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GhostLightPhotography

Derelict

Nude model lit through a hole in the roof above

Nude model lit through a hole in the roof above
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NIKON D7200

settings

Aperture f/2.8 ISO 100 Shutter 1/60 Focal Length 500/10

upload_date

Jun, 2017

Views

8436

Likes

+795

Awards

Action Award

Chatter Award

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Contest Finalist in Black And White Compositions Photo Contest vol3

Amateur Winner Fine Nudes In Black And White Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in Fine Nudes In Black And White Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in Monochrome Creative Compositions Photo Contest

Peer Choice Award

Amateur Winner Single Monochromes Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in Single Monochromes Photo Contest

Peer Award

+203

Superb Composition

+41

Absolute Masterpiece

+34

Top Choice

+28

Outstanding Creativity

+26

Magnificent Capture

+10

All Star

Genius

Virtuoso

Superior Skill

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 2

Behind The Lens

Location

This shoot was at a derelict factory site in Bristol, UK. I was only able to visit the location once before it was knocked down and redeveloped.

Time

We visited the site in the middle of the day, shooting from 10am until 2pm. A lot of people talk about shooting in the golden hours at sunrise and sunset but there can be plenty of good light at other times.

Lighting

This image was shot with just the natural light. No artificial light and no reflectors. The light was coming through a large hole in the roof almost directly above the platform on which Hannah is standing. Shooting in the middle of the day meant the sun was overhead and sculpted Hannah’s figure.

Equipment

I use a Nikon D7200 and for this shot it was paired with a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 zoom. I was quite a distance from Hannah and was zoomed right in for this. The light was bright enough at f/2.8 that I could shoot at 1/60 sec at ISO 100.

Inspiration

I enjoy the spontaneity of an urbex shoot. You are never quite sure what you will find and the light is always changing. It also helps to have a great model like Hannah who is always up for a challenge and will do whatever she can to get the image you want.

Editing

This image had a few tweaks in Lightroom to adjust the clarity, contrast, straightening and converting to black and white. A few finishing touches in Photoshop including some very light skin work and conversion to jpeg for web use.

In my camera bag

I tend to travel quite light with most of my kit in one backpack. There are two camera bodies (Nikon D7200 as my primary and a D7100 as backup). Lenses are a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 zoom, Nikon 18-105mm kit lens, Nikon 50mm f/1.4 prime and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 prime. Most of my shoots are in homes where space is limited, hence the shorter focal lengths. I do have a Nikon 70-300mm zoom but this is rarely used. A couple of lens cloths to keep the dust away completes my standard kit. I will often have a second backpack with snacks, water and maybe some small props.

Feedback

Urbex shoots can be dangerous. Risk avoidance is key to a successful shoot. A daring model who is not too precious about things is another key requirement. Hannah was standing in some very unpleasant material on top of that box but could see the potential for great results. Take plenty of wipes so that the model can get clean as soon as possible. Urbex sites are dirty do you need to be prepared. Double check that anything you are planning to climb or stand on is sturdy and safe enough. Also be careful of anything sharp underfoot if your model is posing bare foot or sitting down. Don’t rush. Take your time to explore fully, you might find something really interesting just around the next corner. Bottles of water and snacks are good to keep up energy levels but please take any rubbish home with you!! I always meter for light levels before shooting but this is really only a starting point. Natural light is always changing so being able to adjust settings quickly is really important. Understanding your options with regards to ISO, aperture and shutter speed can keep the momentum of the shoot going and avoid your model staying wet and/or dirty for too long. Give your model plenty of opportunities to get warm between sets (this also gives you time to discuss the next set and review the previous set - models like to see how a shoot is going and what they are doing that is working particularly well). You may be shooting in the height of summer but models posing nude can still get cold in dark factories with no heating. I also take a picnic rug with a waterproof back so that we have a dry and clean area to put equipment and clothes. Avoid making more damage to the site. It may be derelict but that doesn’t mean you can go around destroying it (you might want to go back there again). Also, damage can be a physical risk to your model and yourself. Prepare sensibly. You won’t want to take too much kit as you may need to walk some distance. The flexibility of a good, fast zoom lens can get you out of trouble. Super fast prime lenses can keep you shooting in the poorest light. Be sure you have options to keep shooting. You can plan all you like but don’t be afraid to change your plans if you see something different or interesting. Perhaps the light is in a different place or maybe the local artists have added some cool graffiti. If it catches your eye work out how to shoot it - it may not be there the next time you visit.

See more amazing photos, follow GhostLightPhotography

GhostLightPhotography

GhostLightPhotography

Derelict

Nude model lit through a hole in the roof above

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow GhostLightPhotography

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