Hopefully not like one of those Magic Eye books... :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
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Hopefully not like one of those Magic Eye books... :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
This morning I set out to create another self-portrait. I wanted to nail down the type of shoot where an HOBD might be the perfect modifier to use. My original idea was to hold my hands up as if I was framing a shot. After trying a few, I wanted to see if I could use the distortion of the wide angle to achieve something more dramatic. On a whim, I made a face to the camera and leaned in real close. After laughing histarically at the image, I decided it would be more fun to run with it. Twenty-one shots later, I had my prize. I'm not really close enough to the camera or the edges of the frame to achieve the distortion I was looking for, but I liked the shot all the same.
It wasn't until I threw the image into Photoshop that I realized the dead space in the image could be very useful for copy text. A short time later, after fiddling with a few ideas, different fonts, and special effects on the text, I was happy with the result.
Introducing [PΘNΣ UP], the next big thing on the suburban rap scene...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6...035da26e_z.jpg
Rappin' the Suburbs by budrowilson, on Flickr
If you're interested, here's the setup shot:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N...0/IMG_8152.JPG
Sean, You nailed this one---I can definitely see this one as a magazine cover. I'm trying to find something wrong with it----But I just cant. Killer job on the magazine cover as well.---Great Job and thanks for sharing a shot of the setup.
Nice look birthday boy. :cool:
Too funny. But seriously nice work.
There's actually a glaring error--the ratio of the image. The cut size for a typical magazine is a little less than 8.5x11 inches (usually around 8.375x10.75). The ratio of my "magazine" is 2x3. I tried going back and redoing it to a correct ratio, but it really didn't work. So, I left it as it was. I appreciate the compliments. ;-)
Really cool shot!
Happy birthday, as well.
A couple of Noelle's friends were in town over the weekend, and they wanted a few shots for profile pics. One of their ideas was doing something along the lines of a "film noir" style. Typically, speaking, that's not really a genre I'm all that familiar with. However, I know one key element of the film noir look is a strong shadow patterns. We were to shoot at night.
So what'd I do?
First, I removed the window treatments from one window (but left the blinds). I set up a monolight outside about 40 feet from the window. I used a grid on the monolight to control the light so that the whole house wouldn't be lit up on each pop (the house sits on a busy street...I figured that corralling the light to a specific area would limit how many motorists got startled). Then I used another monolight inside the room, set to its lowest power, and diffused by a softbox. The monolight in the softbox allowed me to see a little bit of detail in the shadows.
I added a film grain in post to [hopefully] add to the effect.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6...50c61337_z.jpg
Andy: Film Noir by budrowilson, on Flickr
I like the grain and I like the blinds, you could have put a hat on the shadow in the background.
I decided to reprise my role as PØN∑ UP in the February issue of Suburban Rapper.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6...a008b75543.jpg
It's Always a Production by budrowilson, on Flickr
Truth be told, the purpose of this session was to test out the capabilities of my newest equipment purchases including:
Avenger D600 Mini Boom
Matthews Baby Drop Down Pin
Avenger A1020CS Low Boy Combo Stand
Ebay 22" Grid for beauty dish
I originally purchased the boom arm a while back to allow myself booming of monolights with modifiers attached. However, while the boom proved perfectly suited to the task, my Matthews stands worked--but I was still a little worried about them. With the weight of the boom, monolight, modifier, and couter-balance weight, I cwould easily exceed the maximum capacity load of 25lbs for the Matthews stand.
After a bit of research, I found the Avenger stand. It compacts small enough to fit in the trunk of my car (a limiting requirement for many of my purchases), and it can handle weights from 66-88lbs depending on the height of the stand.
The 22" Grid I purchased from Ebay doesn't actually fit the PCB HOBD; unfortunately, it's too big. However, I was able to duct tape it to the dish for testing purposes. With the duct tape, it worked. I won't use it often, so the duct taping won't bother me that much.
Nice Sean, I think your next purchase will have to be a moving van to carry all this gear.
I looked at this large on Flickr and the detail and DOF is sublime. The textures in the ceiling, the carpet, the flare, all very good.
And your clothes, you have inspired me to find my brown cord pants and start wearing them again.:cool:
Great shot.
I had decided on the avenger boom as well. How do you like it so far? Is there much flex?Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
I've actually contemplated the cargo requirements of my next vehicle. I'm even considering buying a cheap, old SUV for such a purpose. Even now, I have to think long and hard about each session to decide on what to bring (because everything I have won't fit in the Mustang). Considering what little space the Mustang has, it's amazing how much I can squeeze in there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve U
As far as those clothes go, that's just the outfit I wore to work yesterday. As I was just testing out the equipment, I didn't feel the need to change into anything special. It ended up looking alright, though, if I do say so myself.
Sean
May I suggest this for your old SUV. This could really enhance your image as a an "artist", however it may degrade your rapper image a bit.
http://www.stpaulrealestateblog.com/...dited-1-wm.jpg
Hmm....I may have to switch genres. Are the Beach Boys still going strong?Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
I think the Beach Boys were in concert at the Zoo Amphitheater here in town not long ago, or maybe that was just a flash back i had. But you have to admit, if you show up for a shoot in this van you will stand out and be noticed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
If you add some 22inch rims and a "boom-boom" stereo, there is no risk of compromising your "cool" persona.Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
PS. another great Magazine cover----nice work with the lighting.
Nice van, I'll swap you a nifty fifty for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
Erin contacted me about taking some portfolio shots for her modeling career. She said she wanted something a little more "country" than she had done in the past. She mentioned wanting to shoot in a barn. I figured my friend Nathan wouldn't mind us using his barn again, so I gave him a call--he graciously consented.
I arrived at the barn about an hour ahead of the session to scout out the location, pick a spot, and set up my equipment. I used props I found inside the barn throughout the session (wooden crate, wooden Sun Drop box, etc). I also brought along a big red chair that Noelle recently purchased at a flea market. The chair was an interesting contrast to the rustic barn, however, none of those shots ended up being my personal favorites. About 2/3s of the way through the shoot, Nathan walked down to the barn to see how everything was going. He provided great entertainment for the model and the friend she brought along. At one point, Erin asked him, "Hey, is that your motorcycle out there? Can you get it in here?"
One seventeen-point turn later, Nathan had his motorcycle parked squarely where it needed to be. That part of the barn was quite small, but it ended up working perfectly. In fact, Nathan jumped on the motorcycle with Erin at one point and had his picture taken. It's now his Facebook profile pic... ;-)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6...2b7fcfd3d7.jpg
Erin and the Barn by budrowilson, on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6...575d6b643f.jpg
Erin and the Motorcycle 1 by budrowilson, on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6...c3f0a99297.jpg
Erin and the Motorcycle 2 by budrowilson, on Flickr
And the setup:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6...e7b2458d0b.jpg
Erin and the Motorcycle Setup by budrowilson, on Flickr
Great shots, Sean
And that is a great location. Truly a smart use of a small space
Sean, your control of the light in this series is fantastic! 3rd one is my pic. 2nd one would have been the best, but the front wheel is trimmed off. Didn't know if that was cropped or the way it was shot.
The way everything was setup in the relatively cramped space made it difficult to frame the shots perfectly. I failed most of the time. ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayson
I'm a bit concerned about being most interested in the setup shot. Suppose a normal guy would pay more attention to the other ones... Great photos!
Great series Sean. Do you use a tripod and remote or are you on the move for a shoot like this?
I rarely use a tripod for a shoot unless it's for a self-portrait. I was going handheld for this, as usual.
Don't worry, you won't find many normal people here so you're in good company.Quote:
Originally Posted by cls
Great work as usual Sean.
Fantastic, Sean ---- your model must be thrilled with the results. I really appreciate how you explain your set ups... it is fascinating for a guy like me who rarely even uses a camera-mounted flash.
I set up a test shoot with Kristin in order to test out using the 5D Mark II coupled with a Genus ND Fader filter while using a Mola Demi beauty dish as the main light. I can honestly say I couldn't have picked a better subject. Not only is she attractive, but she's one of only a couple of girls I've had in front of my camera that I can honestly say knew how to work it. Having been in pageants as a young girl, she knew how to strike and hold poses extremely well. Not only that, but she could easily come up with a very good pose all on her own without the least bit of input from me.
The shoot went very well to say the least. I really liked how flattering the Mola's light could be when it's positioned directly above camera and pointed at a subject with relatively unblemished skin. The Genus ND Fader filter allowed me to underexpose the ambient using a shallow depth of field while keeping the subject well lit with the monolights. However, depending on the opacity of the Genus at a given time, the 5D Mark II had a difficult time focusing (which is to be expected). More than a few shots were out of focus because of this. However, I did what I always do--shoot as many shots as you can. The more shots you shoot, the better your chances for getting a sufficient number of good ones. ;-)
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/6...692ff04250.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5155/6...aef768ecdb.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/6...c251118cf5.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/6...d4a873519e.jpg
And the setup shot (not on Flickr):
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v...0/IMG_2792.JPG
Those are great Sean! I love the strobist-shallow depth of field look. You nailed these.
After getting the mkII, any part of you wish you had gone for the MKIII? I was always worried that I'd miss the AF of my 7D if I made that jump.
I couldn't afford the Mark III, so it's hard to regret getting the Mark II. For portraiture (my bread and butter), I don't need the best autofocus. When I do, the 7D will fill in just fine. Otherwise, the Mark II is proving to be a good fit so far.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocco
Ah ha. You kept the 7d. That wouldn't have been an option for me.
I will be selling the 50D pretty soon. I took a couple of product shots this weekend. I'm giving my boss first dibs on it if he wants it. If he doesn't, I'll either post it on here or Ebay.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocco
Great series Sean, but the title does suggest that you might be a hitman.:o
+1....on both comments :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve U
Great shots Sean.....
Should I change the wording from "shoot" to "portrait session?" :-)
I wouldn’t change it. It really goes with your Suburban Rapper Style.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
By this and a few other posts, Steve has obviously taken his fiesty pills today! LOL! The title probably could give the Suburban Rapper a bad rep! Nice series though, she is very photogenic! The passing of clouds may have created a problem for lighting but I like what they added to the shots!Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve U
I agree completely. Originally, I had set up the two lights behind her on both sides with my usual strip boxes to provide rim lights (when I was setting up, the cloud cover was more dense). However, right before the subject arrived the clouds lessened and the sunlight came streaming down the alleyway. The sunlight provided the rimlight I needed. Therefore, I replaced the stripboxes with standard reflectors and turned the strobes so that they were pointed at the opposite walls. The only time I didn't have a strong rim light was when the sun would become temporarily obscured by a cloud (I did set up a yellow gelled 580EX to be used as a rim light, but I didn't set the power high enough for it to play a major role in the image...its effect is visible, but just barely). The sun became obscured during the full-length shot, however, the light from my side strobes illuminated the ground so that the illuminated pavement helped separate the subject's legs from the background.Quote:
Originally Posted by ddt0725
Even though they caused minor issues with exposure adjustments, I wouldn't have traded the clouds for anything. They provided a wonderful element to the photos.
These are fantastic Sean.
What's that adapter you're using with your boom arm? Does it allow for the strobe head to just hang plumb to the ground regardless of the booms angle? If so, I want one!
It's called a Baby Drop Down Pin. And yes, it makes mounting things on a boom much easier because you're not always fighting gravity with heavy modifiers. You can find a Matthews and an Avenger version at B&H (I bought the Matthews one).Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Elberson