Pick a colour, any colour...
Sep, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at home, in my front room because I don't have access to a studio. I am always looking for everyday things around the house to help me with my photos so, to get the reflection I used a black glass coffee table.Time
This was taken on the 20th of August 2014 at 14:15, on a sunny day.Lighting
Because it was sunny there was lots of natural light in the room. However, I wanted a more direct lighting so I closed the blinds. After doing this I set my flash up quite high above and to the right of the subject on a tripod. This made the shadows short and sharp but effective on the lower pencils only, so in the reflection the shadows are at the top and the opposite way around, which leads to the shadows joining. It also made the reflection in the black glass look very clear but glossy.Equipment
I used a Nikon D5100 with a 55-300m f/4.5 lens. I also used a Nikon SB700 speedlight with Yongnuo flash triggers and the flash was on a tripod.Inspiration
I took this photo as part of my project 'Pattern and Repeat' for my A-level photography course. I started with just pencils and I was messing around with how to arrange them, then I ended up with the idea of them spiraling and alternating colours. As this then creates many patterns and there is also lots of repetition which meets my project title.Editing
No, I didn't think it was need.In my camera bag
As I don't have that much equipment, I will always carry my Nikon D5100 body, with a 35mm f/1.8 prime lens and a 55-300mm f/4.5 lens. Both lenses also have a polarizing filter on them and sometimes I will carry graduated filters as well, and a flash if I think it will be necessary.Feedback
To try and capture something similar I would recommend using a highly reflective surface such as a mirror and to just think about what angle you are going to take the photo at because you want to capture the reflection.
