StueyBrown

connie portrait 10

Aug, 2014

Views

805

Likes

+143

Awards

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Curator's Selection

Top Shot Award 21

Featured

Judge Favorite

Peer Award

+36

Superb Composition

+26

Top Choice

+23

Absolute Masterpiece

+20

Outstanding Creativity

+15

Superior Skill

Jaw Dropping

All Star

Exceptional Contrast

Great Find

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in my home studio.

Time

In the evening. The model and I work during the day.

Lighting

With photography I try to keep everything simple including the lighting I use. For this portrait I use what I call my Beauty Light. A photographer told me about this years ago back in London. Its quite simple. A 48" x 36" desk with a stool behind. Two 96" tall x 48" foam boards on the short sides of the desk. A single flash unit on a boom arm with a shoot through umbrella position about 36" from the front of the desk. The light from the umbrella which is high up bounce down to the subject and the desk surface to fill in from below and from the foam boards on the sides. The lighting is so soft on the face. It works for me.

Equipment

My camera at the time was a Nikon FM2 and my go to Lens is a Nikon 85 MM lens. Its always on the camera. The flash unit I use is Paul C Buff White lighting 10000 Unit. with an umbrella. I use a hand held light meter to take readings. After my nameless expensive flash meter died on two occasion. The last time when setting up for a shoot. I went to my local camera store and was introduced to an inexpensive unit call POLARIS. It is the most accurate meter I have ever used. It was bought over twelve years ago and it still works. It also reads available light. At shutter speed of 250 sec there is no need for a tripod.

Inspiration

The Subject is always the inspiration for me. This young Lady was no exception. We actually met in the most unusual way. I was in a camera store waiting to be serve when I saw her. I was captivated by her unique face. I approached her and told her that I am a photographer and would love to photograph her. I gave her my card. She looked at it with a shocked expression went into her purse and pulled out another one of my card. She got it from one of the instructors at the John Casablanca Agency three weeks before and told to call me. She said it was fate. Over the years we have created some memorable images. She is a unique and creative woman.

Editing

I scan the transparency to create a digital file. Then run the file through Photoshop Camera Raw to overexpose the image about I/2 to 2/3 stop. This kind of image of women look better slightly overexpose. Then I run the file through "Portrait Professional". Its a retouching tool. Retouch artist use it from time to time to take care of skin problems. There is no such thing as the perfect skin. Weather, foods etc will have an effect on good skin from time to time. That is why the professionals use a make up artist.

In my camera bag

I keep my equipment to a minimum, because I need to know then. They need to be an extension of me. Working with the human face is difficult as it is. I had two Nikon FM2 bodies and two Nikon lens. An 85MM and a 35MM lens. Now I have two Nikon D800 bodies and the same lens. I also have a Nikon Coolpix 500 point and shoot camera. I use this little camera when I go walkabout or jogging. I also know this camera and getting some great images. Hand held light meter, a tripod, cable release, batteries, chargers, and cleaning stuff. I am not an equipment freak. Just what I need to get the fob done. I don't use flash when outdoors. I prefer to use reflectors.

Feedback

This is my own personal belief. The most important thing is you have to like women. Women are smart and intuitive and they will pick up on any negative attitude you have towards them. Show an interest in them as people and always act professional. Be a good friend. Involve them in the creative process. Discuss the concept for the shoot before you start. I am always amazed how much they bring to the process. I remember the first nude session that I ever did. The model was a pro and she saw how nervous I was. She guide me through the process and I got some good images. I will always be grateful to that young woman. Lastly, never, never, make a pass at your models. That's a recipe for disaster.

See more amazing photos, follow StueyBrown

StueyBrown

StueyBrown

connie portrait 10

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow StueyBrown

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.