the muse: May 2011

31.5.11

the muse - week four

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

week four

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO200, 1/160, f/9.0 - single speedlight - 3 exposure hdr

February 23, 2011

The weather was still bad. It was cold and fairly windy. There was a cold/bug thing going around and Kat wasn’t feeling very well. She decided to give it a go and we headed out.

We started by going to Pibb’s exchange to find an outfit. I hadn’t been there before but she had been telling me about the place and I was anxious to check it out. They had a lot of variety and some great deals. The store has a good vibe and a laid back atmosphere.

After we left Pibb's we headed west on I -80 to the Iosepa exit. There is a an old gas station sign, a pile of dirt/debris and gas station remnants such as footings and cement pads. There was a tractor trailer idling there. We assumed that the driver was inside sleeping but we never did see him. It was still windy and very cold here so we kept the car running and jumped in and out as needed.

The sun was already setting so we had to work fast. We shot some images facing west with a speedlight. The opening image above is a three image high dynamic range(hdr) image shot at +/- 1.5 stops and processed in Photomatix Pro. It was lit with a single speedlight at camera right. We literally took like two shots. Jumped back in the car, warmed up and repeated this a few times. It was little challenging because of the wind wanting to knock over my lightstand but we were determined. This is a single shot (non hdr) shot with the same lighting set-up but in a broad pattern.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO200, 1/160, f/9.0 - single speedlight

We shot a few of her up on the pile of cement chunks. These were shot natural light with her facing directly into the sun. She is very good at climbing in heels.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO200, 1/80, f/14 - natural light facing sun

It is an awesome location and I hope to return someday when it is warmer. Knowing Utah, that might be as late as July.

This next shot was taken on the way back and is one of my favorites from the day. Just plain and simple.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO200, 1/125, f/9.0 - single speedlight at camera left

Here is a black and white we shot along side of the road. I really liked the way this turned out. Even the darkness in the eyes adds to the mood.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO200, 1/125, f/9.0 - facing the sun

I had just bought a 1,000,000 candle power floodlight and wanted to see how well I could use it as a single light source. I hadn't brought any gels to balance out color temperature so I had planned on a sepia image. Below is the image we got. It was beginning to get very dark outside and to capture the ambient light, I needed 0.8 seconds. And, although it was really cold, Kat was able to hold pretty still. The full exposure time, Kat was lit with the floodlight. From the camera right.

Canon 7D, 70-200mm, ISO100, 0.8 seconds, f/18.0 - model lit with floodlight

This was on the side of the road on one of the exits. It was just before the sun fully set.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/80, f/4.0 - single speedlight camera left

Kat was still not feeling well so we decided to call it a day.

Although Kat was not feeling well, we got some great shots. I admired her commitment to keeping the shoot as scheduled and appreciated her sticktoitiveness.

If Kat is feeling better, next week we are heading over by Saltair and also capturing some infrared images.

24.5.11

the muse - week three

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

week three

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/160, f/4.0 - back to sun, building bouncing some fill

February 16, 2011

It was a very windy day. I had just bought a fixer up car from my son that needed the hood replaced. I spent the night before changing it but apparently didn’t have it fully secured because on the way to pick up Kat, the hood flew up and shattered the windshield into little pieces. So, I headed back home to change cars. This put me later than I had planned and really put me in a bad mood. However, the shoot must go on.

I picked up Kat and we headed to Ogden. During the drive, we had a chance to talk. I learned a lot about Kat and the kind of person she is. We shared some life experiences, beliefs, and talked about our families. Kat is a very down to earth person with big dreams. She loves her family and friends and is very sincere.

For the shoot today, I asked Kat to just come as herself. Dress casual with little or no make-up. She looks great when she is made up but she also looks great natural.

I love to shoot in Ogden. This is where I grew up and I am very familiar with the locations. There is also a lot to shoot.

We started at 24^th and Grant behind the Kiesel building. We shot under and around the deck area. The shot above was taken on the staircase outside of the deck. This was natural light with her back to the sun. Some sun bouncing off the building helped with fill light.

This next image was shot at the top of that staircase by 'the black door'

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/200, f/4.0 - natural light (hdr)

This next image was taken with natural light. I really liked the color harmony and the clean natural look. I also liked the bit of light on her shoulder as it adds a bit of imperfectness which makes it perfect.

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO250, 1/80, f/4.0 - natural light

This next image was under the deck with the light coming from behind and washing over the lens. I shot this with the intention of converting it to black and white and exposed accordingly. I really like the haziness from the flare as it adds to the mood of the image.

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO320, 1/100, f/4.0 - natural light

There was a lot of color and general debris in the area.We also found this random green recliner chair for a prop. The sun was still pretty harsh and the light very hard. With some of these shots, I did multiple exposure for a high dynamic range (hdr) image. Where exposure is listed, it is the standard exposure and shots were +/- 2 stops.

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO50, 1/80, f/5.6 - natural light (hdr)

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO50, 1/200, f/5.6 - natural light (hdr)

I'm not sure if Kat is the most comfortable at heights but it seems the more we shoot, the more I want to get her up in the air. Usually in heels. She is a trooper and does whatever it takes for the shot. This next shot is about 15' in the air on a little brick ledge about 3-4 inches deep (the depth of a standard brick).

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/2000, f/4.0 - natural light

We also shot inside of the Kiesel building. this first image was inside the elevator. I really wanted this retro feel to it. The blur is natural motion blur from a longer exposure.

Canon 1Ds mkII, 70-200mm, ISO125,0.8 seconds, f/2.8 - no flash

This next shot was cross-processed and is natural light through the window and fill flash bounced off the wall behind me. Cross processing adds a unique look. I also love the youthfulness the cat on Kat's shirt adds.

Canon 1Ds mkII, 70-200mm, ISO125, 1/80 seconds, f/3.5 -bounce flash behind camera

This next image is natural window light. I really like the mood of this image even though it breaks so many of the 'rules'

Canon 1Ds mkII, 70-200mm, ISO125, 1/80 seconds, f/3.5 - natural window light

We decided to shoot over at the Union Station. We hadn't brought anything to shoot there so we headed over to the thrift store to find an outfit. We found a great dress and shoes but they didn’t have a hat. We decided to check out Walmart and surprisingly found the perfect hat. We were all set.

On the way to the Union Station, we stopped by the ‘The Junction’ which is an outdoor mall located where Ogden City Mall used to be. We went to the top of the parking structure and captured some natural, impromptu type shots. These were natural light with high winds ;)

Canon 1Ds mkII, 70-200mm, ISO200, 1/200 seconds, f/2.8 - natural light

It was very cold and was so windy that one of my lights nearly tipped over. Luckily Kat was quick and caught it. This next shot was taken with a single monolight to balance out the rim lighting. I then post processed selective coloring. Kat endured the cold and did awesome!

Canon 1Ds mkII, 70-200mm, ISO125, 1/125 seconds, f/4 - natural backlight, single strobe - left

Next, we headed over to the Union Station for the train shot. My brother Kenny met us there and helped out with lighting. We even took a couple shots with him in it.

This first shot was single strobe camera left. Light was positioned to add shadow behind Kat.

Canon 1Ds mkII, 17-40mm, ISO160, 1/100 seconds, f/4.0 - single strobe - left

It was getting darker a little quicker than I expected so we had to work fast.

This next image was on the train using two strobes. One in front camera left and one from behind the camera right placed behind Kat. I think it turned out great but we will re-shoot this next time we are up in Ogden when we have a little more ambient light.

While we were still shooting, it got really cold and started to snow. We decided to call it a day and headed back South.

On the way to Kat’s house, we stopped by Tiffany’s Decade series shoot to help her set up lights. It was snowing really bad by the time we got back to Kat’s house.

It was a day that started out rough and ended with bad weather but it was an awesome day of shooting and working with Kat. I learned more on this shoot about Kat then on the previous ones combined. Kat is more of a friend and collaborator than the standard model/photographer relationship. I am excited for the next shoot and hoping the weather improves.

-doug

16.5.11

the muse - week two

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

week two

Canon 1ds mkII, 28-80mm, ISO250, 1/80, f/7.1

February 2, 2011

This was a scheduled studio shoot. It was below freezing so it was good to be inside.

Kat was pretty much open for whatever I wanted to shoot. Since Kat does a lot of modeling, I wanted to capture an image of her being photographed - see above. Since I was there, I decided to use myself as the photographer. Well, the back half of me anyways. I set the camera on the tripod at about 7 feet. Metered the lights, got focus, and used the self timer. She was lit with the lights you can see in frame plus a beauty dish on my right. I was lit with a large softbox behind and lower than the camera. Looks like I really needed a hair cut. In fact, maybe many hairs cut ;)

We then shot some pin-up/glamour type shots. Kat did great with these. Pin-up is a fun style to shoot. Perspective distortion and bizarre camera angles are welcomed instead of avoided. Here are a few of the shots. Note, all were shot using a strip soft box, grid, hair light, one or two background lights(reflector) and a beauty dish. Mostly on viewer's right.

This first one was shot against blue seemless with gaffer's tape being used as a gobo on the background.

Canon 1ds mkII, 28-80mm, ISO250, 1/60, f/6.3

This next one, I turned the background lights more towards the center spot and left most of the tape on. This created a natural vignette and some patterned lighting on the floor.

Canon 1ds mkII, 28-80mm, ISO250, 1/60, f/6.3

this last one was shot with the background lights(2) more evenly spaced on the background slightly aiming forward toward the camera. I think this is my favorite from the pin-ups we did.

Canon 1ds mkII, 28-80mm, ISO250, 1/60, f/6.3

These were a lot of fun. Only room on the blog to share a few but more will be released at project completion. We have decided that we will do more pin-up before the project is over, so, keep an eye out.

I then switched over to the black background and shot Kat wearing a white sweater dress. I think she looks classy, she thinks she looks older than she is. I think we are both right. These were shot with a 36” strip(main/key) on either side and a hair light(+ 1 stop). I really liked the simplicity and mood of these shots.

This first one was with an extra hair light from behind shooting towards her shoulder for a bit of a halo affect.

Canon 1ds mkII, 28-80mm, ISO250, 1/60, f/6.3

I really liked the direct eye contact and the how intense her eyes are in these.

Next, we gathered up a vintage looking outfit that I had and headed to a nearby warehouse. We shot indoors with a single strip softbox.

I love this first shot! This is one of the 'Kats' I have a hard time catching.

Canon 7d, 70-200 mm, ISO125, 1/160, f/6.3

I planned when we shot these to convert to black and white and then try a couple versions with varying contrast. I like the low contrast of this next one. I think it adds to the softness and mood.

Canon 7d, 70-200 mm, ISO125, 1/160, f/4.0 (converted in LR3)

I then moved the light back a little further to make the light a bit harder. For this next shot I went with a black and white conversion with more contrast. I think it has a lot of mood to it.

Canon 7d, 70-200 mm, ISO125, 1/160, f/4.0 (converted in LR3)

For this last shot, I went with a short lighting approach from the models left and the cinder block wall bounced some light back to add fill while still creating the shadow.

Canon 7d, 70-200 mm, ISO125, 1/160, f/4.0

Kat did great and needed no direction. I’m starting to feel a real synergy when we are working together. It was an awesome shoot and time flew by way too fast. I am excited for our next shoot. We will be playing it more by ear without a lot of plans except the city we are shooting in.

Next week we are heading to Ogden to do outdoor location. The weather is supposed to be good.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

the muse - week one

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

week one

Canon 7D, 70-200 f/2.8, natural light facing sun, lighter wall acting as fill light

January 26, 2011
I met with Kat and we discussed the project and ideas for shoots. I asked Kat a lot of questions. Some might consider stalking type questions but, that was not the intent. I just wanted to get to know her a little better. More the vitals, and her likes/dislikes etc.I was very impressed with her knowledge, candor, and willingness to share.

We then headed out for a brief shoot. We stopped at a local coffee shop to look around a little. The coffee Kat ordered was some sort of double espresso that was nasty and not her cup of tea…well coffee. We looked around a little but ultimately decided to shoot elsewhere.

The sun was setting fast so we went over to the business areas in downtown SLC and took some natural light shots. Kat was a natural at location / impromptu shooting and it went great! These next two images were shot somewhere around 200s and 200e.

Canon 7D, 70-200 f/2.8, natural light, sun on viewer's left, lighter wall acting as fill light

Next, we headed over to 'the alley' just above Main street. I have shot here many times but it was Kat's first. It was fairly dark, as alleys can be, so I was shooting strobes. It was pretty busy there and was starting to get cold. So we decided to call it a day. We plan on going back to this location someday.

This is one of the shots with a bit of coloring added in post.

Canon 7D, 17-40 f/4.0, strobe viewer's left to create hard shadows on wall

All in all, it was a great day. We made some plans for the future shoots and got in some camera time as well. I left feeling inspired and have a lot of ideas for future shoots.

-doug

6.5.11

the muse

Kat Gallegos

I have worked with many models over the years and a lot of them do awesome work! However, it is rare for me to find a model with the versatility, combined with the professionalism and attitude, that Kat has. I am excited to have her on this project and to share the experience with you.

how it began,
The idea for the muse project started during a portfolio shoot. I had worked with Kat once before but when she first arrived I thought hmm, is this the same model I had worked with? She looked and acted totally different then I had remembered. As I talked with her and got her in front of the camera, it was obviously her but it blew me away how different her looks and personality can be. As the shoot progressed,I was distracted as I kept imagining the different shots that she would be perfect for. The possibilities seem endless. I then thought, if I can capture the images that I have imagined, what is next? How far can I push myself with the same subject to get something new and unique?

To find out, I have started this project titled ‘the muse’. On each shoot, I am striving to capture something new. Something without the constraints of acceptance and what is ‘normal’. Not a see where it goes mentality but being open to inspiration and remaining flexible. The images will range from plain and simple to avant-garde. When photographing Kat, she has a real 'on' look when she is in front of the camera which is awesome and adds to her versatility. But, I also hope to capture more of the relaxed and natural Kat during this project as well.

The project will run though the end of the calendar year 2011. The project began in January and Kat and I have worked together once a week for eight weeks. We will continue to shoot once a month for the remainder of the year. So you can follow along, I will post detailed notes of the shoots and share images and our thoughts. I will also go into some strobist/lighting and photographer notes.

At the end of 2011, the images will be compiled into a final collection.

Schedule of posts

This blog became live on May 6, 2011 and, as of this date, 9 shoots have been completed. I will post the weekly shoots first at the rate of one per week and then the monthly shoots at one per week until caught up. This should be in the middle of July. I will then post monthly until the end of the year.

Use the 'follow by email' link to receive an email with each update. Or, follow with google friend connect. I will also post link the post onto my facebook page so you can friend me there.

-doug