Say you want a super-duper soft look for your model...
Say you want to give her some huge, watery, sparkly, dreamy eyes...
Say you want to hide all her flaws...
Say you don't want to do any retouching...
Say you don't have any money or space for that huge octawhatever softbox..
Say you have a garage...
Say you have Mari who is half-Japanese, half-Irish... Oh did I ever tell you guys that I believe the key to World Peace is interracial sex?
So check this out, this trick is going to blow your mind... well ok maybe not but it's still very cool nevertheless.
* notice the basketball bruise on her right arm. baddassss
The basic concept is to use an open garage and make it act like a huge softbox. Easy, nothing to it. Just open the door during the day. I did cover the entrance with a few light panels for an even softer light but they also double as privacy screens. I didn't want the neighbors to think I was shooting a porno. Click on any of the pictures for a bigger version.
Two small umbrellas with Sunpak 383's were set on either sides to add some rim-light to the model. Notice the highlights on her shoulders. (For the faceshot, the right umbrella was moved forward to be a side-light) The sand was conveniently available because I was paving my patio and I thought it would add something to the mood. A silver reflector was placed in front of the model to simulate how the sand would bounce light back at her were she on a real beach. Silver was selected instead of white because I liked the more unusual (sharper, more sparkly) effect.
* the bucket is full of sand
The day was overcast, my shutter speed was hovering between 1/60 and 1/100 sec (manually selected). ISO was 200-400. Lens was 70-200mm f4L shot wide open.
The model (bruises and all) was NOT retouched. The light was THAT flattering. Booya!
I actually got inspired by watching this episode of Cleveland's Next Top Model... fierce!
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ReplyDeleteThanks for posting - very informative. It is always interesting to see how one gets to the end product of an image. We all go about it with different approaches and that is what makes this an art....well done!
ReplyDeleteJeff
Nicely done, and, as Jeffrey said - very informative.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, a couple of good pointers I'll have to try. I really love the behind the scenes info, makes you appreciate the images even more, knowing some thought went into creating them.
ReplyDeleteHow much did one of those Photoflex umbrellas with stand 'n' all cost you?