Mono magic ~ Urban Portrait workshop pictures of Stina

September 1st, 2010

Minimalist light and a strong pose create a striking image

1. Minimalist natural light and a strong pose creates a striking image.

All the shots from Mondays workshop have been processed by Luke in black and white. My shots were taken using prime lenses and we shot in extreme exposure situations to challenge and educate us all.

2. Dappled sunlight is perfect for beauty shots when used well.

3. Simple natural light portraits like this made up 80% of the workshop.

4. A slash of flash set up this simple portrait.

5. I love natural light contra jour portraits.

6. Simple key and kick lighting created by the urban environment.

7. I always look for an alternative angle. Stina's soft shadow is accentuated by her bias cut dress.

8. Key and kick lighting at a very low level gave us a challenge to capture sharp pictures.

9. Orange and blue colours blinded us at this location. This mono shot clears the tones and simplifies the lines. We had the choice of doubling the light but I like the simple single shadow lighting.

10. Striking light occurs in the most unlikely places. I love converging lines and grids.

11. Natural light, a door and a drain pipe provide the perfect space for Stina to occupy.

12. The word on the left is 'bombed' but looks better shortened to 'bed'. Stina's pose and the low viewpoint make the shot for me. A splash of flash from a Speedlight on a stand brings the shot alive.

13. I couldn't resist this frame.

14. Rivets and a tight crop add to the intensity of the shot.

14. Rivets and a tight crop add to the intensity of this shot.

15. As the day got hotter, Stina got cooler. Aviators helped the look.

16. Stina's cool look adds to the gravity of the forced framing.

16. Stina's cool look adds to the gravity created by the forced framing.

We had a great shoot session on Monday pushing ourselves and our kit to the limits. All these pictures were taken with either a 50mm f/1.2 lens or a 100mm f/2.8 lens.

Browse our range of upcoming photography training courses here.

Please feel free to comment on the shots or the shoot below.

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16 Comments Add your own

1. Richie | September 2nd, 2010 at 5:49 am

Damien -

I like them all but I’m loving #6!

For #6, did you use any modifiers on the key or kick?

Richie
2. Benny Ottosson | September 2nd, 2010 at 6:27 am

Nice pics Damien. Inspiring as always.
3. julie moult | September 2nd, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Many many thanks for a great day Damien
4. James Jones | September 2nd, 2010 at 7:54 pm

Another fantastic day – thanks Damien. Also big thank you to Stina, you were fab!
5. Maryke du Toit | September 3rd, 2010 at 1:50 pm

Stunning photos!

Maryke
6. Chriss | September 4th, 2010 at 9:02 am

inspiration, inspiration, inspiration! WOW! Less is more, and in black and white too… Really cool Mr D…..
7. Will Pateman Photography | September 6th, 2010 at 4:54 pm

Fantastic black and whites..love the contrast..packs a punch
8. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Hi Richie, The key and kick lighting was natural daylight. Nothing to modify. Cheers, Damien.
9. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Thanks again Benny!
10. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:46 pm

Thanks Julie. You are always welcome. Damien.
11. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:46 pm

Thanks James, What great weather we had too. Cheers, Damien.
12. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Thanks Maryke! Cheers, Damien.
13. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:54 pm

Thanks Chris, I hope you are well and braced for the winter! Cheers, Damien.
14. damien | September 14th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Thanks Will,

I’m loving the mono look too at the moment. It suits my way of shooting at the moment.

Cheers, Damien.
15. John Wood | September 24th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

Thanks for a fantastic day Damien, I really enjoyed the workshop and learned a great deal over the day. Stina was fantastic too.

I’ve done a short write up of the day and posted a slideshow of my favourite photos over on my blog: http://johnwoodphotography.blogspot.com/2010/09/urban-portraits-workshop.html
16. damien | October 9th, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Hi John,

It was great to have you on the shoot. Thanks for your kind words,

Damien.