Mr Grim
The amazing Mr Grim in relaxed pose
The amazing Mr Grim in relaxed pose
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Dec, 2013Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This picture was taken at my portrait studio in Essex. I was looking to grab a couple of striking promotional images for my website and we had a great session trying out some fabulous new vinyl backdrops. The subject is actually my brother!Time
The small room had windows to two aspects and late on this sunny afternoon in August there was plenty of natural light to work with so the flash lighting was turned of for a change.Lighting
I had the light from one window partially obscured so that I just had enough ambient light not to lose too much detail in the shadows. Light from the opposite window on the other hand, was maximized and allowed to fall right across the subject from quite an oblique angle to give me the impact I wanted.Equipment
No tripod was needed as I got away with a relatively slow but manageable 1/80th sec even at ISO 100. Being seated myself, primarily to get dead on eye level, I also found it afforded me a very comfortable and steady shooting position. Using a Canon 600D, which carries a cropped sensor, and a slight zoom on a telephoto lens to 55 mm this brought me in nice and close. I didn't even have to break out a prime portrait lens.Inspiration
This shot was all about contrasts for me. The inspiration being just how far off a first impression can be. At a glace this tough looking, dark haired, inked and scarred guy can be quite intimidating. But pause for a moment and notice kind eyes a genuine smile and a warm and generous character shining out. Contrast between the ink and skin, the harsh backdrop and dramatic lighting were all aimed at emphasizing this notion.Editing
There was a little, just a tweak to the blacks and the clarity to bring out the gritty detail and skin texture.In my camera bag
You won't find many thousands of pounds of kit in my bag. Although I'm also a wedding photographer and a full frame body can be preferable. Along with tripod, flash gun and my fixed 50 mm and 100 mm portrait lenses, both of which are quite fast, which I love. For pure pleasure, I'm out and about enjoying the elements and the wildlife, so much of this kit stays at home. Often I'll just have my 600D with a telephoto lens for flexibility or if I've got landscapes in mind, a wider angle, perhaps a circular polarizing filter and my awesome GorillaPod.Feedback
My advice to anyone trying something similar is be flexible! Don't be afraid to abandon one approach and go down another path if it presents itself. I'd planned and was sure to need flash lighting but initial results were disappointing. before I'd even though my way around a few adjustments the windows suddenly brightened. Then there was placement and direction. The windows can't move so we, the chairs and the backdrop did...
