JTMPhotos

Rain

NIKON D2X

Aperture f/9.0 ISO 100 Shutter 1/200

upload_date

May, 2014

Views

1934

Likes

+242

Awards

Action Award

Zenith Award

Legendary Award

Featured

Contest Finalist in Picture People Photo Contest

Achievement in Originality

Outstanding Creativity

+48

Peer Award

+47

Absolute Masterpiece

+35

Superb Composition

+29

Top Choice

+23

Superior Skill

All Star

Magnificent Capture

Genius

Jaw Dropping

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank month 1

Top 20 rank week 3

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at a studio I used to use quiet a bit until it unfortunately closed down. The studio itself was around 5,000sq ft of space with various different sets, and a large infinity cove. it also had this 'wet set' which i loved using. It basically consisted of an area approx 12 feet by 20 feet that had a waterproof coating on the floor, and a border of bricks to keep the water in. At one end of the area was a simple hose-pipe, with holes in it, and suspended in the air. This created the 'water wall' effect in the background. Just in front of this was a small shower-head that was set to produce a fine spray of water that the model could stand under, but the spray from this was fine enough that it didn't reflect off the studio lights. Behind all of this, and outside of the water filled area was a large black backdrop to give the shots a clean and uncluttered finish. The only downside to this set, is that the water had to be manually removed using a water pump at the end of every shoot.

Time

The shot was taken around 17:30, and though it was still bright sunshine outside, I was able to block enough light coming through the very large windows behind the set so as to stop any stray light hitting the set.

Lighting

The lighting for this shot used 5 studio lights, but was fairly simple in it's set-up. LIGHT No 1 : This was set-up right behind the model, and central to the shot (It was sticking out from under the black background). This was fitted with a standard reflector, and pointed down towards the water. This added a shine onto the water itself, and is the light you can see behind the chair at the bottom) LIGHTS No 2 & 3 : These where set off to the side, and approx 4 feet behind the model. These were to pick out the water droplets and to help seperate them from the model. These lights had light blue gels fitted over the reflectors. LIGHT No 4 : This was fitted with a long stripbox, and position horizontally at floor level at the front of the shoot area, and pointing slightly down. This was to light the water at the front of the model, and help balance out the reflection in the water from light No 1. LIGHT No 5 : This was my main light and consisted of a 6 foot octabox positioned just off camera axis.

Equipment

This shot was taken on a Nikon D2x (Which has now been relaced with a D3), and fitted with a 17-55mm f/2.8 lens. Exposure mode was set to manual, the focal length set to 52mm, metering mode was set to Matrix, Sync speed was 1/200 sec, ISO was 100, and the aperture was set to f 9.0. The model was 3m from the camera

Inspiration

My inspiration for this shot came from one of the first movies I ever saw at the cinema. The movie was 'Flashdance', and in one of the scenes, the main character was dancing in a stripclub, when water was dropped on her from above. I just loved the whole dynamics of this, and therefore decided to do my own version of this scene.

Editing

The main post-processing I did was to adjust the highlights and shadows, to increase the contrast and vibrancy, and to add some clarity. I then masked out the skin and chair. Finally, I did some dodge and burn on the water to help bring out the reflection a bit more. All this was done in Photoshop.

In my camera bag

My main case is an im2620 rolling Peli case. In it i usually carry the following kit : Nikon D3 with a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens, Nikon D7100 with a Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 lens, a Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 lens, a Nikkor 50mm f1.4 lens, a Nikon TC-20E 2x teleconvertor, a Nikon SB-800 speedlight with a Gary Fong Lightsphere 2, A GoPro Hero 4 Black, a Sekonic L-308S lightmeter, and an expodisc. In addition to the above, I also carry several spare batteries, business cards, radio trigger for my Bowens lights, a mirror (for models), scissors, bluetack, and painkillers (as my back is always hurting after a long shoot).

Feedback

My advice for trying this type of shot is the same advice i'd give for any shot. That is to not be scared to try. Just experiment with the lights (Positioning and power settings), but most importantly of all - HAVE FUN SHOOTING.

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Rain

Behind The Lens

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