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FollowDoug is a wise elder from the Mi'kmaq tribe - he kindly posed for this shot at the studio and I treasure the opportunity to have photographed him....
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Doug is a wise elder from the Mi'kmaq tribe - he kindly posed for this shot at the studio and I treasure the opportunity to have photographed him.
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Behind The Lens
Location
In Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, CanadaTime
On a Sunday afternoon after this elder from the Mi'kmaq tribe had performed a ceremony in Halifax he headed over to Dartmouth where we met in the studio. He was already tired from his busy day but spent a couple of hours with me in order to get this shot and many others for an assignment I was doing. His entourage were pushing him to keep going but I knew he was tired so I leaned in and said "If you've had enough just wink." He immediately winked and then burst into laughter. I was ready with the camera and managed to get several shots of him more relaxed than he seems here and the sparkle in his eyes is priceless.Lighting
It is a two light set up with some spill on the back drop. The key light coming in from the front right and the secondary light from the rear left positioned higher and further away.Equipment
I shot this with my first DSLR a Canon 40D using a 18 - 55 mm lens at .9 metres using f3.5 aperture. I had two studio lights fired by remote triggers. It took a little experimentation to position the lights in order to achieve this look but it was worth the time.Inspiration
I was charged with an assignment called Character Shot. My instructor said we needed to take a quick shot so he could approve our choice of subject. I was introduced to this Native elder in the small community where I lived. I met with him and had a fascinating discussion over tea. It quickly became clear that he was interviewing me (rather than the reverse) to see if he would gift me with his image. I must have past the test because he even agreed to meet me at the studio bringing his traditional native clothes. I took my quick shot at the conclusion of the meeting and prayed that my instructor would approve of my choice. Obviously he did. After talking with Doug I realized what a rich life he had lived and how wise he was. I wanted the image to reflect the pride he had in his heritage, the journey he took from being addicted to alcohol to becoming an abuse counselor. He continues his journey and will soon receive the Order of Nova Scotia to accompany the doctorate Acadia University awarded him.Editing
I did some minor adjustments in Photoshop. Basic sharpening, colour adjustment, contrast and levels.In my camera bag
I usually carry two Canon 5D Mark 3 bodies fitted with a 24 - 70 mm F2.8 and a 70 - 200 mm f2.8 and I find that under most shooting situations I'm covered and it gives me peace of mind that no matter what happens I always have a back up. When I'm trying to get that perfect angle I've been known to take a spill or too and once slipped into lake rather like a ship being launched from dry dock, thank goodness no one had a bottle of champagne to crack over my head! The 70 - 200 mm takes some beautiful portraits and when I'm out in nature the 24 - 70 mm is fantastic for landscapes or getting close up to mountain vegetation. I also carry two canon flashes a 430 and a 580 which I use with a Gary Fong Lightsphere. I find that whether I'm shooting outside or in having a flash along can sometimes safe the day.Feedback
If there is time to get to know your subject before you start a studio session that's ideal but if not it's imperative to engage in conversation with them as you shoot. To begin with Doug was quite uptight about having his photograph taken but as we talked and he became accustomed to the flashes going off he relaxed and suddenly the different aspects of his personality were exposed. This was his favourite image from the session because he said he looked like Chief Dan George. I treasure all of the images from that day but this one was extra special, Doug had 8 canvas prints made of it for each of his children.