roypope
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People's Choice in Bump in the night Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Halloween Photo Contest 2016
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I made this photograph in a Chicago studio.Time
I worked on building the set and photographing from morning to late afternoon.Lighting
The lighting had to be controlled using gobos, grids, and shoots. The lights had to be hard for this type of subject. Background light was about 1/2 to almost a stop more than the foreground. The mask was white, reflecting light with very little increase in intensity.Equipment
I made this photograph using a Hasselblad, normal 80mm lens, a 6x6 square back. I used a glass in front of the subject, and black magic as my background. The studio was dark to prevent reflections. Tripod at the time was a tilt-all. Strobes were speed-o-trons which were controlled using infrared remote control units. I used Tri-x film for the black and whites, and Ektachrome for my positives.Inspiration
I was looking to explore dream interpretation. The mask is fairly central as a controlling piece for the main subject in the foreground. The actor was building a portfolio and wanted to add pieces that would stretch the imagination.Editing
No post processing on this image, however, in the darkroom I did some burning and dodging.In my camera bag
My main love is my 4x5 view camera with 2 lenses; one a bit short, and one a bit long. I use a modified Pentax spot meter, and filters that I place behind my lens using a magnetic system I developed. In the studio I use a Minolta to measure, and place my main and inter-related tones of the set. On the digital side, I use a Nikon D-810. Most often I use a prime lens. My tripod is a Gitzo XL carbon fiber with a 3 way head.Feedback
I would sketch your idea out - storyboard it. The talent can see your goals and intentions, and will bring interpretation onto the set. Depth of Field great or shallow should be considered, and work your lights for the look you would like to achieve. Time and patience will pay off, and an understanding of lighting will help considerably. On some of these I had to cross polarize my lights and lens. Polarizer on the light and lens-an old copy stand trick. Remember on a set like this your exposure is controlled by aperture, adjust shutter speed to darken the studio. Finally, and most importantly, lots of coffee.