Wrapped up the week photographing a recent kitchen remodel and captured some amazing shots during this early morning session. Denver just had a snowstorm, so the details outside, including the trees and foliage were rather bright, but this just amplified the flood of gorgeous natural light into the room. Check out this one shot from the session.
Today I had the opportunity to photograph some kids–and in this case, twins! During the session, it came down to capturing the kiddos in soft, diffused window light.
Well, these guys were quick, so setting up a full strobe-lit scenario wouldn’t provide the flexible and comfortable environment for capturing them in action. Additionally, a photographer with a big scary looking camera and chasing them about from grown-up height just wasn’t going to get it!
So here’s a tip for anyone capturing pictures of kids–come down to their level and the whole scenario changes. If that means crawling on the floor, playing peek-a-boo with the camera around the sofa–whatever it takes–the more fun it is for the subject, the better the expressions and final images are going to be. And most of all, the expressions will be authentic and show the personality of the model.
Quick post of something that continually comes up as a question from photographers that see some of my studio work. “How can an economy-minded photographer setup an ‘isolated on white’ studio setting?”
All you need is…
I won’t get into lighting gear right now, because that truly is more involved and whether your a Strobist follower or have an entire studio lighting setup. However, the answer for the starting studio photographer looking to capture objects on pure white backgrounds need look no further than the local hobby store. With a budget of $5 to $10, pick up and many of those smooth, white foam core boards you can. These things are great, and they’re more handy that you might initially think!
The Setup
In addition to providing a base white platform, three panels surrounding a small object enclose everything in white (assuming the light is overhead) and you’ve got the makings of your very first and quite effective white background setup.
Alternative Uses
Another use for the foam core boards when not in use for small product/object photography is for portraiture reflectors. Within all reason, the foam core board’s reflectance isn’t as great as say, a Photoflex LiteDisc, but in a pinch or on a budget, they certainly work!
More to come, and some example setup photos as well. Stay tuned!
Was busy this weekend with a property shoot at an absolutely amazing home. The kitchen was gorgeous and just sparkled in-person and in the photographs. Here’s a capture that turned out to be one of my favorites.
To all of those planning to attend my HDR (High Dynamic Range) talk at the Highlands Ranch Photo Club on March 9th, you’re in for a special treat. I’ll be giving away an HDR software package at the end of the talk.
Stay tuned for more info!
I’ll be speaking about HDR at the Highlands Ranch Photography Club. The one hour talk will include an introduction to the techniques, overview of available software, and more. If you’re free March 9th, be sure to come by!