My Final Photograph

Triptych

Lighting Set Up

Kevin Kertz

(http://www.gr8tfate.com/)

Nikon D90

f/11

1/25 sec

ISO 200

50mm

My PhotoShoot

Here is a selection of some of my other photographs from the shoot.

Books Research

I scanned in some pages of the books I have been using for this module for future references, things that I will find helpful when taking my photographs (the technical side) and when contextualizing my work (the conceptual side).


Photographic Lighting, John Child, Mark Galer.

Mastering the Model Shoot, Frank Doorhof.

 The Photo Book, Phaidon.

Using Artificial Lighting Outside of the Studio

I looked into the use of flash kits in outdoor or out of studio locations and found that for most commercial photographers (wedding and event photographers) it is an essential piece of kit. It allows the photographer to still have control of the overall look and feel of the image, without having to rely on available light (sun light). It enables one to shoot on a cloudy day, at night or in low light conditions. It allows you to have both the background and foreground properly exposed if needed, for example shooting against the sky would either under expose the sky or your model/subject, but if you expose for the sky then light your model from the front, both will be properly exposed.

I've included some photographs that I liked as an example from  http://www.prettygeeky.com/

The photos are almost dream-like with their vibrancy of colour. The first one features a baby and balloons outside on some grass. A flash seems to have been fired from just right of the camera, reflected in the balloons and creating a shadow silhouette on the babys face, and perhaps with an umbrella or softbox. The second one features a city at night and a lit up model in the foreground. The third is an outdoor shot of a model on grass, whose front is properly exposed but has a flash behind as well creating a rim of light along her shoulders and hairline. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duWEjm6clRE

An interesting video showing an outdoor photo shoot of a band.

Still Life Photography Research

Photographing still life in a studio set up is often used for purposes such as advertising, in which the photo will often undergo a lot or post processing in Photoshop. Studio still life photography also applies to food photography, for things like cook books and magazines.

http://jknowles.co.uk/

Johnothan Knowles photographs drinks for advertising pieces such as these examples here. The Carling glass is well lit and brightly saturated in colour. The dark background makes it stand out and the circle of light on the background emphasizes the glass as the central piece. The lighting is quite moody and dramatic that might reflect where the product would be consumed ( pub or club). The second photo is well exposed and a bit more innocent looking with its white backdrop. 

http://www.annabellebreakey.com/

Annabelle Breakey photographs food. I liked her work as it is very soft and elegant in its lighting, much like the sweet foods she often photographs. The cupcake image is very light, with no strong shadows that would make the food look unappealing. Again the second image only features very slight, soft shadows, enough to add dimension and define shape but not enough to make the food look unattractive. 

Test shots and possible Ideas

I began to do some simple test shots of my subject, to get me thinking about different angles, poses, shots, compositions and so on. 

Photography of Musicians Research

Jim Marshall

James Joseph Marshall (February 3, 1936) was a photographer, often of rock stars. He had extended access to numerous musicians through the 1960s and 1970s, including being the only photographer allowed backstage at The Beatles last concert, and chief photographer at Woodstock.

This photo depicts a 'rock and roll' lifestyle as Johnny Cash gives the camera the middle finger. One of Marshall's most famous photos, it shows a backstage setting where Cash is perhaps about to go on stage. The blur of the finger highlights movement, that this was not a stages image. 

Again, depicting the 'rock and roll' theme through the screaming expression of John Fogerty, and the blurred hands suggesting fast, vigorous guitar playing.

The chilled out posture and expression of Keith Richards gives a calmer sense than the other two photographs, but again the cigarette hanging out of his mouth gives the 'rock and roll' theme.

Famous Guitarists

Jimi Hendrix photographs

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/23/us-jimihendrix-idUSTRE7AM0CU20111123

Hendrix, photo by AMALIE R. ROTHSCHILD

Right photo by Joe Sia, Left from: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/18/jimi-hendrix-birthday-exhibition_n_1682075.html 

First photo of Hendrix on stage, captures the passion in his facial expression as he sings in to the microphone. Composition includes whole guitar and upper body - emphasis on the instrument. Lighting is only minimal, he seems to be emerging from the darkness creating the feel of a dramatic entrance. Second photo captures Hendrix looking at the camera, perhaps about to go on stage as he holds his guitar and is with another musician. Third photo is a close up of Hendrix, again reflecting the passion for music in his facial expression. Not much of the guitar is seen, yet the guitar is universally known so just the neck and they way Hendrix holds it is enough to let us know what it is. Moreover, the fact that it is Hendrix alone lets us know that it is a guitar that he holds, so the focus need not be on the whole body of the guitar. The low angle gives presence and power to Hendrix, and reflects that he is up on stage whilst the photographer may be in the crowds below. 

Eric Clapton photographs (found on Google images)

The photographs are taken whilst Clapton is on stage performing, so the photographer makes use of the lighting from the performance. These kinds of photographs are taken from a low angle as they are taken from the crowd/photographers area which is often below the stage. The low angle helps bring the atmosphere of the gig and emphasizes a big stage presence of Clapton. Fast shutter speeds would have been used to freeze movement, especially the hands which would be moving fast whilst playing guitar.