Steven
Jul, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in a studio I rented, and Steven was actually helping me out with other portraits that day and sat in for light. Turns out, these were some of my favorites.Time
This was taken in a blacked out studio, but it was probably mid day.Lighting
I used a single speedlight aimed into an almost closed silver umbrella. I like to create a little tunnel of light for high contrast. I also tend to have a red light on in the studio one, so I can see (lol) and two because it smooths out lines in black and white portraits.Equipment
Pretty sure I used a Canon 5D here, 85mm. A remote flash on a tripod aimed into an almost closed silver umbrella.Inspiration
I love George Hurrell's Hollywood portraits, as well as Thierry le Goues and Albert Watson. I try to borrow some of the elements they use to make portraits and apply them to the people around me. I prefer to take portraits like this of "regular" people, and not models because like Steven here, it's more raw and real.Editing
I converted this to black and white with some tonal touch ups in lightroom. But not much post is done on this series because the light system works so well.In my camera bag
These days I almost always either have my Leica Q or Lomography Diana F in my bag.Feedback
The thing that has helped me knock out this series and become much better at this type of shooting is creating "marathon" shoots. Sign a bunch of people up for 30 minute sessions and shoot for a couple hours. You don't have much time to get it right, and you have to learn to communicate exactly what you want. Move around a lot. Move the light around a lot. Play music. Tell stories. Book strangers, that's even harder. I also recommend a test shoot the day before so you already have the settings together.
