How
I Made This Photo
The
rather simple looking setup of this photo was actually
quite a challenge to create. To begin with, six flash
units were required. Separate strobes were aimed at
each of the three chairs (including the one partially
visible in the front) as well as on each side of the
back wall. The last strobe was pointed at the subject.
Each strobe was covered with a grid spot, a device
used to narrow down the beam of light and make it more
controllable.
-fix.jpg) The
truly tricky task followed, which was fine tuning the
placement of each flash unit. I wanted an uneven look
to the lighting; a bright area falling off to a dark
area. Also, the wall light had to outline the chairs,
and
the light on the chairs could not overpower the brightness
of the subject. This was accomplished using a light meter,
Polaroids, and some trial and error.
Photoshop figured into the mix for this photo in three ways. First,
I added a bit of blue to simulate a blue filter on the camera lens.
Second, I removed a good deal of reflection from the subject's glasses.
Thirdly, I did some serious cropping. When doing a shoot, I usually
leave a bit of room around the subject so that my client can crop the
image
in a variety of ways. Since I was the client in this case, I decided
to rotate the image some and come in tighter on the subject.
|
 Back
in eNewsletter 9, I discussed the pros
and cons of camera bags and photographers'
vests.
What I did not mention is that there
is a sort of third option that works
well when photographing around lots
of people, such as at a party (here
a bag or a vest would definitely get
in the way). What I do is to take my camera
bag to the party, etc. and park it
somewhere relatively close-by and safe.
Then I attach two lens pouches, with
lenses, to my belt and stuff film,
batteries, and sync cable into my pockets.
I am then, as they say, good to go.
If I need something from my camera bag,
it is just a short distance away.
And
now, here are a few actual excerpts from classified sections
of various city newspapers...
**Illiterate? Write today for free help.
**Dinner Special - Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25:
Children $2.00.
**Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here
first.
**Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.
**We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it
carefully by hand.
**For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick
legs and large drawers.
**Wanted: Hair cutter. Excellent growth potential.
**Mixing bowl set designed to please cook with round bottom
for efficient beating.
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There
is this wonderful organization called Habitat for
Humanity. It is a national organization that builds
homes using local volunteers, and then sells those
homes very inexpensively to lower income families.
I
spent time recently with some of these very talented
and dedicated people as they were simultaneously
constructing six neighboring houses.
A few times I thought I had what I wanted,
but then someone moved (which I guess happens when you're
in the middle of building a house). However, the shot
finally came together, and I was ready with my camera.
This woman was working by herself on the second floor
in one of the houses. The room, which was very white
and empty, seemed amazingly stark. Maybe even eerie.
As I looked at her, I envisioned her being trapped
in
some sort
of surreal environment. I must have been thinking
about that when I snapped this photo. Her hand holding
the ladder is very sharp, but everything behind it
is out of focus. It is a rather bizarre shot, but
I really like it.