INSPIRATION FOR FINAL IMAGES

DEPTH OF FIELD

Depth of field is important when you are taking photos in a studio. The lighting and composition of the photo will make the photo either great or not so great. In the lesson we experimented and created a number of images...

In this photo the lighting is low key, the soft box was over the light and was above the model facing down towards her face. A reflector was also used to get the best result. The hair colour is brought out a lot making it appear brighter and the facial features are soft and glowing with highlight on the nose and tops of eyelids.

I like this composition because of how soft the face looks and almost airbrushed, i think this would work really well for a beauty shot.



In the second image we created, the lighting was again low key. The soft box was over the light and was now behind the model facing the camera and on a slight angle. Because the light is behind the model is the main focus and appears to be far away from any background. The image can sometimes can turn out really dark which is when you will have to turn up the flash. This made the models hair stand out and I love how the detail in the face is created because no light is washing it out. I dont really like the fact the light shines on the top of the head making the hair on the top hardly visible.

In the third image we used lighting that was high key, it was a hard light which was facing the white background. The model had bright coloured hair which stood out really well using this lighting. The details in the face were different to the other compositions we tried they much more contrasted. This one we had to change a few things during the shoots. The lighting at first was too dark meaning we had to change the aperture on the camera to make sure less light gets in and the image becomes brighter.

We wanted to compare this to another lighting with the same model so we used a high key lighting again but with a hard light shining on the walls of white reflective board. The boards added more light to the picture, make it brighter and showing more detail. It made the model's face look flawless and smooth. It also distorted the pupils making them look like cat eyes.  It made the facial features looked totally different. I didn't particular like both of these images as I think the first one was too dark and the second was really blown out and too bright and the eyes looked crazy.

Learning to shoot at home

Shooting at home can be difficult if you don't have the space but if you have a basic white wall this will give a good background for a light to shine onto which will then reflect back onto your shot. 

We practised this in the studio using a black background and a light reflecting off a white wall opposite. We also used a reflector under the model's face to create more light on the hair and facial features. The photo turned out really well and ellie looked beautiful, the contrast was really high in the photo making the lips and hair colour really rich. It also brought out all the undertones of red in her hair. This was interesting to know you can create such a lovely image at home. 

White Balance

AUTO- automatically adjusts the white balance settings to whatever light you are in so you don't need to change it.

Shade- if there is a lot of shade, the white balance will change the blue tones to reds and oranges to brighten up the picture.

Cloudy- used if shooting on a cloudy day. Similar setting to the Daylight mode, will add warmer hues to the picture which are what you would want in landscape and portrait pictures.

Daylight- used when direct sunlight is hitting your subject, adds warm tones into the shot to make it less bright.

Tungsten- best used when shooting at home, takes out the warmer yellow tones from the image and swap them for cooler blue and purple tones.

Fluorescent- used for fluorescent lighting which is found in offices and gyms, takes out the cool tones and add more warmth into them by adding orange and red tones.

Flash- basically the same as the daylight one, but it is a little softer, it adds cooler tones as well as warmth.

LIGHTING

LIGHTING

High key lighting - lets out more light, brightens the picture

Low key lighting - lets out less light, dimming and adding shade/shadows to a picture

Light Accessories 

Hard light - has no cover over the actual light bulb but has a small dish around the exterior aiming the light in the direction you want. This is a high key lighting, the light is really harsh and shouldn't ever be pointed on to the any persons face. They work best when aimed at a wall or background creating a reflective light.

Soft box - They come in different sizes, an adapter that is a box with a white cover in front of the light. . This is a low key lighting technique, giving off a really soft light into the shot and more shadows. You can use reflectors for these shots as they will add more light into the shot if needed. 

Beauty dish - Hence the name this adapter is best for beauty shots. This is low key lighting and gives a nice lighting without it being too bright, reflectors can be used to brighten up the image. 

CAMERA AND STUDIO SET UP

The way you set up your studio and camera is absolutely vital when shooting. The camera settings must be correct before you start this will prevent any photos being lost or any problems occurring during the shoot. It is also important to make sure all of the lighting, backgrounds and tripods are set up safely ready to use. 



CAMERA SET UP

You will need:

• Camera 
• SD Card- to save images onto 
• Hot shoe adapter- connect the camera to the flash 
• USB or a hard drive- transfer images to 

When setting up the camera there is a few important things that have to be done before taking a photograph...

• Go to menu and reset the camera, this will delete any photos from the camera and reset any settings.
   
• Set the camera to RAW image, this will take the picture and will look exactly like a jpeg but when it comes to post production the image will be a lot easier to edit. The picture will be more detailed than a jpeg and also when changing the light for example it will either add more light or less light without darkening or brightening the whole image like a jpeg does.
  
• Make sure the camera is in MANUAL. This will help you keep the images as you see them. If it was in AUTOMATIC it would automatically change the lighting and other settings which wouldn't work if you are trying to capture the lighting in a certain way. Learning to change the lighting yourself will help you to create the exact image you want rather than relying on the automatic camera settings.
  
• The camera's shutter speed should be set to IOS 1/160. This is the fastest shutter speed meaning when you press the button it will take the picture straight away. This will make sure you don't miss any shots. Although you need to wait for the flash to catch up with the camera before you take another photo. 

STUDIO SET UP 

• Set up tripod, this will create sturdy straight shots.
  
• Set up sync lead, this connects the camera to the flash and plugs into the hot shoe adapter on the camera
  
• Set up any lighting being used, make sure they are all working by turning them on and off and set it to the brightness you want it
  
• Get any attachments you may need for the lighting eg. Softbox, spotlight, beauty dish. Make sure you choose the correct one for your shoot depending on what kind of lighting you want.
  
  
• Make sure you have any reflectors you may need. White reflector will add light into the areas that need it, Silver reflector will add light and shine on top of the areas. The silver reflector really brings out shine and details in the models eyes.
  
• Get any accessories you might be using on the shoot such as props, chairs etc.
  
• Set up the background to the colour you want it.
  
• Make sure you have the right lenses for your camera. Eg. for a beauty shoot it is best to use a beauty lense which is made for very close up shots and captures all of the detail. 

 

  

CHOOSING A MODEL AND DIRECTING A SHOOT

In our first seminar with Chris we talked about casting a model and how to direct a shoot. We learnt about how to treat a model and what is expected of you as a photographer. We learnt there is a lot of things to consider when choosing a model and tips to help us find the best one...

Casting

• The model should send untouched images with no makeup on. This is to see exactly what you'll be working with. If you have not seen them in person make sure to ask for this, and if the person is unwilling to give one they are not the right person for the shoot.
  
• Make sure the model uses a variety of poses in their portfolios, if you are seeing the same pose over and over again it could mean they're not very good at taking direction. You don't want all your photos to look exactly the same.
  
• Always do a casting, no matter how good their portfolio images are. The images could have been very photoshopped, the model might have lost a lot of weight, put a lot of weight on. There could be a number of things that have changed in the models appearance since their last shoot so it's vital to see the model in person before the shoot.
  
• Make sure you choose a model that will fit your shoot. Don't be afraid to have a list of things you want in your model's appearance and then find one to fit as best possible.
  
• Model agencies is London, normally the most popular ones eg STORM, will actually give model's for free. Normally to build their portfolios, so as long as you provide transport and photos this is a great idea. 

Directing a Shoot

• Don't be surprised that the shoot is fast paced and stressful to begin with. When the shoot actually begins it should become relaxed and positive.
  
• Make sure the model is comfortable, had a drink of water and is ready to shoot
  
• Give the model lots of direction, if you don't give direction you wont be able to get the photos you're imagining. Don't be afraid to tell the model what to do. Show the poses you want them to do, direct with your hands. Keep the model moving.
  
• Talk to your model, this creates a more friendly atmosphere. Be honest about their efforts.
  
• Produce test shoots and plan, this will help the actual shoot be a lot less stressful. Tear sheets will help the model know the kind of look you are trying to create
  
• Catch quiet moments, always be ready to shoot even when the model is not posing. These can often come out as the best photos.
  
• Only ever give the model photos once they have been edited and fully finished. Untouched work will not show your photos to the best of their ability and can give you a bad name. 

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, DAVID BAILEY?

For our first project in digital imagery production we are going to practise and research all about beauty shots and then create our own. We will look at different lighting concepts, photographic techniques and photographers as inspirations to produce my own 4 final beauty photographs. 

Fashion and Beauty Photographers

DAVID BAILEY

Bailey is a British photographer that broke through to the industry by assisting photographer John French in 1959 and then started a contract with Vogue in 1960. He is known for his advertising, celebrity and fashion photographs. He was known for his celebrity portraits with dramatic lighting effects and plain backgrounds. His lighting creates exceptional bone structure on his models and highlights their best features. Bailey is considered to be one of the best photographers to date.  I love the simplicity of his images and the contrast used. It makes the images really striking without being over the top. 


ERWIN BLUMENFELD

Erwin's Photography consisted of a lot of surrealism. His portraits often looked distorted in some way which was created by lighting and contrast which would blow out some of the facial features. The most famous and influential photograph Blumenfeld created was the 1950 Vogue cover which showed the little facial features yet looked beautiful. Erwin actually started creating photos when he was 10 years old and found his own unique style from being an experimenter and innovator. He is now one of the most influential photographers of the 21st century.


PATRICK DEMARCHELIER

Patrick is a french photographer that has shot many photographs for magazine covers and is one of the most famous photographers of the 21st century. He shoots many celebrities and supermodels. In 1972 his work was first noticed and he was brought to work for Glamour Magazine which was known as the  training ground before working for Vogue. In 1989, he started shooting covers for Vogue and during this time, Princess Diana had him to take photos of her and her sons. This made him the first official non-British photographer for a member of the Royal Family. After that he started shooting more covers for Vogue which lead on to shooting for other leading fashion designers. For me his work really stands out because I love the way his models are posed and just think the images are really beautiful and crisp. The fact he also  he has launched the careers of numerous make-up artists such as Jason Marks, Laura Mercier, and Pat McGrath really inspires me and I think its great that his photos show beautiful makeup.


MARIO TESTINO 

Mario Testino grew up in Peru and until 1977 he then moved to London to pursue his dreams of being a photographer. His work has been published in top fashion magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair. The highlight of his career is regarded as being his photo shoot with Princess Diana for THe vanity Fair edition in 1997. He is known for his beautiful fun and colourful imagery. He likes to bring the models personality out in the photo and uses bright makeup to emphasise the looks and make the image stand out.







References 
David Bailey Biography-
http://www.biography.com/people/david-bailey-38755
Famous Photographers, David Bailey-
http://famous-photographers.com/david-bailey/

Blumenfeld Wikepedia-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erwin_Blumenfeld
Erwin Blumenfeld - Photographer & Artist-

http://www.erwinblumenfeld.com/

Vogue Bio-
http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/biographies/patrick-demarchelier
Famous Photographers Bio-
http://famous-photographers.com/patrick-demarchelier/

Famous Photographers Bio-
http://famous-photographers.com/mario-testino-2/
Official Website- Mario Testino-
http://www.mariotestino.com/
Mario Testino- Book- In Your Face