Snowy day
Aperture f/3.5 ISO 160 Shutter 1/200 
Sep, 2014Views
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BuckPhotography
September 19, 2017
I just wanted to leave a quick note to say thank you for participating in my "Portraits on Location" challenge. While I ultimately chose another photo as the winner, this one was one of my 100 favorites in a field that was just shy of 2000 entries.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This picture is taken outside Camarillo, CA, in an area that was hit by a wild fire earlier that year. This gave me a dark and mysterious backdrop with some depth where I could place my subject.Time
I shot this image in the late afternoon.Lighting
The conditions and time of day allowed me to combined natural light with an artificial light source. The sun is 120 degrees camera left and add some light onto the hood and arm, giving the image a little more depth and what I consider a bit more interesting light. My key light (a 22" beauty dish on an Einstein E640) is placed about 55 degrees camera left and creates an almost closed loop pattern on her face. I choose this to complement the dramatic surrounding and overall feel of the image, but also gave just enough light to bring out the model and make her our main focus.Equipment
I used my Canon EOS 5D MII with a 85mm 1,8. Settings ISO 160 f3.5 @ 1/200 sec. As key light I used an Einstein with a diffused white Mola Demi beauty dish, powered by a Vagabond mini.Inspiration
The idea was to shoot something really dark and gritty. But before we got all too messy I decided to shoot some images where I wanted a strong character with a somewhat vulnerable expression in this surreal and dark place. A survivor that need to adapt an blend into a destroyed world.Editing
I played around a lot with this image, added some blue tones in the darks and brought up the contrast. Used a subtle vignette. Adjusted the colors a bit and then added the snow looking particles. I made those by creating a custom brush and experimented with blending modes and the opacity slider.In my camera bag
My loyal Canon EOS 5D MII is still going strong, but hope to upgrade soon. Next to this one I always bring two go-to lenses, 24-70mm f2.8 and a 85mm f1.8. A Sekonic light meter that I use now and then to get a starting point for my exposure. Then there's always a Zebra card and some ND filters in there. Some wireless triggers in case I need to bring out some more lights.Feedback
Never underestimate the importance of location scouting, go out and find visual interesting locations around your area. Pay attention to how the light conditions change during the day and plan your shoot around those conditions. Build ideas around the location you have found and pay attention to details, what model, what wardrobe and styling will add to the final result? Make sure you have the gear you need to control the natural light, and if needed, bring some flashes. At the end of the day, as in all photography, make sure everybody involved are having a great time!
