01. Wonderful energy, friendship and love are the perfect ingredients for a fabulous couples portrait.
Here is a collection of pictures from my recent ‘Passion on the Streets’ workshop in Manchester. I have popped a behind the scenes shot into the set to show you how I use a reflector. EnjoyAll these pictures were shot on the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the majority were taken with the standard zoom that comes bundled with the EX-1 camera. The quality of the zoom optics is outstanding. Where I wanted a shallow depth of field I used the Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 lens wide open.
Kit used: Fujifilm X-Pro1, 18-55mm zoom lens, 35mm f/1.4 lens, a single Speedlight on a stand or on camera, Ebay triggers (£10/set) and a colour correction gel.
02. We started the day in the spring sunshine to get everyone warmed up.
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As my picture style starts to flow I compose with diagonals in nearly all my images. I keep the camera upright and let my poses and camera angle do the work.
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08. Behind the scenes shot of delegates making use of my reflector set up.
09. A new take on the pub shot of old.
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16. This scene uses my classic tunnel lighting technique to key and kick Jamie and Adele.
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23. I used the 35mm prime lens at f/1.4 to capture the next few pictures.
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27. Fab lighting with a red, green and blue scene.
28. A different angle tells more of the story of location and adds depth. I carefully placed Jamie to get his hat shadow in just the right place.
29. I then isolated Jamie to make more of a Lovegrove image.
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32. An age old classic way to create a dynamic situation with two people is for one to piggy back the other.
33. Adele has a great dynamic as she pulls Jamie up. I was expecting a little more grace and elegance but Jamie was making Adele work harder than was necessary. It’s a good job she didn’t let go.
34. This is one of my favourite shots of the set.
35. This is not Photoshopped. Jamie really can jump that high without a run up. Fujifilm X-Pro1 with an 18-55mm zoom lens set at 18mm. By separating the focus function from the shutter release I have the opportunity to capture precise moments without any timing lag.
36. A little flash on camera technique that I teach my delegates was used to create this very simple couple picture.
37. Creating colour contrast with gels on Speedlights adds a different look again.
38. I shifted the white balance for these two shots to give the impression of nearing sunset.
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Details of my next Passion on the Streets workshop can be found here.
Hi Damien,
Very inspiring as always.
Just a quick question, have you bought the filter lens protectors for your Fuji or do you think they reduce the quaility of the lens?
Thanks Helen,
I have a filter for my X100 because it came with the kit but I never use it. I do use black pro mist filters when I want a softer more film like look otherwise I keep my lenses bare for optimum optical quality.
I’m not sure this helps you much.
Damien.
Great photos and a great variety and use of locations. Didn’t know Manchester could be so sunny! I feel the need to book another course coming on! Are you using Fuji cameras exclusively now?
Hi Richard,
Thanks again :) I’m using my Fuji cameras until I get my hands on a D800 equivalent body for Canon. I want MF quality from an SLR if it is going to be worth lugging the extra weight around. The Canon 2D, 3D or 4D will come soon and I’ll jump straight in. Until then I’ve retired my 5D2 and replaced it with the Fujis because more of my Fuji shots are sharp and the resolution is as good.
I hope this helps.
Stay inspired my friend,
Damien.