Being You: Samantha
Dec, 2017Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in what I believe to be a dilapidated store in Troy, Alabama. Actually one of my favorite places to do my shoots.Time
This particular shoot was done on a beautiful, cloudy summer morning. We both arrived at the starting location at around 5:00 A.M., groggy and begging for coffee.Lighting
Natural light is a constant battle of camera settings; however, overcast days are my favorite. Just for the simple fact that you have one giant softbox, which in this case was perfect for this perfect soft light I was able to capture in this photo.Equipment
The only equipment used was a Canon 60D and a Canon 50mm 1.8 f/sInspiration
While this might sound cliché, I am inspired by human nature. I have always been intrigued by the way people act around others and when they are alone. We are such complex creatures that, I find us to be moving pieces of artwork. As an artist, I have been exploring human nature or the human condition to better understand it. We go through so many different emotions, having to put on masks to not show the world who we may truly be and that is, a bit depressing. This duality between public masking and true identity is the theme of most of my work. I am always questioning myself and others, “Who are we?” Even asking, “How do you want others to see you?” In today’s generation, this is what we are asked every day.Editing
I did do some post-processing. With this particular image, I wanted to add some sense of tension aside from the action of her appearing to fall off the edge. So I increased the contrast of this photo and gave it a slight red/green hue to just increase that sense of tension that I mentioned earlier.In my camera bag
My arsenal is rather simple. I have my Canon 60D body that I adore; between the weight and its durability, it has yet to fail me. The Canon 50mm 1.8 is probably one of my favorites in my arsenal because the pin-sharp images that you can capture in shallow depth of field that you can create is absolutely remarkable. I am first and foremost a portrait photographer so I enjoy getting up close in personal with my clients, talking to them and making them laugh and capturing that exact moment they are at their purest self. I also have a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 that I use for the more artistic side of my work. Being able to capture a full scene instead of one section of it makes me just as excited; though, I am still trying to learn how to stray outside of my portrait mindset. I also carry a polarized lens filter for both lenses for those extreme light environment and also to capture really deep colors. Then there is my "in case of emergency" lens, the standard Canon 75-300mm that I use for dance shows when I have to sit a bit further than what I like.Feedback
My advice would be to get to know your model. Learn their strengths and weaknesses. Don't be afraid to push them to their limits. It is not so much about the final product as it is the process you went through to capture it. I didn't ask my model to do this, she just said "Marcus, I have an idea. See if you can capture it." It just grew from there. I hope that makes sense.
