Here is something we can learn from HENSHAW_photography about the techniques and story behind this awarded photo.
"Although I have worked in the photography industry for over 20 years, It was only in 2011 that I purchased my very first DSLR camera. It was a trusty Nikon D3100 with an 18-55mm kit lens and I can remember taking it home and asking myself "Where do I start?".
I'd studied graphic design in Liverpool and part of my course was lessons in photography, that was way back in the days of using film and developing your own prints, but being part of the digital age and working on Apple Mac computers, I was well aware of what creating digital images could achieve.
I'm self-taught in Adobe software packages, and soon I was downloading files from my Nikon D3100 and playing around with them in Adobe Photoshop, and I was really impressed with my early results.
It wasn't long before I was taking pictures of family members and friends, who then recommended me and my newfound talent to their family and friends...this was a real confidence boost!
I was then recommended to an agency, which commissioned me to do my first ever corporate shoot, it was 2012 and I was so nervous, this was my chance to make a good impression and push my skills.
I arrived with my basic kit and a bag of nerves but... my confidence was higher than ever. The shoot went ahead and so did my career as a professional photographer, the images were perfect and I received amazing testimonials.
I have since gone on to upgrade my Nikon kit, have had many pieces of work published and most recently, I won an award with the IPA for one of my creative advertising series titled "Beautiful Scarecrow".
The future for me and my photography seems bright, but I still have so much to learn. I don't, in fact, think I'll ever know it all, as a photographer I'll never master everything, but as a creative, I will hopefully produce pleasing pieces of art.
I am a family man, married to an amazingly supportive wife, who without none of this would have been possible, and a father to 3 of the best kids ever, they inspire me every day to be the best I can be!"
1. HENSHAW_photography, where did you take this photo?
This image was captured on location at the clients residential property in Manchester, U.K. The property was quite small and dark, so using flash was the only real option available to me.
2. What time of day?
I'd arrived around 10:am and the model was still getting ready, I was testing light for around 40 minutes in different parts of the property and this particular area, which was no bigger than 5ft sq worked really well.
3. Anything worth sharing about lighting?
For me personally, I expose the background prior to moving the subject into place and I test the flash against my hand in position, just to give me some idea of the final lighting outcome.
4. What equipment did you use?
This was shot on my Nikon D800 using my Nikon nifty 50mm. The flash was a basic yongnuo which I'd actually bought second-hand on eBay for around $30 and it was used OCF.
5. What inspired you to take this photo?
The inspiration was the model, she's a beautiful young woman with a fabulous figure who knows what angles work best for the camera. We shot a few different outfits on the day and tried different lighting techniques, but this simple one-light setup was mine and the model's personal favorite.
6. Did you do any post-processing? If yes, tell us about it!
My only post process on this image was:
Camera Raw - Image Sharpen / Enhance Colours
Adobe Ps - Elliptical Vignette
7. What equipment do you normally have in your bag?
I shoot entirely with Nikon because I prefer the skin tones it captures, so I use D800/D850/Z6 and I normally carry about 5 Nikon lenses. However, I do like to carry my Sigma Art lenses too, they can create some excellent cinematic tones.
8. Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?
My advice is to just experiment and enjoy what you're creating, be inspired by others like I always am, but work your own magic, don't be too hard on yourself, and be proud of what you capture. Photography is a non-stop learning process and the more you do it, the better you'll become, especially if you study lighting options and effects.
Discover HENSHAW_photography's photographic style and techniques.
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