Bristol Urban Portraits 13 ~ pictures & techniques
June 30th, 2009
In a sun locked UK shooting goes on but it is definately harder to work as controlling all that extra light becomes a challenge armed with just a couple of Speedlights. We find ourselves at the limits – f/22, 1/200th second (Canon) and ISO 200 (Nikon). Life on the limit often produces fabulous results. If it was easy everyone would do it;-)
Delegates lining up a shot on the limits. 4 shooters and 4 different shots. We all take it in turns to shoot from different angles and all is very civilised. This was a rare on camera flash moment.
Here is my take on the shot. The boots do it for me 
The 'look' is the key to a shot like this. We all had such fun creating the rapport to get a look of scincere depth in our shots. Lisa was very accomodating and a true professional. The background is stainless steel that has been attacked with an angle grinder and the lighting was on camera flash.
From one extreme to another. We were down to 1/30th at ISO 800 and f/3.5 for this bar sequence. If it rains on a workshop we take shelter in the cafes and bars of Bristol and just keep shooting.
This is classic 2 point lighting in a dark covered passage between buildings. I call it tunnel lighting, the rim light or kick light is soft and calm in this instance. Naturally occurring light like this is easy to find if you know what to look for.
Here are 3 reflection shots from the day. All natural light and with a fair bit of exposure compensation but shot on manual so we didn't need to dial it in.
Reflection 2. I love caught moments like this.
Purple is such a cool colour. This shot was so easy to shoot and it's delightful in it's simplicity.
This is another take on a familiar subject location for me.A single slash of zoomed in off camera flash lights the scene. This shot is all about subject position and framing. I love negative space in my shots. The space on the right is crying out for white text.
This was a day of shooting I’ll remember for some time to come. The buzz in the group was fantastic and made me realize exactly why I have the best job in the world. Please feel free to comment on the pictures or your experience on this shoot.
Damien.
7 Comments Add your own
1. Clive Litchfield | July 2nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Wonderful day, great people and learnt loads. Damien really does see the light. A tremendous experience.
2. Michael | July 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
HI Damian
Looks like you had another very successful workshop day. On a separate note during the studio lighting workshop I did with you I asked you about printers and you refered to ProAm Imaging.
What I would like to say is many thanks for the insight to them. I had a couple test prints printed which looked amazing. And today have received back my first order of prints approx 100 prints of various sizes and they are amazing. So many thanks again for that recommendation.
3. damien | July 3rd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Hi Michael and Clive,
Thanks for your kind words. Every chance to shoot images like these is a joy for me and one I like to share with you guys. Over the past year I have simplified my shooting technique to such a level that it is easily repeatable. Training to be able to see the light takes a bit longer but hopefully you are well on your way to that too.
Damien.
4. Sarah | July 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hi Damien,
I just really wish I could afford to do a workshop with you every week! Not only are you great company but you are so generous with your tips and advice.
The atmosphere on the day was brilliant, the model was perfect and you were…. well….. YOU! ;o)
I owe you such alot and you continue to inspire me further each time I attend one of your sessions.
Anyone looking to do this workshop – DO IT… it’ll be the best thing you’ve done.
Thanks so much Damien – it was a day to remember for a very long time.
Sarah
-x-
5. Gwyn Cole | July 13th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I attended the Bristol Urban Portraits 8 workshop and it was amazing! Damien really opened my eyes and my photography has changed since that day! The best thing ever!
What is really great is that after the workshop, I went back to look at the older Urban Portrait workshop posts. And now reading every post since. Its really great to see the variations of the locations. It feels like I’m still attending the workshops!
Like Sarah in the previous post… I’d offer the same advice! If your looking into this workshop, just do it!
Gwyn
6. damien | July 16th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Hi Sarah,
I’m really flattered by your comments. I had a great day as well.
Thanks, Damien.
7. damien | July 16th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Hi Gwyn,
I hope you continue to enjoy my photography and I hope you get as big a buzz from picture making as I do. Your words are appreciated, thanks,
Damien.
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