We are excited to feature London based ViewBug community member helenbissellbland. Helen is a female, London based, dance and fashion photographer. "I love working with natural daylight and use light and shadow in my work to set and enhance the mood of the image. Often the most intriguing aspect of an image is that which is not fully visible." Here is something we can learn from helenbissellbland about the techniques and story behind this awarded photo.
Where did you take this photo?
This was taken on a busy London Underground station - its not photoshopped! It was taken midweek in the afternoon, just as the afternoon rush hour was starting.
What inspired you to take this photo?
I love dance photography and take a lot of it. Any opportunity that I get to take a shot of a skilled dancer in an usual location, I grab with both hands!
Anything worth sharing about lighting?
The lighting was a nightmare! The Underground has ugly, flat, light which is not flattering for anyone. I needed to use a fast shutter speed to capture the dancer mid flight, so I couldn't rely on a slow shutter speed to let in some more light. I had to work with the conditions as they were and then improve matters in post production!
What equipment did you use?
I just had my camera - tripods and flash are not allowed on the Underground unless its an official arranged photoshoot (which this was not - shhh!)
Did you do any post-processing?
There was no choice with this one, as the light was so flat and ugly. I shoot in RAW so I was able to brighten up the image and remove some of the grain that had resulted from the high ISO I had used (the price I paid for the fast shutter speed!). I processed this one in Lightroom and Nik Color Efex.
What equipment do you normally have in your bag?
I normally just have my camera and the lenses I plan to use that day in my camera bag. My all purpose lens is my 24-70mm f2.8L and I supplement this with my 70-200 f/2.8L or one of my prime lenses (I have 85mm and 135mm prime lenses) to suit what I plan to shoot. I rarely use flash or tripods.
Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?
You have to be flexible and imaginative for shots like this. Officials are often eager to evict you from public places, so you have to plan your shot before you start shooting, get yourself and your subject into position and GO!
