Steampunk Catwoman
Another steampunk shoot with 4 great models and an eye popping wardrobe. Here is Tif von Batsy with her mechanized catwoman pose. ...
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Another steampunk shoot with 4 great models and an eye popping wardrobe. Here is Tif von Batsy with her mechanized catwoman pose.
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Dec, 2017Views
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Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Virtuoso
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in BCains Photography Studio. Bret Cain started a Meetup group to build Cosplay sets for photography backdrops. It turned out to be mainly me and Bret designing and building sets. The backdrop in this photo is a Steampunk set complete with various gears and pipes and a large clock. With Bret's vision and my fabrication and artistic contributions, we created this fun and visually interesting backdrop. The model is Tiffany Drummond @tifvonbatsy.Time
After a long week grinding away at my day job, four models met me at Bret's studio for this Steampunk shoot in the morning hours on a Saturday. These fabulous models showed up with great makeup and fantastic wardrobes. We all had lots of fun taking shots against this visually interesting backdrop. I brought my Protofoto strobes and Canon 5d Mark iii camera and lots of collaborative photography was made.Lighting
I used two Profoto B1x strobes along with a Profoto extra large umbrella modifier with diffuser and a 2' octobox with grid. Nice thing about this light besides being a light source with consistent color temperature, you can really dial down the power allowing the aperture to open wide and achieve some nice bokeh.Equipment
I used my Canon 5d Mark iii camera along with my Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM lens great for portraits. No tripod, just shooting hand held with two Profoto B1x strobes with f/stop at 1/160 and aperture f/2.2.Inspiration
I joined a meetup group that was arranged to build cosplay sets for photography backdrops. This set building was new to me. I had a wood shop at home and thought it would be a great experience. I was not mistaken. After contributing heavily to the design and build of this particular set, getting the opportunity to shoot portraits against it was a real treat. From vision to realization, when it all turns out good is very fulfilling.Editing
I have a thorough working knowledge of post processing with the majority of my experience using Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Lightroom Classic CC. When I shoot portraiture, most of my work involves retouching to achieve the desired outcome and to maximum visual appeal while maintaining authenticity which is very important to me. This portrait was no exception. Some minimal skin retouch was accomplished although the model had great skin. I also added some distressed coloring to the mask to emphasize the dystopic qualities. The left eye lens was black and a bit dirty. I thought to add the pink swirl effect to add some color match punch to an already interesting composition.In my camera bag
I carry quite a bit of equipment to a studio shoot like this. My main bag has my camera body along with a variety of lens; such a the Canon 130mm f/2L USM, a very affordable but fantastic Canon 50mm f/1.4 nifty fifty, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for zoom flexibility, and lately a Sigma Art 85mm F1.4. I also have PocketWizard and Phottix Strato ii triggers. I also carry a Sekonic Litemaster Pro L-478DR light meter.Feedback
My suggestion for others is to have a vision on what you want from a shot. Understand how your equipment can achieve it. Then, get involved with photography groups or meetups and meet models and photographers. Through those connections and networking, opportunities can be made, lessons can be learned, and good shots are the byproduct. Shoot, shoot, shoot, and keep your eyes open for opportunity. Also, don't stop learning. A shot like this can be achieved without the large effort to build a set. Chose your lens and settings for a rich bokeh, team up with a great model with a good wardrobe, and set your shot up whether it's indoors using studio strobes or outdoors using natural light and speedlights for fill.
