The Left Eye of model Erica Jay
The Left Eye of model Erica Jay
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken at a studio on West 28th Street in Manhattan, NYC.Time
Since it was taken in a studio with the shades drawn it makes no difference. (We keep the shades closed because the view of the opposite building's brick wall is depressing.) (But if you must know, it was at 7:00 PM)Lighting
I used a single, Kobold, 4 tube, 48" long, light fixture, with very high CRV, about 4 feet from the subject in vertical orientation. It is a very reflective studio with white walls & ceiling.Equipment
Canon 5D mark iii, with EF24-105mm f4 lens. at 105mm, 1/125 sec, f8, ISO 800. (See lighting above.) Hand held.Inspiration
Someone else showed the model, Erica Jay http://www.modelmayhem.com/eeeee , a picture of an eye & Erica said "I want a shot like that" the rest is history.Editing
The image was almost full face, & has been cropped appreciably. The over all exposure and color balance were probably very close to what I needed, since I was working under tightly controlled conditions. However, the iris of the eye was selected with the lasso tool (using Photoshop). The contrast was increased by applying an "s" shaped curve using "curves". I also played around a bit with the color of the iris, & I probably increased the saturation. Then I merged the iris back into the rest of the image. Then I cloned out the errant bits of mascara from under the lashes & also cloned out any skin issues that might be considered an imperfection. My basic philosophy is "If it doesn't look as good as it can, it needs to be fixed". Of course this can be carried too far, giving a "plastic" appearance. I'd be glad to post an "out of the camera" version, but I don't think Viewbug lends toward doing that, or at least I don't know how to do it.In my camera bag
Well that depends on many things, mostly what I'm doing, and more importantly, how far & how long I'll have to carry it fore. If I'm traveling light I'll usually have a Canon 5D mark iii, with an: 85mm f1.8 lens, 50mm f1,8 lens, & 40mm f2.8 pancake lens. All Canon & all primes. I'll also have a flash, spare battery, charger, extra memory cards, and maybe a very small reflector. Additional items include: business cards, blank model releases, & 2257 forms, and a few pens. Maybe a spare set of batteries, & an auxiliary battery for my cell phone. That's about the most I can cram into my Lowepro Npva 170 AW bag. If I'm traveling by car I'll also have an Extra Canon 5D mark ii plus longer & wider glass, a second flash, maybe a 3rd camera, a tripod, tools, remote triggers, cords, a notebook computer, & who knows what else crammed into a Think Tank rolling case. I'll also pack a few 85 - 125 watt, daylight balanced, compact fluorescents, with lamp holders and 2 or 3 84" umbrellas, & a 48" umbrella. Reflectors, & several light/reflector stands. Sand bags are a must with the large umbrellas, particularly outdoors. The umbrellas have the advantage of being easy to set up & break down; folded, they take up minimal space.Feedback
I only took one exposure of Erica's Left eye, but most folks should take several, and at various settings. If you are a beginner it will improve your chances.