Before I Leave This World
Feb, 2019Views
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Awards
Celebrity Award
Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 42
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Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Genius
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Superior Skill
All Star
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Bearfootman
October 06, 2021
As I stated in the Master Piece Award i gave you this is exactly that. Awesome job !!!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was shot in an ancient college, that was decaying at the time and unfortunately was completely destroyed by a fire two years ago. Was located in the Castelo Branco District, Portugal. I knew that in one of the various rooms was an old pian. Nothing was touched, everything you see here is how it was for decades.Time
I have this image on my mind before it was captured, and this a particular light was one of the reasons. I wanted to make it during the afternoon, around 5 p.m. because that was when the light will come directly through a big window and will create reflections on the other building around this.Lighting
The lighting was one of my major concerns because it will be decisive to create the vision I had for this moment. It has two different light sources. On the left, and above the camera, we used two rectangular softboxes to achieve a colder light. In the other hand, as you can see, the opposite side has a warmer and natural light. With this duality, the idea was to create a peaceful aura around the pianist, that will contrast with the decay mood of the building.Equipment
At this time I was using some gear that I truly miss because it was light and performed quite well. But sometimes we need to upgrade. The combo was a Canon 6d and an EF 17-40 f/4L. The tripod used was a Manfrotto 055 Xprob, quite robust with a Feisol CB-40d ball head. On the light side, two softboxes were used, with two Canon Speedlite 430EX II-RT, triggered from the camera with a Speedlite ST-E2.Inspiration
I love movies, in particular when they use a cinematic look. My main source of inspiration is the 50/60 film noir mood. There's always room for the viewer to create a story in his own head. Why was this pianist here? Is there something behind this story that wasn't told to me? In some way, I was immersed in the Hitchcock atmosphere that I love so much. The details that you see, the lighting, the model, everything is based on his legacy. So, ultimately, this is my tribute to the Master of Suspense.Editing
On this particular image, the post-processing wasn't very deep. I just enhanced some colors, to make the model pop a little more. A slight contrast was added and a small vignette to help direct the viewer's eye to the model. Besides that, the image was really good, because we worked quite hard on the light.In my camera bag
Currently, I'm experiencing a new age in photography. I'm sold to the mirrorless system. I ditch my Canon 5ds and 5d4 and went for the new Canon R. Also have a Fuji X-t2 on the bag. I have always 5 lenses with me. The Canon's "Holly Trinity" EF 16-35 f/4L IS, EF 24-70 f/4L IS, EF.70-200 f/4L IS, EF 50 f/1.4 USM and EF 85 f/1.8 USM. Never leave home with my NIsi filters, several batteries, sd cards, an L bracket. TFeedback
This sort of images involves some preparation work. First of all, the location is fundamental. A decaying building was my chosen, still, safety is quite important. Be aware of the dangers that this sort of location may have. Falling ceilings, old structures with areas where the ground may have collapsed. Never go by yourself. I took a friend and my girlfriend. Also asked for the genitor of the place for permission and he told us where potential dangers could be located. On the other hand, my inspiration was the old movies, a mystique that contemporary cinema doesn't have anymore. The color schemes, the wardrobe, the light, the location was chosen to have that old look in mind. So if you have particular movies as inspiration it will be a huge help. Finally, never stop chasing your dreams. I had this moment in my mind for quite a long time, but it took quite a while to make it, since many conditions were needed and that's not easy. Still, be persistent, see many examples, learn the lighting techniques and enjoy this great moments in life.
