if the need arises. I still prefer the control an indoor space provides, but it is no longer a necessity. I can create a studio within minutes of arriving at a location.

We agreed to shoot in a local park along the river, and shot some portraits at a pond using the natural landscape as our background. For those shots, I alternated using one light, two lights, and all natural light. We then walked the nature trails until we found an area just off the main path with enough space to set up a backdrop without being interrupted by passers-by. A light-weight backdrop support  with a fabric backdrop and two lights created my brand new open-air studio. The part I like best about the images shot using this technique is that, until you see the wide-angle view, you wouldn't know the images were shot outdoors. Can you tell the difference?

I had a very simple setup for my lighting. I placed one light on my left hand side with a plastic diffuser that softens the light like an umbrella (without the bulk and kite-like behavior in the wind). My second light was set to my far right without a plastic diffuser, but using a blue gel coating that gives a coolness to the rim light you see on their hair and shoulders. With the shaded location, I was able to achieve very dramatic shadows by using the main light at a higher angle and from the side. The rim light helps to separate them from the black background and offer some definition on that side of the image. To amplify the dramatic look in some of their individual portraits, I turned off the rim light so that the shadow side of their faces merges with the background.

I have included several set-up shots taken during this session so you can see how I was able to achieve these looks. On the behind-the-scenes shots I also include a break down of my equipment and settings for anyone who is curious about my techniques.

Below are samples and behind-the-scenes shots from our first two shooting locations. We continued along the nature trail taking more shots along the way, but I will save those for another post.
Enjoy!

Fire Spinning

 

My brother, Joe, has recently taken up the hobby of fire spinning. To get these photos, I brought two strobes with me and put an orange colored filter over them to keep them from contaminating the orange glow of the fire with the traditional white light of a flash. I slowed down my shutter speed to allow the spinning of the ring of fire to show up in the exposure. A tripod is an absolute must for a session like this. I triggered my camera with a remote to eliminate any shake I might have caused by pressing the shutter manually. The spinning fire was exposed first, followed quickly by the flash to freeze his movements and so you can see who is doing the fire spinning. There were a few shots where the flash did not fire because I did not allow it enough time to fully recycle/recharge before the next shot. In those images, the flame is clearly visible, but his face is shrouded in darkness. I anticipated this effect, and like the effect it offers. I just wouldn't want an entire session shot this way.

Before we started shooting with fire (and before we lost daylight) I set the lights and adjusted the power on each unit to allow for the lighting effect that I wanted. I used a small strobe with a grid and orange filter above and behind where Joe would be standing. My second light was set inside my DIY strip light and placed to the right of my camera position. With the orange gel and the size of the light modifier, I had to push this flash up to full power. This also is what kept some of the shots from getting a full exposure. When the flash is set this bright, it takes longer for it to recycle. I also wanted to get the shutter speed right before we started playing with fire. Joe owns a double ended light saber replica, so we started spinning it and adjusting the shutter speed faster and slower to get different levels of light blur. We ended up in the range of 1/3 to 2/3 of a second. While that doesn't sound like its long enough, with the staff spinning it is long enough to create a full circle light blur.

Check out my favorites below including a bonus animation at the very bottom of the page: 

Product Photography for a Local Etsy Shop

Handmade jewelry, candles, scrying mirrors, and soaps. These are some of the products I photographed recently for Rocky Mountain Witch, a small company who sells "Magickal Items for the Modern Day Witch" Please take the time to check out her page, and support her business.

Have Camera ... Will Travel

This summer, I moved out of my studio.
It was not something that I ever wanted to do.
I was simply unable to continue using that space, given my current budget.

I am not giving up on photography. I am also not selling off my studio equipment.
Given enough time and patience, I will be able to set up a permanent studio again in the future.

I am still scheduling portrait sessions, only now I have the opportunity to set up a portable studio in the homes of my clients. I have offered this service in the past, and have been able to provide beautiful results. For those unfamiliar with this idea, I bring a background support with a fabric backdrop to set up in your home. I then set up several battery operated lights to create an in-home studio for you.

I also shoot outdoor portraits in natural light as well as natural light enhanced with battery powered strobes. There is nothing quite like having your portrait shot outdoors with the addition of controlled light that  allows you to be part of your surroundings. When shooting with natural light by itself, you tend to get backgrounds that are blown out, or silhouetted portraits. With battery powered strobes, I can balance the light to bring you into your environment instead of separating you from it.

An additional service I have recently begun offering is lessons in photography lighting either as a studio setup, or learning on location. I will share my knowledge with you to help you understand the basics that took me years to understand. There are so many circumstances that can cause your camera to misinterpret the existing light, and a pop-up flash is not always the best solution. I can provide insight from my years of experience to help you eliminate bad exposures and improve your next photographic outing.

Learn Photography One on One

Have you ever wondered what settings you should use on your camera but don't know who to ask? And when should you use a tripod or a flash? I am now offering one-on-one time to teach you techniques, composition, exposure, and whatever else you've been missing in your photography. Discounts are available for multiple lessons or group workshops.

Book a time with me using the links below and I will help you improve your photography after your very first lesson.