Dios de los muertos
Aug, 2013Views
889
Likes
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Jaw Dropping
All Star
Exceptional Contrast
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Top 20 rankCategories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I shot this model in my friend's garage, which we sort of used for experimentation back in the day, when we were learning lighting.Time
I believe it was around four in the afternoon, though it was quite dark in the garage.Lighting
Classic, dramatic lighting from above - from a super-giant, super-close PLM.Equipment
Shot with a Nikon D300S, with an Alien Bees B800 fired into a 50" Paul C. Buff Softbox - AKA the "Big Mama".Inspiration
I was looking to practice. Since I took this shot, I've done many single-person portraits, in many different lighting situations. This one came from a time I was ready and willing to shoot at anything, or anyone - fun times, exploring the physics of off-camera lighting.Editing
Normally, I just do touch-up in Lightroom 4. Removing skin blemishes/softening skin, adjusting exposure, highlight/shadows, with a slight increase in vibrance. I believe I added a bit of vignette, though most of the "spotlight effect" on the backdrop came from the main light.In my camera bag
If I'm going to shoot someone on location, I have a Nikon D3 (now), with the Holy-trinity and a fifty for lenses. Three pocket Wizards, extra batteries, two SB-800 Nikon speed-lights, and a few lens-cleaning supplies. When using studio lighting, I have three White Lightning, X-1600s along with two 36" Westcott umbrellas, a 43" Westcott Orb. and a 43" Paul Buff octobox. When using a hair light - I have a DIY grid, made from black straws and a cookie box.Feedback
I just spoke with my friend today, who's garage we used to shoot in. I told him that back then, all I did was shoot, shoot, shoot - using lighting just to see what the limits were, and to increase my knowledge. I also watched many tutorials, and did quite a bit of reading. It's really something you have to almost be committed to, in order to get better at. I'm very lucky though - I had several friends who all got into photography, and off camera lighting at the same time - I'm blessed to have had them to share the discoveries with as we all learned together.
