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Something soft & sexy, something mean and something in-between

Most every time I work with a new model I get asked the same question: What should I bring to wear?

There is no doubt that clothing, makeup and the ability to ‘strike a pose’ are important to a successful portrait/modeling session. However, the most essential asset a model can bring to the studio or location is the ability to interact with the camera.

My job at a shoot is to make them look as best I am able given my limited skills with lighting and equipment. I cannot, however, do it alone. You have seen that cell phone snapshot that drew you in; you have also seen a professional portrait that, although technically sound, just leaves you feeling that something misfired. A model must have an understanding they are not trying to tease/seduce/influence me as the photographer: They must make the connection with the viewer of the photograph.

They must make the connection with the viewer of the photograph.

My answer to the outfit question: Bring something soft & sexy, something mean and something in-between.

Nikon D700 High ISO Test

A test of my D700 on the hotel deck: downtown Minneapolis. Camera set to Aperture priority mode, Auto WB, Auto ISO, AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 IF-D at f1.4. The photograph to the right is ISO 11200.

See additional photographs and the “More Properties” information on D700 high ISO Flickr set for additional details.

No post processing in Photoshop CS3 other than to resize for here. All noise reduction software applied at default setting.

See gallery below to see the effect of Noise Ninja, Neat Image and Topaz Denoise.

I did not speak to the result intentionally, each should reach his own conclusion.

larrygerbrandt on Flickr had a good idea on post noise reduction sharpening so I gave it a shot.

Added: Topaz Denoise then Nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 applied to the image.

Noise reduction applied to whole photograph added to the Flickr set here.

100%-crop and noise reduction test

8 Models in 8 Hours: A good time was had by all.

I had used the very capable Ashley Rihel: Hair and Makeup Artist on several corporate, meetup and model portfolio assignments. She is always on time and ready to work. During a recent studio session Ashley asked if I would do some trade work with her to develop her MUA portfolio. Always willing to help I said “Sure, let me know”. Soon it went to off into direction I hadn’t expected.Thank you ladies

The original conversation with Ashley was for ‘a’ model and we’d split the studio cost. As time passed it went to 2 models. No worries – headshots only – in and out in under 2-3 hours with makeup.

A few days after setting up for the headshot portfolio session for Ashley I got a message from Gaylee. A friend and fellow photographer; owner of Urban Chic Designs Photography Gaylee had found a studio for rent closer to her home than Dallas and asked if I would go look at it with her. Always willing to help I said “Sure, let me know”.

The studio was on the smallish side but well equipped with background sets. Unfamiliar with the provided lighting equipment my monoblocks and modifiers would work well enough. Gaylee’s a wiz with props and clothing and Ashley wants images for her port – right? The hourly and day rates were very reasonable so we decided – after a beer stop at the local Fuzzy’s – to rent it at the day rate – 8 full hours. Now – all we needed were models.[pullquote align="left"]Now – all we needed were models.[/pullquote]

Coordination between Ashley and Gaylee worked well and we booked 10 models fully understanding grandmothers tend to pass away on TF shoot days and we’d end up with 4-5 models.

We had 8 show up over the course of the day.

The models, at left, ranged in age from 17-~35ish. White, black, Asian and Hispanic. Experience levels were just as diverse – from brand-new to very experienced. Quite the mix, I was very pleased with the subjects for the all day shoot.

This started as simple session to help a friend’s business. Photographing 8 models in 8 hours for portrait portfolio development taught me a few things also.

Models: (Left to right – top to bottom)

Cynthia Ann
Ms Click
Jonna
Alisha Lee
Natalie
Krystle
Pocky Pants
Amanda Rose

Thank you ladies for the experience – you were all great to work with.

Professional Headshot Special – Only $99

In today’s business and social environments; YOUR IMAGE IS EVERYTHING!

Whether you work on nuclear projects, you’re a partner at “Big Law”, commercial real estate, consulting, sales and marketing, publishing, headed to Law or Medical School or relishing your daily work at the local burger joint…we can help you project the best image possible. Your image should send a subtle yet effective message about you and your business. At Creative Concept Studios we’re focused on one goal…producing exceptional headshots and portraits in a studio or at your Colleyville location. Selecting us to produce your headshot is a positive investment in your business image. Whether you’re looking for a business image and/or casual social media portrait, Creative Concept Studios is your answer to professional results you can be proud to display.

When you select Creative Concept Studios you have made a great decision. We do the rest; we make suggestions on what to wear and what style of image is most appropriate for your line of business, we help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, we help you look a bit better that you were hoping for.

Have you been put in charge of finding a photographer for the ENTIRE OFFICE? We offer a discount for groups of 5 or more – our already low $99 head shot special price reduces to $75 per person.

Remember, we don’t have ANY hidden fees. This price includes our preparation, creative, shooting and editing time. It also includes basic retouching (stray hair, brighten eyes and teeth, reduce smile lines, etc.) and an UNLIMITED LICENSE to use the images as you see fit.

Sound good? Then call to schedule your appointment at 817-479-9366 to confirm your shoot date and time.

How’s that for EASY?

You can use this form to schedule your appointment.

If you’re ready to schedule an appointment it’s best to CALL to schedule your session at 817-479-9366 and we’ll work with you to get you scheduled at your earliest convenience.

Deposit may be required to confirm head shot session.

Creative Concept Studios reserves the right to change prices/offers/schedules and policies at their sole discretion.Payment Policy & Terms and Conditions

Should I use a light meter with a digital camera?

I was recently asked the question in the title, there is only one answer.

Get one, use it.

Simple really, as a photographer you paint with revealed light and shadow, that’s all. Why would you hesitant to utilize a tool to designed to report the variances you cannot see in a way you can use?

Do I shoot without one, yup, sometimes. Do I rely on the camera‘s metering, yup, alot sometimes. But I never leave home without a light meter in my bag.

Using the Nikon Creative Lighting System

This photograph was taken using a Nikon D-300, the Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 and 2 SB800s. One SB800 was placed high picture right behind Emily the other was hand held slightly high picture left above her head. Although I have the equipment to mount the flashes to either an umbrella or softbox, this session was done with only the Nikon defusser on one of the strobes.

I am becoming a real fan of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and the ability to control the SB-800s using the Commander mode on the D300. I’ve now used them in studio sessions as fill or hair lights, outdoors from as far as 30 feet away or the sole source of light as in this photograph.

The two cautions when using the system is to remember to have the sensor facing toward the camera and don’t step to far in front of the flashes. I spent nearly 10 minutes on one outdoor shoot trying to figure out why the flash wouldn’t fire, gave up and realized, the next day, that I had the IR receiver facing away from the camera.

CLS is a great tool, take the time to learn it.

Read about us being hassled by the Park Rangers in Washington, DC during this shoot.

Also see Damien Franco’s expansion of my photo tip about Seeing the Shadows over at www.yourphototips.com.

Nikon Speedlight umbrella test

Nikon Speedlights

When I decided to start playing with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) I took this series of photographs to try and understand the difference between a shoothrough umbrella and a reflective one.

I also used this test to learn how to use the Commander mode on my D300 to change the power settings of the Speedlights.

SB-800 on left into 32 inch Photogenic white umbrella: SB-600 on right through 48 inch Wescott umbrella. Controlled by D300 Commander mode.

Top half of photo: both at half power
Bottom half of photo: Both at full power.

Nikon D300 & SB-800 Speedlight Flash Diffusion Test

Originally uploaded by rkdauph

On camera flash photography has always challenged me. I learned photography, in West Germany during the early ‘70s, using natural light only, black and white film and developed my own prints. My first experience, in the early ‘80s, with a flash gun was a reunion of flight school classmates and our families. We paraded the kids through the living room, onesies, twosies, you know the drill, and I took whole family photos too. The garish, over exposed pictures with that damn hard edged shadow (like the top center picture) was embarrassing when the color prints arrived. Who needs a flash? Not a REAL photographer anyway; so, back to natural light for more than 2 decades.

D300 Picture Control File Test

Originally uploaded by rkdauph

A test of the 4 included picture modes included with the D300 and 4 downloadable Picture Control Files; the 3 D2X modes and Ken Rockwell’s PCF.

JPEGs right out of the camera, just labeled and resized for here. Settings the same for all shots.

Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/180)
Aperture: f/6.7
Focal Length: 85 mm
WB = Auto

To MY eyes on MY monitor, the D2Xmode1 comes closest to the colors on the actual painted wooden duck , Standard is close. Again, that conclusion is based on MY eyes on MY monitor.

Lighting with a SB-800 and SB-600.

cut and paste for 1412 by 1062 size.

farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/2457296838_68f604ef7e_o.jpg

Physical fitness shoot

Physical fitness shoot DFW MidCities Strobist Meetup Group

We will do a shoot with weights and bodybuilding equipment. The goal is to accentuate the human form with light. We will, in a studio (way too hot to be outside) environment, use our speed lights, continuous lighting and modifiers to produce dramatic portraiture. Some effects may require the addition of studio strobes. We will discuss and demonstrate the best way to mix speedlights and studio strobes.

Physical fitness shoot

We will have at least one male and one female model for our subjects, both are P90X instructors and the camera loves them.

Our group models are encouraged to sign up for this shoot.

This is a great way to enhance both model and photographer portfolios.

Richland Hills, TX 76118 – USA

Sunday, August 14 at 3:00 PM

Attending: 1

Fee: Price: USD 49.00 per person

Details: http://www.meetup.com/DFW-Strobist-Meetup-Group/events/16220418/

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The Artistry of Images. The Imagery of Art.

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