Day two in Amsterdam was warmer than day 1 for our models Bas and Samantha. The public holiday was over and the area was once again filled with bikes. All our shots were taken within the same 500m radius as day 1 so once again minimal walking was needed. Here is a mini selection of 23 of the pictures taken on workshop 2.

1.Here we all are - nearly. This picture was taken by a local resident from his apartment. He printed it off and and gave it to us in the street. Just one of those random moments that happen on a street shoot. You can see a couple of Speedlights rigged on stands in readiness for a few pictures of Samantha.

2. This location became Brasillian for the day with the reflected colours in the window.

3. I used natural light again and I changed the crop to give this shot a different look from the day before.

4. Bikes were in different places but the lighting syllabus remained the same. A single slash of flash from the right was all I needed for this shot.
We used ST-E2 transmitters to trigger the Speedlights on this shoot and they worked well.

5. We then started to capture the characteristic close ups that are a feature of a Passion Street workshop.

6. Another natural light shot taken on my 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro lens.

7. I used an upstage key light to imply reflected sunlight. The Speedlight was tucked behind a tree with just enough line of sight for the infra red to work.

8. If in doubt, get in close and shoot from below or above.

9. A single Speedlight from the left provided the gorgeous light. I encouraged delegates to shoot this scene at f/11 and at f2.8 with the same ISO and shutter speed settings. Both exposures were correct, this was the f/2.8 version.

10. Here is a close up shot in the same place as the picture above.

11. This shot was taken with the set up shown in the first picture of this post. I only used the Speedlight on the right. Not out of choice but because the ST-E2 couldn't trigger the left flash with the camera held in portrait mode. But I liked the shot anyway so I didn't mind.

12. After lunch we took a couple of quick Orbis ring flash shots in the bar we ate in and set off on our afternoon session.

13. 3400K was set as the white balance and a full CTO gel was placed on the single Speedlight used to light the scene from above.

14. It was time to get a bit alternative. A single flash on camera was all that I used for this shot.

15. Grey clothes and grey steps kept the colour palette limited in this shot of diagonals. Samantha and Bas are depicted as being together yet independent. I shot from above the eyeline to emphasise the intensity of the look.

16. Notice in these next few pictures how I've used the models to create the diagonal composition elements in my pictures.

17. The flare was provided by an up stage Speedlight. I like to make my own sun when faced with overcast conditions.

18. Cool is good. No flash was needed for this into the light sequence. 4000K was used as a white balance point.

19. Hokey Bokeh 100mm, I'm getting fond of you now at f/2.8.

20. I then showed how to shoot a rapid set of poses from multi camera angles. A sequence equally suited to weddings or pre wedding shoots. 100mm at f/2.8.

21. This was the last pose in my set of 12 or more shots that would work well over a couple of spreads in an album.

22. Then it was time for a warmed up flash set on a bench. Luke chose to turn this one a warm monochromatic shade. The flash through the the leaves of a rambling rose adds interest to an otherwise flat shot.

23. We got Bas to take off his shirt for the last shot of the day too. We shot this using an Orbis then it was off to a bar for a well earned beer or two
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.
Hi Damien,
I notice the Pocket Wizard AC3 Zone Controller is released this month. Will you be selling these for us?
I’m sure you are just as excited by this peripheral as I am!
Thank you
George
Thanks for a great day Damien. Learned a lot (hope to remember most of it!) and can’t wait to get my mits on a pair of PWs! Thank you to other delegates for their assistance and contribution too. And last but not least a big thumbs up to our two fab models – Bas can pose for me anytime ;) I don’t have a blog but will post some images to my site soon.
What a fantastic day. I learnt so much and have already put your lighting and posing techniques to good use. Can’t wait for the opportunity to book onto the next workshop. Thanks Damien.
Great shots ! I espcially like #18
Pleased you like your 100mm f2.8 IS. You are certainly making good use of it.
What happened to the 135mm f2 that you were using a few weeks ago ?.
Thanks Niall and Markus,
Your kind words are appreciated, Damien.
Hi Chris,
I’m always practicing and pushing my boundaries as you know. I’m looking forward to our creative shoot on the 14th :))
Cheers, Damien.
Thanks Gwyn,
I’m glad you had a great time and learned loads. I think I learned as much as you guys. It’s not easy putting these overseas events on but it is great fun and fantastically rewarding.
Cheers,
Damien.
Can’t get enough of
1.
2.
17.
18. and
22.
And I’m learning loads of stuff.
Thanks a lot, Damien.
I am so glad I attended this workshop. It was exactly what I needed! I wanted to understand more about shooting couples and in particular, making these kinds of images. The day was totally awesome and loved meeting the other delegates…
what a difference a day makes ! the model chemistry has gone up a notch :) All good my friend, nice to see you getting some practise in for your next dual in Manchester :)
Another excellent set!