I still deconstruct the work of other photographers all the time – it’s a great way to expand skill sets and understanding. And I know from your previous feedback that you guys are fond of these posts, so let’s dig into another one.
I was asked to photograph the amazing and controversial Prince Manvendra of India last month in NYC. It was an honor. But tell me…
How did I make this picture?
Is it a snapshot?
Lighting?
If so, how?
The camera Settings?
The direction?
Post production?
Whatever details you think were needed to make this image.
We’ve done this lots before, but I thought this particular image would be a good one to dig into for a couple reasons. I’ll reveal how it was made in a followup post and give a signed book or something to one person who nails it in the comments below.
Im guessing you were just trying out the possition of your light for the shoot and this was one of the pics that “unexpected” came out good enough to post here. Not quite a snapshot, but can see why you ask… He seems to be just waiting (not modeling) for you, and it comes as your style of situation, but not as the usual results you post… someone or something is standing on the left side, very close to the subject, holding what could be a flash gun or small softbox (there is only one source), the strong vignetting and the bottom right shadows were post-burned and maybe even deleted what was going on the left side.
Cheers.
Camera Settings:
D3s
35mm f/1.4 at f/11
ISO 200
1/200th sec
I know it’s f/11 (or maybe 16) because the DOF is so great. His face is clearly in focus, as is the “Marshall” logo on the amp about 3-5 feet behind him. I think it’s the 35mm because the 50 1.4 would give more distortion. I’m guessing ISO 200 because thats the default low on the D3s, which I know you use a lot. If you brought out the D3X, then I’d say ISO 100. 1/200th for sync speed without banding.
Lighting:
Main camera left, above subject. I’d say a gridded beauty dish. No fill. The light wraps just slightly around his face and body, bu still produces a defined shadow.
Knowing you, it’s probably the new Profoto 8-a triggered with PocketWizards.
One strobe on left top (with grid) on the subject and another one also from left and with grid at the B/G amps.
Iso 800 1/100 F8 24 mm it is in the EXIF Two spotlights one high 45 degrees from the left on the model and the speakers, the other light on the right only on the speakers with more power. Maybe some correction in Photoshop afterwards.
IM gonna say one light at about 10 Oclock boom style with a Beauty dish or small Octa. The spill off is lighting up the Speakers. Probably iso 100-200 f8ish. Lots of Burning on the Right side of the frame and some in the other corners in post. The important thing here is that you looked at the Prince and said “Is your name Paul?” That’s when he gave you this nice little Smirk.