Bubble Bath
Oct, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo is a self-portrait, which was shot at home in my bathtub. To me, my bathtub represents solitude; a place where my rawest self feels free to emerge. I wanted to portray a high level of vulnerability with this image, so I felt my bathtub was a fitting scene.Time
I took this photo around 11 pm after a late-night surge of inspiration. That's my favorite time to create art. I think that my best work is often the result of a long, lousy day.Lighting
My lighting set up was extremely minimal. Honestly, my only light source was a lamp placed on my toilet.Equipment
This image was taken with my Canon Rebel T3i mounted on a tripod. I used the standard 18-55mm lens, manually focused my images, and released the shutter through a self-timer. The color of the bath water was turned green using Crayola Bath Dropz, which I bought at Walmart.Inspiration
As mentioned before, the bath is a fairly sacred place to me. At the time, I was planning a series of self-portraits, and I knew that I wanted to include one in the bathtub. However, changing the color of the water did not occur to me until shortly before the photo was taken. The idea to use Crayola Bath Dropz was inspired by childhood memories, where I recalled having many colorful bathing experiences. When the memory came to me, I was immediately thinking of ways to incorporate it into my series of self-portraits. So, on impulse, I went to Walmart. When I got home, the photo was taken.Editing
This image underwent very little post processing. I made minor adjustments to exposure and contrast, but nothing more.In my camera bag
My most versatile lens (and probably most utilized) is my Canon EF-S 18-135mm standard zoom lens. Second to that, and usually on hand, is my 85mm lens. I also carry a polarizing filter around with me, but it doesn't get much use. Since I take a great deal of self-portraits, I also try and have my tripod with me most of the time; it proves itself handy for landscapes and night shots, too. My Agfa Silette is also with me most of the time, just in case I really feel like shooting on film.Feedback
Well, I'd say to manually focus your lens before attempting the shot. To do so, after deciding on the frame I wanted, I flipped a bowl upside down and let it float where I planned on placing my head. The key is to focus on the correct depth of field, so it is imperative to choose an object that will accurately represent this. Second, I recommend experimenting with photos while the water is running from the faucet, and to experiment with photos where the water is still. Light and water can interact in all kinds of marvelous ways. My final piece of advice would be to shoot a self-portrait somewhere that is important to you, be it a bathtub or anywhere else.
