crackedegg
FollowPhoto composite using Photoshop & Lightroom.
© 2014 Leonard Lopez
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hotpixel
December 14, 2014
Exquisite portrait, Leonard !! What a gorgeous Feature Photo !! Congratulations !!!
catini
December 14, 2014
Great portrait! Love the composition and the light! Congrats on your feature!
asmararabi
December 14, 2014
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
BrianpSlade
December 16, 2014
Superb clarity in this exceptional portrait....Well done and congrats.....Brian
DanushiaDee
January 25, 2015
I want to be you when I grow up, lol. What I love about this photo is that, although I know it's posed, the model's pose and far away look is so natural!
Pattyanne1
August 05, 2015
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was actually taken inside of my studio in Colorado.Time
It was morning/afternoon which really doesn't matter when you are working in a studio.Lighting
When creating a composite I always try to use a somewhat even lighting that could work for a day or night scene. This was taken using two strobes pretty close to 45 degree angles against a white backdrop. The model was a few feet from the backdrop so it would go gray and make it easier to pull her from the image in post. The key light on the right is actually a very large 4' x 7' scrim that does a great job for lighting up the whole model. I used a 32 inch octobox on the left side shooting down from above to light up the umbrella a bit.Equipment
I shot this using my Canon 6D with my 24-105 lens. No tripod. I don't like to shoot on a tripod unless absolutely necessary. It tends to slow down the spontaneity of the shoot.Inspiration
I love to create composites so I am always working with various models. This model happened to fit into a top that was very small that I had wanted to shoot for a long time. I am always out picking garage sales, estate sales for outfits and props for my models and for my antique/vintage business. The two work very well together.Editing
Yes. I love working in Photoshop. In fact my real job when I'm not shooting is teaching. I teach Photoshop for a college in California. This was one of my more simple composites as it only had the subject and the background to work on. I extracted the model from the original gray background image and put her against an image of cement that I added a graphic to. I usually touch up the lighting to top it off.In my camera bag
I normally carry my 6D with the 24-105 and also carry my 100-400 lens as well. I have a Yongnuo flash and an ND filter and a circular polarizer for landscapes. Along with that I have a rain hood for my camera a poncho for me and a bunch of snacks should I get lost in the woods.Feedback
Studio lighting takes practice and more practice, I still have much to learn. Because I do compositing I am always asked if I use a greenscreen. No. A greenscreen can be problematic depending on the models outfit. The green may spill onto the model which causes additional editing time. I find that white/gray or black work for me the best. If you are not sure what the composite will be ahead of time you will probably want a somewhat even lighting that will not dictate the time of day or the feel of the overall finished image. Shooting with models can be fun and challenging at the same time. You must be a people person. You will get the best out of your model when they are at ease and having fun with the shoot. Also make sure they feel valued and appreciated. Keep them hydrated and fed. Good conversation and a few laughs go a long way. Compositing can be challenging but it's good to challenge ourselves now and again. It's how we grow as artists. Happy Shooting!