I was fortunate to spend some time in the Leicester studio with local model Charlee recently, trying out some different lighting setups. Charlee has a great look and is a pleasure to work with.
All three images were shot on a white background, but controlling the amount of light falling on the background to keep the background as light or dark as required. The addition of coloured gels on a light helped create a different look to the same setup.
These two images are from a recent family photoshoot we did on the best day of the year so far. We started off with an Environmental shoot in a picturesque local park, and then moved into the studio for more formal shots. These were two quick images taken inbetween and at the end of the shoot. I try to use as much of the time in the studio as I can to capture images, even when waiting for other family members to change outfits.
Local studio ‘Boss Studios’ recently organised a group shoot with a very special guest. Group shoots are a great way to meet local models and fellow photographers and collaborate in a relaxed informal way. We had the pleasure of working with an Albino Burmese Python, accompanied by his handler. The famous saying ‘Never work with animals or children’ generally rings true, but conducting a photoshoot with a snake in the equation was not as troublesome as imagined. Snakes do like to move around a lot, but the with the expertise of the handler close by we managed to capture some great images. Once the snake had departed for a rest we captured some more ‘traditional’ images sans snake.
From my previous post on Tae Kwon-Do, my subject is also Head Chef at a local hotel in Leicester. So of course, we took the opportunity to photograph Chef in his working clothes. I planned this portrait as for an editorial piece within a magazine – a one light setup against a plain background, creating a quiet, simple but powerful image.
I had a great opportunity recently to spend some time in the Leicester studio with a local Tae Kwon-Do sportsman to capture some portraits and actions shots using minimal lighting for that lovely moody style which I am always drawn to. We tried out a few different lighting setups and created a great set of images suitable for an editorial piece.
On a recent commercial photoshoot for West of the Moon I found myself in the Leicester studio photographing scarves with the wonderful model Becki. The scarves were amazing to look at and no doubt destined for buyers all around the world, especially growing regions like China.
The shoot had mainly used the white cove background in the studio to show off the scarves on the model in full and half length poses. We had a few minutes spare at the end and I was asked for ideas for something different. I quickly setup a single light on the same white background on a low power. My favourite style of minimal lighting with lots of shadow gives the scarves a completely different look and feel within the image. The client loved the look and these last 5 minutes created another set of images that could be used in a separate promotional campaign.
American football is obviously not something synonymous with UK sporting traditions, but as a kit became available to use during a recent photoshoot in Leicester with Louisa we put it to good use with some carefully positoned lighting and a black background.
I do prefer this style of portraiture – partially lit with rich colours and shadows. Painting with light. It makes for an interesting image. Great for an editorial in a sports magazine.
Robbie Lewis is a Leicester based DJ. We met in the studio in Leicester to do a photoshoot for a set of publicity images. Robbie was after strong images with shadows that would fit well with nightclub promotional material. We moved though a variety of lighting setups during the hour shoot to get a good set of images to choose from. Shot with the Nikon D800 and 24-70mm Nikkor lens and Bowens lighting.