Photography Masterclass

Studio Lighting Adjusted for Model

Andrew — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:07:52 +0000

Adam Bonilla explains and shows how you should adjust your lighting setup according to your model’s face and figure. Some photographers prefer using just one steup that they have learnt and it may not suit every model.

Models’ faces are different, some have more oval or wider faces and you need to take this into consideration. He shows one model with an oval face for whom he chooses top lighting, so called a butterfly scheme.

If you need to separate your blond model from the background in post processing, the only way to do it is using dark background in your studio.Similar Posts:

What is a Histogram?

Andrew — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:21:51 +0000

Computer programs and cameras are able to draw histograms of an image. What is a histogram and how you can read it.

This video shows what it is by hand drawing a histogram. Basicall it is a bar graph. We have values from 0 (complete black) to 255 (complete white). The height of each small bar represents the number of pixels of the same gray level. If the histogram is moved to the left side, it means there are more dark tones in the image. If it is moved to the right side, there are more light tones.Similar Posts:

How to Use Vanishing Point Filter in Photoshop

Andrew — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:36:06 +0000

In this tutorial you will rearn the basics of using a vanishing point filter in Photoshop. See how to setup a perspective grid and clone in 3D space, also place graphics in a perspectively correct environment. A new logo will be placed on a side of the truck.Similar Posts:

Model Portfolio Photography Tips

Andrew — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:45:46 +0000

This is a real life shooting seesion of a model’s portfolio. The photographer explains what he wants from the model. He is constantly moving around the studio to find the best angle. He suggested to put a reflector to soften strong shadows from sun light. One side of model’s face is dark, so he wants to use a reflector. However, harsh lighting emphasizes the model’s shape which cannot be achieved by soft light.

A model should be and look relaxed because the message she needs to convey is how she is enjoying the clothes she is wearing.

If a photographer asks the model to do something, like straightening her hair, she should do it in slow motion.Similar Posts:

What is a High Key Portrait

Andrew — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:12:27 +0000

Garry Edwards tells in this masterclass about shooting portraits. First of all you need to find out the purpose of the photo, as your client/model sees it. Be it an image for a corporate web site or a gift to a partner. Basing on this you can think up how you should shoot it.

If your subject is looking into a big source of light placed very close to the subject, shadows will not be hard on his/her face. The further away you take the light source, in this case it was a light box, the harsher the shadows become.

If you want to have a circle of light behind the model’s head, put a light beamer directed onto the backgound. You can also use some clor gel. Blue is popular because it goes well with red and all people’s skin has red color. It is also a good idea to overexpose the background by at least 1,5 stops.

High key effect means the absense of any dark tone in the photo. This technique produces good results when you need to hide any imperfections of the model’s face. If you set exposure on the model’s eyes and lips, only eyes and lips will be shown on the photo image while her skin will be overexposed and thus too bright.

Fill light on the other hand is placed where it lights whole subject.Similar Posts:

Candid Photography Tips

Andrew — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:34:30 +0000

Erin Manning speaks about candid photography and what it takes.

The only way to capture magical moments that appear for an instant to be gone in a second, is to shoot without the model posing. You will be able to produce really memorable photos that show life being lived naturally and genuine emotions of the people you shoot.

A few tips for candid photography:

Always bring your camera with you and be ready to shoot;
Never use flash;
Do not worry about your composition as you can always crop it later at home;
Expect a shutter lag in your camera and avoid it by half pressing the shutter release button;
Occasionally using a self timer may become necessary;
Try to be and look discreet, dress in black.

Similar Posts:

Practice Framing and Learn Your Camera

Andrew — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:08:37 +0000

Marc Silber gives an introduction on how to take better photos.

First of all make friends with your camera. Read the manual and know how it operates. Pros always know their pieces of equipment as this is a starting point.

Despite the above advice, it is not the camera that makes you a photographer. Any piece of equipment can produce a good photo as it is just a tool.

Framing your shots well is what makes a difference. You need to use the space of the frame in the best way. In order to learn this skill, a simple framing card is often recommended. Just cut out a 3 by 2 rectangle and always take this card with you. Instead of setting up all your photo gear to compose a picture, opt for faster capturing the frame with your card. It will train your eyes to find the best composition.

As C. Bresson said, Framing is a precise organization of forms which give that event a proper expression.Similar Posts:

Creative Way of Using Flashes

Andrew — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:06:19 +0000

This video shows how you can use flashes even on a sunny day to get really creative photos. The cross effect is achieved because two flashes light the subject from different sides, crossing their rays at the subject.

One flash is directed down at 45 degrees and the other one is placed on the ground. Both of them are controlled from the built in (pop up) flash on the camera. The upper flash has a colored filter and therefore it gives warmer light, while the other one gives colder light. It adds to the effect.

The camera is set to 1/125 sec shutter speed and f22 aperture. Flashes are manually set to half power.Similar Posts:

Chase Jarvis’ Advice

Andrew — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:56:18 +0000

Award winning photographer Chase Jarvis shares a simple but yet useful advice on how you may improve your photography.

It is very simple - just start taking more pictures with your camera. Do not be obsessed by technical stuff: new photo gear, new features, etc. Modern cameras are wonderful tools that have a program mode “P”. It works well and you need not bother with apertures, exposures and so on. Create art with your mind by taking photos.Similar Posts:

Portraits in Natural Light

Andrew — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:16:09 +0000

Davide Greene shows how he photographed his model in the day light without using any reflectors or flashes. This short masterclass compliments Using Natural light for Indoor Portrait.

First of all he is picky of the right location. It needs to be shade but with some reflected light coming from a large building across the street for example. A model has better lean on something, in his case it is a brick wall. That way the model’s pose looks relaxed.

In portraits background is not as important as surfaces and textures near your model.Similar Posts: