Black Ink
Dec, 2015Views
6580
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Anything People Photo Contest
Featured
Spring Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Black And White Wow Factor Photo Contest
Good Light! Magazine Publication
Contest Finalist in Dramatic Portraits Photo Contest
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Love it
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Magnificent Capture
Virtuoso
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Behind-the-Fire-Scene
January 19, 2016
Beautiful shot - congratulations on your Dramatic Portraits Win....Very well deserved :)
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in my studio. Having control of the lighting was really important in achieving a technical shot like this and a studio set up was essential.Time
The time of day wasn't important because the shot was done in a dark indoors studio set up.Lighting
The lighting was very important in creating this image. I used one light on a grey background to create a soft gradient behind the model. And I used one light on the model's face, falling from high up and from a very shallow angle to leave lots of her face and body in shadow and heighten the sense of drama in the image. Also important was the posing. I got the model to stretch out her head high up, and drop her near shoulder. And I shot from a low angle. All of these things naturally elongated her neck in the final image and gave a greater sense of elegance.Equipment
I shot the image on a Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm lens and 2 studio heads for lighting.Inspiration
The model was my main inspiration. I saw how big her hair was, how she regularly had it done up in a huge geisha style bun, and I thought I could do something creative with that. I was also inspired by the way that ink falls in water and makes beautiful shapes. It just required a little bit of creative thought to pair the two things together.Editing
Yes there was post processing in this image. I shot the ink falling in water separately, using a fish tank and black ink. I then combined the ink with the image of the model in photoshop. The blend mode tools were important for getting a seamless result.In my camera bag
I use a Canon 5D Mark iii and a Canon 5DS R. Lenses include a 24-70mm f2.8 and a 100mm macro. But I am primary a studio photographer so aside from cameras and lenses, most of my equipment made up from tripods, countless light stands, lighting modifiers, bits of shiny perspex and other fun materials.Feedback
Pay close attention to the way materials behave. Look at the way ink, water, smoke, fire, powder and other materials all move and change. If there is something beautiful there to capture maybe there is a potential creative idea that could come from it.
