Test shoot with Naomi Pilgrim ~ Pictures and Techniques with Quadra

October 21st, 2011

The sun was behind me when I took this shot of Naomi Pilgrim. I used an Elinchrom Quadra rigged above and beyond Naomi to create a virtual sun in this shot. (Click on the more link to see the behind the scenes info). This was my chosen pose for Naomi as she reclined bathed in the light from my Quadra flash. Chris Hanley decided she needed boots by her side for some reason

That is Claire Hanley on the left kindly keeping my Quadra pack out of harms way as my Lowel Grand Stand takes one for the team and is submerged in the lake. The Quadra head with it's diffuser is on a Lovegrove boom arm (soon to be released). It's all straight forward one light stuff but so effective none the less.

Chris was lurking at another pontoon trying to get the perfect image while I just made it happen His shots can be seen here. I have to say at this point that Chris really got into his stride and produced some magical images while I set off some smoke grenades.

That is Chris taking one of his 'masterpieces'

This was my shot at that location. I set the Quadra out on the boom arm again and beyond Naomi.

I followed Chris into the undergrowth to capture this shot of Naomi.

Chris had an idea for a long shot across the lake. It was probably because he had the longer lens but still I decided to get a frame on my 100mm macro. I used a white balance of 8000K to give my shot an Autumnal feel.

Eyes, Naomi has the look. I shot this dramatic frame on my Fuji X100. The 35mm eqv lens on my Fuji is a bit wide for close ups but I love to put it through it's paces to really get to know how it responds to my wishes.

Chris found this bit of Jungle and then shot a series of fabulous shots. I responded with this humble frame.

The Fuji X100 did me proud here and in Spain the following week.

In the run up to our Tuscany workshops Chris and I set out to get the creative chemistry going with this quick test shoot. It wasn’t long before we were back in our stride with the banter flowing. Once I had returned Julie’s 4×4 from it’s off road excursion the Provence Rose flowed into the night. Great moments shared with great friends!

The boom arm featured in this shoot is available from Lovegrove Consulting. Buy the Avenger Boom Arm here.

Tweets:
@rousseauathome : stunning photos! I particularly love the one through the undergrowth. The grass frames Naomi beautifully.

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10 Comments Add your own

1. Sean Shimmel | October 22nd, 2011 at 10:46 am

From hotels to wilderness. Great to see an outdoor excursion as a sample of versatility.
2. dave turner | October 23rd, 2011 at 8:08 am

i love my quadras have done since i bought them in feb 2010…now you are tempting me to get out more…lovely work!
3. david cooke | October 24th, 2011 at 10:24 am

Wonderful shots Damien loved that autumnal feeling one, superb as always.
4. Barney Walters | October 29th, 2011 at 8:26 pm

Simple but elegant and effective as always. The first frame is full of mystery about the subject and really could be anyone.
5. damien | November 7th, 2011 at 12:39 am

Thanks Sean,

It seems I’ve been spending my time in the great outdoors in Spain and in my Villa in Italy too. Well it’s not my villa but one I rented. I hope to be over with you in Chicago soon. We are just working out the numbers at the moment. Your comments and compliments are always appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Damien.
6. damien | November 7th, 2011 at 12:40 am

Thanks Dave,

Get out there and shoot – it’s free with digital!

Cheers, Damien
7. damien | November 7th, 2011 at 12:46 am

Thanks David. It’s all in the white balance setting. Try 8000K for an autumnal feel.

Cheers, Damien.
8. damien | November 7th, 2011 at 12:54 am

Thanks Barney. With test shoots I like to shoot concept images too. Thanks for your compliments. Regards, Damien.
9. Ellie | November 8th, 2011 at 10:10 am

These are such lovely images; they really evoke the feeling of a bright Autumn day, I can just feel the warmth of the sun (or Quadra!) on Naomi’s skin!
This is such an inspiration, I’m already googling smoke bomb suppliers in the North West
10. damien | December 8th, 2011 at 10:59 am

Thank you Ellie.

The important points that make up a shot like this are position and power of the light. The boom arm was vital to keep the stand out of shot

Kindest regards,

Damien.