Shots of Stina from a 1:1 training session
July 14th, 2010
1. This simple but punchy twin Speedlight shot told the weather story of the day. Yes we got wet, but it didn't detract from what was a great shoot and learning experience. The white balance was at 3400K by accident but I liked the blue look so I kept it.
Every few weeks or so I put a 1:1 or 1:2 shoot training day into my diary. It’s an opportunity to fine tune a photographers shooting and lighting skills. Sometimes I shoot alongside and other times I just direct and light. The format is flexible and great shoots always result. Here are a few of my frames from yesterdays session…
2. Stina has a wonderful look that is accentuated with classic two point beauty lighting. Lit using the ambient light by this building ventilation duct.
3. I love simple shots that don't involve eye contact. The black and white shots are kept beautifully calm with Marko's post production. It's so easy to get lured into high contrast post production at the expense of subtlety.
4. This available light shot builds on an inverted triangle pose. Stina's eyes draw the viewer in. I wish I had been able to use my 100mm lens for this shot. I set my 70-200 mm at 100 mm but it is not the same.
5. I used a cranked up Speedlight to light this study of Stina.
6. This shot has so many things wrong with it but I liked it enough in the viewfinder to press the shutter button so here it is.
7. Fun shots like this are all about timing and rhythm. Shame it's not quite sharp but the action carries the lack of crispness. Again, I was missing my 100 mm Macro f/2.8L IS lens.
8. Some of my favourite shots are taken with the simplest of setups. On camera flash was all I used for this shot of Stina.
9. The interior of the top bar of the Pitcher and Piano in Bristol has many sweet shoot zones like this one.
10. Rivets are a portrait photographers best friend. Well mine anyway. The blue was courtesy of a homemade full CTB gel on my Honl Speed Strap. The key light was a second Speedlight with a full CTO gel.
11. It was raining when I took this shot. Cold, dark and wet - a perfect summer day. It looks like it is sunny but that is just trickery with Speedlights, gels and white balance settings. Marko had to edit out the rain drops that had become streaks because the flash units were on full power. All the Speedlights were triggered with the ST-E2 throughout the shoot, as that is what my delegate was using.
12. The same lighting as above only this time we reversed the shoot by 180 degrees and changed the colour settings.
13. New light through old windows. Each time I visit a place I look to shoot it differently. This advertising hoarding is a great background to work with.
14. A favourite location of mine given a new twist with the addition of a second Speedlight.
I am available for 1:1 shoot training sessions with professional models. The sessions can take place in a studio, in the country, in an urban environment, or indeed any combination of those locations. It’s a great way to learn at your pace, overcome your daemons, gain confidence and shoot some great pictures to use for self promotion purposes. Ring Blaise on 01275 853204 or email her for more information and rates etc.
Please feel free to comment on the pictures or ask questions below.
8 Comments Add your own
1. Chris Priestley | July 14th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
As the delegate at this shoot I would like to say that even though the heavens opened Damien’s tutoring was calm and patient and I learnt a great deal.
Plus Stina, though cold and wet, remained very professional throughout the day. I would thoroughly recommended having Damiens undivided attention!!
Thanks for a very worthwhile day guys
2. AlexSnaps | July 17th, 2010 at 7:55 am
OMG! She is unbelievable! Stunning Stunning and Stunning! Great Work, Damien! Love them!
3. damien | July 19th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Thanks Chris, you are very welcome.
4. damien | July 19th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Thanks Alex, I know Stina looks in here occasionally and she will love to read your comment
Cheers, Damien.
5. Bjørn H Stuedal | July 21st, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I have been on a 2:1 and it was a great experience – it really kicked us forward. Next time will be a 1:1 – strongly recomend a private session with Damien and Marko!
Bjørn
6. Chris Milner | July 22nd, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Hi Damien, it would be great if you could explain further how you acheived shot 11 in terms of white balance settings and flash placement, it looks amazing!
7. damien | August 14th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Hi Bjørn,
Thanks for your endorsement. I look forward to putting together a dedicated 1:1 session for you. I can do a great deal for you for any day in the week commencing Monday 4th October. Speak to Blaise if you want to book.
Cheers, Damien.
8. damien | August 14th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Hi Chris.
Thanks for your compliments. Shot 11 is 5600k white balance. The look given to the colouration was created in Lightroom. The light placement can be determined by looking at Stina. The kick light can be clearly seen on her hair and the leg of her jeans. The key light is a beauty dish above her and slightly to the right. On the workshop I’ll be showing hoy to eliminate lighting stands from pictures.
I hope this helps.
Kindest regards,
Damien.
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