Elisa Paananen
Apr, 2017Views
1603
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Long Hair Portraits Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
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Impressed
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Behind The Lens
Location
My wee studio spaceTime
N/ALighting
I knew the model wanted a more low key image where the specular highlights were closer to mid than the usual highs image, so i tried a few set ups and work out after the shoot how to do it the way i envisioned. Sometimes this happens, however in term of a portrait this is quite nice albetit the skin tones on the face are a little darker than my usual style, i tend to like them to pop editorial stylie lighting be it low key or otherwise. I think it suits the mood of theo photo though even if i'd consider it it a touch under. On the plus side, shooting like this with so much blonde hair helps keep tabs on not blowing out any details given this was a singular small beauty dish that lit the whole image including background, so it's more about the light placement, mood and pose..Equipment
Canon 5d Mk 3 & 24-70L. It's a singular Godox strobe light (cheap and cheerful, about £70) with a small 16" beauty dishInspiration
I was chatting to the Model on Insta as she expressed interest in shooting with me having moved locally and we shared a few ideas, and shot a range of them from my quirky one to the more moody stuff later in the day as seen here.Editing
I shot black and white on the back of the camera with custom processing within, however that was more as a visual for contrast/effect in real time as i shoot RAW and all photos come out unprocessed and in colour. So i replicated the effect in photoshop raw with a few slides and did any usual portrait retouching if it was needed.In my camera bag
Depends on the gig. Canon 5d3 24-70L 70-200L 17-40L 85mm 1.8 + a Yongnou and Canon speedliteFeedback
Lighting is lighting, you really can't teach a preference or an eye. It has to come from the heart having learned the basics and then refined it based on what it is you look for. A lot of people learn a lighting technique and post processing style and stick to it, for me both are tools and should be changed according to the narrative, mood and photo. Don't beat yourself up about it if you don't get it and are frustrated reading jargon filled guides and books, if you care and practice enough, you'll learn how you like it and will laugh at your own misfortunes, tastes and frustrations and/or use them as drive to fix what you don't like and were embarrassed by. Enjoy it, if you expect a short cut from reading a book or taking a class and think throwing money at the problem will solve it over night and aren't willing to get stuck in to the nuances, you'll only ever paint by numbers or shoot someone else's style. Read the books or watch you tube videos (there's loads of free info, i've never got why people pay silly money for these things) you like and not just those claiming to be of substance, and not just the one either, several. Reread that basic book you read two years ago and see how far you've come, relearn some forgotten techniques and humble yourself. Most importantly, shoot only for your self and hopefully you'll attract clients who wont book you just because you're a photographer but will book you because you're 'that' photographer.
