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Burned out

Half woman, half candle, completely burned out

Half woman, half candle, completely burned out
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Nov, 2015

Views

186

Likes

+14

Awards

Chatter Award

Zenith Award

Staff Winter Selection 2015

Outstanding Creativity

+18

Superb Composition

+17

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Peer Award

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

The photo was made partly in my small studio in Århus - that's the shooting part - and edited using Lightroom and Photoshop at my private home. The model was shot mostly on the floor that had been covered by a big black sheet, and the same sheet was used as background for the candle holder.

Time

I don't remember when the photo was shot. I'm even sure if the different elements were shot the same day. But that doesn't really matter as it's all made in a studio and on the computer. No natural light were used.

Lighting

Two flashes mounted with softboxes were used as light sources. On light was used head on for overall lighting, and the second one as the main light. Styrofoam plates where used as reflections on the arm to the left and in her face.

Equipment

A Nikon D800 and a two different lenses where in use: The Tamron 24-70 and the Nikon Micro 105 (at least as far as I remember). I used a small product shooting table for the candlestick, but any table or similar would do.

Inspiration

I'm not sure what brought this picture to my mind. Probably the thought of being burned out, tired, maybe even depressed. I like to visualize play on words to the extent that it looks real. Hope I've succeeded!

Editing

It's no secret that this photo is not made in one shot. I couldn't get props that were big enough, and also I doubt that the model would enjoy having hot candle wax poured all over her, plus being amputated. The two elements were shot separately and then merged in Photoshop. Also a few additional wax drops were used here and there. The smoke is actually a type of brush.

In my camera bag

My bag normally consists of a Nikon D800E and a D7100. What lenses depends on the assignment, but usually my 70-200 is with me, and the 24-70 too. If shooting nature I often carry with me a Tamron 150-600 (it doesn't quite fit in my bag), and sometimes the 105 micro for close-ups. In rare cases when I know it's getting real cramped or I need a funny effect I use a Tokina 11-17.

Feedback

It's important to have an idea and being somewhat able to visualize it. Then you'll be able setup the model and the props in the right way, so that you'll be able to join them in post-production without having to make all sorts of adjustment that could have been avoided if the original images had been shot correctly. In particular I'm talking about angles and lighting. Use the same light directions or else the illusion kind of fades, and don't be afraid to adjust or even add shadows if necessary. Shoot different shots of the same object from slightly different angles in order to get just the right one to merge with other elements. Also, practice your Photoshop skills. Masks are your friends.

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headturn

headturn

Burned out

Half woman, half candle, completely burned out

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow headturn

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