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Tag Archives: Photography
I am me contest
Re-posted for the lovely people at UnknownPhotographer.net Click here for the full page
Ok everyone, so the first UnknownPhotographer.net contest is here and sponsored by BlackRapid! 
The subject matter is YOU! The best, most creative Self-Portrait Wins! HOW TO WIN? Upload a self portrait image below, make sure that you are registered and logged into the website (register on the left sidebar), it’s free and it’s only to control spam! Make sure you are following me on twitter, facebook, or google plus (the winner will be announced through these medias). Make sure the image you upload is no larger than 1000 pixels at it’s long edge (it’s for the web, no need for anything larger) The winner will be selected by Peter Hurley (Portrait photographer extraordinaire) on February 1st, 2012!
The coolest self portrait WINS!! VERY IMPORTANT! MAKE SURE THAT WHEN YOU UPLOAD THE PHOTO, YOU PUT YOUR CONTACT INFO (WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL) IN THE DESCRIPTION OR TITLE OF THE IMAGE! THIS WAY I CAN GET A HOLD OF YOU IF YOU WIN! WHAT DO I WIN?
This Self-Portrait Contest is sponsored by BlackRapid (simply the best camera straps in the World) so the prize is a the kick booty BlackRapid Sport Strap (valued at $70.00) that will be mailed to you anywhere in the world! HOORAY!!
Head on over to the site now and upload your photo.
Also, do remember to check out the little thingy I wrote for the page
Re-posted for the lovely people at UnknownPhotographer.net Click here for the full page
10 Strangers Project (BLP)
This is a REPOST from http://www.birminghamlovesphotographers.com/archives/817
ALL CONTENT & PHOTOGRAPHY IS COPIED FROM http://www.birminghamlovesphotographers.com/
10 Strangers Project – Birmingham Loves Photographers
After some unfortunate issues with the first 10 Strangers, we are back bigger and better on Sturday 14/1/12
Photography is the ultimate outlet to testing yourself creatively. You never know whether the outcome will be good or bad but taking that step is better than taking none at all. Therefore we’ve devised a little experiment to test your creativity and bravery!
We’re calling it the 10 Strangers Project.
Photographers will meet up on the day and each group will head out into the bustling streets of Birmingham tophotograph 10 total strangers. The style of the photos is completely open to interpretation. You can use any camera in any format. You can co-operate with your fellow group members in getting the shots you want but in the end this is about pushing yourself into doing something you might not normally do and having a bit of fun in the process!
If you wish to take part:
Turn up to the back of St. Philips Cathedral (otherwise known as Pigeon Park) from 12:30 – where you will receive some slips to hand out to your portrait subjects. This will direct them to Birmingham Loves Photographers and give a brief outline of the project – the slips will also be posted on the website so you can print from for yourself too.
We will be also be providing a Pop-Up Studio – a backdrop that will be hung in the prime location of St. Philips Cathedral in the centre of Birmingham. This will be bookable from between 1-4pm in 15 minute sessions (running at :00, :15, :45) so you can try asking passing strangers to take their portrait in a mock up studio. Please book a time over Twitter, Facebook or through the Contact page. If you wish to use lights please bring your own and must be battery powered
The project will finish for the day at 4pm, where you can come back to St Philips Cathedral or go to 6/8 Kafewhere we’ll have a post session coffee and share our results.
Out of the portraits you take, pick 10 and send them back to me and I will publish them on the Birmingham Loves Photographers page.
This will be a chance for you to get out there and work on your impromptu portraits and have fun with your camera!
Here are a couple of things for you to get some inspiration:
- Photographer Clay Enos gives his ‘How To’ on Street Portraits using a customised backdrop.
- Another video giving some tips on street portraits
- Check out photos from Joey L where he took photos out and around Brooklyn on Halloween
Look forward to seeing you there.
This is a REPOST from http://www.birminghamlovesphotographers.com/archives/817
ALL CONTENT & PHOTOGRAPHY IS COPIED FROM http://www.birminghamlovesphotographers.com/
When in Munich . . .
Just trying to keep up to date with this blog is tough work ! Anyway.. so while in Germany Coaching and shooting away, Chloe-Jasmine and I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Munich based make up artist, Diana Zwarthoed.
As I was flying to Munich, I had to pack very light, these photos have been shot in the most simple way with a Single speed light using the Orbis Ringflash adapter. I used a single SB900 flash powered by the Godox Propac Battery. Everything was mounted onto my trusty Eddie Tripod (3 Legged thing). Shooting tethered into Lightroom helped check the focus was bang on for each frame.
85mm F2.2 @200 iso with a D700 – Thank you to Ian for the use of the camera & Lens, and Herb for the use of his Kitchen wall.
The photos have had a Duotone effect to process them, the BW conversions are also using a Duotone process.
Photographer: Dave Kai-Piper
Hair & Beauty: Diana Zwarthoed
Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Putzbrunn : Munich
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, bespoke coaching, Chloe-Jasmine, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, coaching, d700, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Diana Zwarthoed, Edits, Fashion, fashion shoot, Godox Propac Battery, Music Photography, Nikon D90, orbis ringflash, photo editing, Photography, Photoshop, Photoshop tutorial, SB900, Single speed light, teaching, tutor, weddings
Ellements Magazine
re-posted from an interview with Ellements Magazine
Ellements Magazine from the US got in touch to ask about me and my artistic style, below is the article.
Dave Kai-Piper – Photographer & Photographic Coach.
Posted in Feature
My Artistic Statement? That’s becoming more and more of a tricky thing, I am almost coming to the idea that it’s impossible to have but crucial to success in this industry. I can try and explain, having an artist statement per shoot, per project or per year is fine. The idea of an artistic statement is that it helps shape and create whatever project you are putting together, it helps other people understand what it is you are doing and how to interpret your work. The problem that I have with creative people writing artist statements is that most of them are written in the most dramatic style and way to over complicated. Some are like Hollywood tag lines for films and full of such rubbish. If your Artist statement has more than one full stop, you’re just being over dramatic in my eyes.
The way I approach the idea is like naming a film or book. If your body of work was made in to a film, what would be the title? That is far better question if you are describing a body of work in literate way. I have used “ Do you want the truth, or something beautiful? “ and (currently in progress) “Measured in Moments”. Both are subtle enough to allow thought and freedom while still communicating a coherent message with the photographic content they represent. The overall message of my work is the “The Concept of the Truth”.
I find it interesting that in the days before home editing really took off, the idea that the camera never lied was very widely used phrase, today, people expect that the camera lies all the time, when the truth is, it has never told the truth, in yesteryear or today. The truth is that the only person who knows what the camera is saying, is the person holding it, the story ends there. The photos created are just the photographer’s manipulation of what is before him or her. If you really want to know the truth about something, go and see it for your self. My work is an open view that looks at concept of using the camera to show my view and my thoughts about something.
This concept of playing with the truth allows me to be innovative with my style of photography. I go from using a lot of post production to very simple basic work. I like the idea people don’t ever really know what they are looking at, or overlook the amount of digital work that has gone into a photo. I like the idea well edited photograph should look like its not edited at all, once again the idea of playing with the honesty of photography.
I love Photo shop, I could edit photos all day, I am a bit of a creative geek when it comes to technology, I use all the latest equipment and toys, my editing suite does look like the Starship Enterprise with huge screens, lots of computers and hard-drives buzzing away. My camera bags are light and mobile, spending a lot of time on the road teaching and coaching is fun, but means I have to pack sensible when it comes to camera equipment. I only carry what I need and leave the rest at home.
I have built up a little bit of a reputation of using a single speed-light with the Orbis adapter, Carbon Fibre tripods and my 50mm lens. I love to shoot linked up to my laptop too. Elemental have some great portable lighting solutions, I have been hitting the road powered by the GODOX PB820 Battery packs in the recent weeks, and very impressed. When you have to carry and roll your camera gear around cities, mountains and airports, every kilogram of weight counts. The Carbon Fibre Tripods I use are from 3 Legged Thing, pure eye-candy, do check them out. When I shoot, I tend to chase an idea rather than just let things be organic, I do like to control my shoots to a degree, travelling and shooting does lend to a style as you have to choose the equipment you have with you. When you are in another country, it’s hard to nip back home for the beauty dish so you have to think a way round problems when they come up. I tend to shoot low into the f2.2 range and just use speed-lights for creative effect, as a rule I carry 3 flash units, a soft-box and the Orbis. Using Nikon is great for speed-lights, The D700 is the camera of choice, due to its size and weight, while being full frame still.
See more of Dave Kai-Piper @- http://www.davepiper.org.uk/
Head Shots |
Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello : http://idaretobedifferentdear.blogspot.com/
Make up: Daina Zwarthoed : www.TheMakeupStudio.de
Full Length Shot |
Make up: Leah Mabe : http://leahmabe.com/
Dress : Joe Challita
Necklace : Peter Lang
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 3leggedthing.com/, 50mm @ F1.4, birmingham, carbon fibre tripods, Chloe-Jasmine, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, GODOX PB820 Battery packs, NIK Software., Nikon D90, Orbis, orbis ringflash, Photography, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial
Orbis Interview
A while ago…
I met a man called James, he showed me a flash adapter called the orbis® ring flash, I got my grubby hands on one and its been love ever since. I was asked to do an interview for the website and blog, This is shown below. If you know me or have seen me shooting, you will kn0w how much love and use my Orbis. I am not just trying to sell the thingy or be a promo spokes person. It’s something I actually enjoy using and suits my style very well. It also just happens that the Orbis people are uber cool people too.
All the photos on this blog are shot with a Nikon camera (D90 and D700) a fast prime lens, an SB900 with an orbis® ring flash mounted via my frio™ (on Eddie, the 3 Legged Thing tripod.)
“Do you want the truth or something beautiful?”
When you get a man like Dave Piper to sit down and answer questions for you, what do you ask him for an exclusive orbis® ring flash interview? Perhaps, something about his equipment? Or maybe the work he did at The Cannes Film Festival? Or perhaps instead, like us, you’d ask him what he thinks about before he presses the shutter button (and read quite possibly the most eloquent answer to that question we’ve heard in a long time…).
We chat about his muse Chloe-Jasmine Wichello, shooting in London the day after The British Music Awards and how he thinks photography holds up against the heavyweights of digital media. Ladies and gentlemen, Dave Piper…
Q: How long have you been a photographer?
All my life I have had a love for art and story. I have spent my last four years shooting weddings, bands, portraits and fashion editorials. My time is balanced out with many other things. Most photographers have a number of incomes and I am no different. Much of my time is spent split between my re-touching service and bespoke one-to one workshops.
Q: Are you a pro or amateur? What was your breakthrough, either when you knew you were in love with photography or when you became pro?
Well, I have had a romantic link with photography in all its shapes and forms for as long as I can remember. People like Tim Burton have had an untold influence on the way I see the world, it’s all about the artistic vision for me. How could someone not love the world of photography, it shapes and drives everything around us?
I remember during a photo shoot at Cannes Film Festival this year, pausing and thinking, am I really here?… This year alone I have been to more places than I ever thought possible, all of it due to photography. One of my first breakthrough shoots was…. … a shoot with celebrity Aussie designer, Joe Challita. We took three beautiful models in these amazing dresses and did a shoot in the middle of London the day after the British Music Awards.
Teaching with Bryon Pa ul McCartney on his Tuscan based workshops was a good step forward. Bryon was the first person to show big trust and faith in my work, both shooting and teaching. Another big turning point was meeting my partner and muse, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello. 90% of my best work is with Chloe and a constant source of inspiration.
In 2009, I was walking around the Focus on Photography (Birmingham, UK) event thinking how amazing it would be to have a portfolio made by Epoca. Last year I got a phone call. It was from a lady called Terri Romolo; she works for Album Epoca. Terri had called me to ask if they could use some of my photography for the books on display at the exact show I was at the year previous. Terri and Epoca have been amazing to me since and continue to produce the most stunning wedding and portfolio books. My Epoca portfolio goes everywhere with me.
Photo © Dave Kai-Piper. Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Q: Tell us a bit about the setup for your photo shoot(s) – lighting, equipment, post processing?
“Content is King”, Sir Cecil Beaton showed us this. Simplicity is the key for me and I shoot with Nikon cameras and fast prime lenses. Very simple kit and lets me be super mobile. A lot of the time I shoot with reflector or the orbis® ring flash on a tripod.
There is a clear difference between digitally editing photos and digitally developing them. I work to an Adobe workflow system. Bridge > Lightroom > Photoshop. Over the last year or so, I have started to implement a system using a Duotone and Tritone colour palette and have found some inte resting colour effects. There are many great plug-in’s perfect for weddings and such; I’m using the Nik Software plug-ins. Although a lot of people might think so, I don’t actually use a Mac set up. I use Dell workstations, Wacom Tablets and Dual Dell screens. Lighting wise, I love to try and be as natural as I can, but when shooting in a studio or working with flash, I currently use the new Trinity Lights from Elemental, very nice lights indeed.
Q: How did your orbis® help?
I do love the orbis®, I might use it in a strange way though. My orbis® pretty much lives mounted via my frio™ (on Eddie, the 3 Legged Thing tripod). I use it to provide back lighting and extra light to shape and illuminate people. I find the orbis® is great at creating mixed lighting (natural & flash). With a quick flick of a button you can have an instant soft box. Stand behind it and shoot through it, you have a ring flash, stand someone in front of it, you have a backlight. Kids love it too as it doesn’t get hot. I’m about to start taking two orbis® flash units with me to instantly create fast simple lighting solutions. It’s comforting to know that the orbis® will bail you out of tricky low light problems. The orbis® is perfect for those close up macro photography shots too.
Behind the scenes with Chloe-Jasmine (Make up Artist) & Oliva Ward (model) Gingersnap Models
Q: The orbis® is designed to give photographers an edge. It’s very challenging to make a living as a professional photographer, what are your tips for staying competitive in the industry?
Produce things that people need and want. Be in the right place at the right time. I guess it’s just that simple. Which is why it’s so challenging at the same time. It’s about getting the job done. Get the job done in the most stylish way possible.
Q: Your photos have a particular quality to them, how would you describe your personal style?
My work has started to develop a style that is both colourful and playful while keeping a high impact and vintage ethic. I like to give an element of story and drama. As a designer, this concept of story and narrative is always close by. I want to be entertained. Many of my artistic influences are film makers and musicians.
My Dave Piper photography website has the tag line :
“detail and clarity, fused with narrative form and function”.
Q: Are you a self-taught photographer, did you go to college or university, or did you have a mentor?
Fully self taught, sitting down and learning things does not come naturally to me. I learn best by observation. I cut my teeth with a wedding company called Prestige Photography. One day I walked in and asked for a job. A year later I was asked to assist on a wedding with them. Darren Rudge was the man that took that gamble. He looked after me for a while until I turned to the fashion world. Most of my awareness has come from the pages of Vogue, 125 Magazine, Love Magazine, Hollywood and MTV.
Creative minds like Tim Walker, Robert Voltaire, Sylvie Blum, David LaChapelle, Sally Mann, Jerry Uelsmann, Sir Cecil Beaton, Rankin and Woland continue to teach me.
I have never had a mentor as such, but lots of people have looked out for me. Bryon Paul McCartney would be one person who went out of his way to give me a break, I owe a lot to him.
Photo © Dave Kai-Piper. Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Q: Is there something you always ask yourself/think just before you press the shutter button?
It’s usually “Is this photo going to sit on my hard drive forever, untouched and just wasting space?”. With the Digital Age, its very easy to shoot 1000`s of frames. This is a pet hate of mine. If I shoot 50 frames, it would be nice to have 30 usable photos and 10 great frames. 80% of photography is done before you press the shutter. The thing I tend to think about before pressing the shutter is “Am I ready to press the shutter?”.
Q: What is one last impression you want to leave in your photos?
That’s an interesting question. Many people these days just see photography as something that is used to paparazzi celebrities. I want to leave the idea that, with all the many forms of digital media today, the still photograph is still king.
Q: Do you have any tips for those looking for advice from recognised photographers?
Have a vision, have an idea and have respect for the people around you.
Follow photographers’ blogs, send them questions, and ask to help, ask to assist. I love to get questions via e-mail and my blog. Many photographers will take the time to get back to you, as long as you ask sensible questions. Ask the normal, what brand camera do you use, and don’t sit about waiting for a reply. Be open and interesting, ask those questions that get people engaged. Above all, be confident in yourself.
Photo © Dave Kai-Piper. Model: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Q: Where can we hear more from you or see more of your work?
Check out my blog and website, or come say hi on Facebook. My website also has a contact page for more info.
Email |dave@davepiper.org.uk? 500px | http://500px.com/DaveKaiPiper
Dave Piper is but one of the many amazing photographers that we’ll bring to the forefront through a series of orbis® blog interviews. We’re stoked to have a diverse range of photographers equipped with the orbis® and even more so that we can share their tips and insights, because sharing is caring!
For stunning results like Dave, get your own orbis® in the enlight photo pro store and check in next month to see who’s getting amongst it with the orbis®!
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, adobe photoshop, birmingham, birmingham acadmey, Bryon Paul McCartney, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, Fashion, fashion shoot, flash, Joe Challita, Nikon D90, orbis® ring flash, photo editing, Photographers, Photography, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, portrait, Punk Rock, ringflash, speedligh, strobist, wedding photography
It’s all about being inspired !!
It’s all about being inspired !! This blog is really inspired by the vastly talented Camilla Akrans. Camila is the photographer that can lay claim to the photography used by Rhianna for the LOUD album. I love the tones Camilla has used, the bright red hair reminded me of another great album cover. I was inspired to do a Dave Kai Piper inspired mix of the two great shots.
Having the right look or image of paramount importance for the modern artist in the super fast turbulent music world. Just being noticed is hard enough, you have to look good too. Just look at the pop stars of today, the presentation and image can be more important than music created. Lady GaGA is an artist who has clearly fully understood this. Big money is spent on crafting personal images that can be sold and marketed worldwide. As a photographers we are a crucial and powerful cog in the media machine that enables this to happen. Its a tricky thing to get right. How does one begin to shoot a cover photo for someone like pop singer Rhianna. Camilla Akrans is the photographer responsible for Rhianna’s LOUD album. She did, what I think, is utterly fantastic job on the album. Its a great sexy and fashion look, something Camilla does seem to pull of again and again with sumptuous effect. It is clear that hours of careful planning and test shoots would of taken place to create such a project.
I have used Camilla’s wonderful work to inspire a shoot of my own. But, as always wanted my own spin on the idea. I wanted to show you my take on the purple duotone / cross processed look that Camilla has used to perfection on her cover shoot. Marilyn Manson had a very popular album called Mechanical Animals, it has this wonderful androgynous look, together with the red hair. These were my visual ques. The very beautiful Victoria Coutts from Gingersnap Models stepped in for me. The wonderful Chloe-Jasmine Whichello added the perfect make up.
We had our model, our inspiration, we just needed the photo!
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PDF GUIDE on how the photo was shot and edited.
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, A pretty model, Adobe Lightroom, adobe photoshop, album art work, album music cover, androgynous, blue eyeshadow, blue lips, Camilla Akrans, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, cross processed, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, eddie, eddit, edit, Edits, Fashion, fashion look, fashion shoot, Frio, Gingersnap Models, how to guid, loud, marylin manson, Mechanical Animals, Music Photography, Nikon D90, Orbis Flash, personal images, Photographers, Photography, photoshoot, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, photoshot, purple duotone, red hair, Rhianna, sexy and fashion look, Tutorial, Victoria Coutts, wedding photographer birmingham
ViewFinder Center for Photography
Photography Courses in Zurich, in English!
At ViewFinder, you can improve your camera skills, learn how to create more beautiful photos, and make new friends who share your passion for photography!
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
In February 2010, we opened the doors to our new studio, conveniently located in Zürich Kreis 4, just a short walk from Albisriederplatz, Letzigrund Stadium and Hardbrücke/Escher-Wyss Platz. Our new location presents great opportunities for classes and workshops both in the studio and out and about in central Zürich.
ViewFinder Photography Courses
and Workshops
At the ViewFinder Center for Photography, you’ll discover photography courses and workshops designed to meet your interests and needs. Our friendly, informal atmosphere will put you at ease so you can focus on improving your photography. All our courses are taught in English by an experienced instructor who is a working professional photographer. If you need help finding a photography course just right for your level of skill and interest, please send us an email.
August-December 2011 Course Schedule now online
We are dedicated to providing creative and innovative learning experiences that encourage people to develop their individual passion for photography, take better pictures and simply have more fun with photos.
2011 Course schedule for August – December
One-day courses in Zurich - Saturdays or Sundays, 10:30 – 17:30, or as noted.
For course details and further dates, click on the course name below. To register for any of these courses, please use our online registration system. If you have questions or need more information, click here to send us an email.
- dSLR 1-2-3 Photography for Beginners (Click course link for November/December dates)
Three-part series:
DSLR 1 – Saturday, 20 August
DSLR 2 – Saturday, 27 August
DSLR 3 - Saturday, 17 September - People & Portraits: Capturing Personality Sunday, 28 August
- Creative Composition 1: Fundamentals of making better photos :Saturday, 3 September Creative
Composition 2: Exploring your creative vision Saturday, 1 October - Exposure & Available Lighting Techniques Sunday, 2 October
- Intro to Studio Flash Lighting
- Studio Lighting Workshop with model Sunday, 6 November
- Better Travel Photography Saturday, 10 December
Evening classes in Zurich – Selected weeknights, 19:00 – 21:30
Evening courses are scheduled based on interest. Use our online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
Evening courses are scheduled based on interest. Use our online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
- Macro Photography Lab
- Low-Light and Night shooting
- DIY Portrait Lighting
- Canon Lens Fun Lab
- Editing, Organizing and Using your Digital Photos
- Editing & Organizing with iPhoto - Mac users
Summer Photo Workshops in Tuscany Workshops (2012 dates will be announced soon)
- Intimidation-Free Fine Art Nude Photography
- Workshop I. Light, Form & Expression
- Workshop II: Personal Vision & Portfolio
- Learn more about our Summer Tuscany Workshops here
If you’d like to be notified by email as we schedule evening courses and workshops, please send us an email at info@viewfindercenter.com.
Unless otherwise noted, courses are held at our studio center in Zürich:
Badenerstrasse 370, Halle 3
CH-8004 Zurich
CH-8004 Zurich
Courses are geared for beginner to intermediate experience. Some courses require a DSLR camera (a camera with changeable lenses). If you don’t yet have a DSLR, you can rent our studio camera for the day and “try before you buy” (CHF 30/day).
Still have questions? Call us at (+41) 052 203 3044 or send us an email.
> Click here to register for a course
Join us to explore special photography topics in just one evening.
Selected weeknights, from 19:00 – 21:30. Click on course name for info.
Macro Photography Lab
Low-Light and Night shooting
Editing, Organizing and Using your Digital Photos
Evening courses are scheduled based on interest. Please use our
online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
online registration system to let us know which course you would like to attend and we will send details.
Amore Toscana
Spring and Summer Photography Workshops
with Bryon Paul McCartney
2012 DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
A photo workshop is a great way to learn new photography techniques and immerse yourself in the craft of photography. Our workshops are open to photographers of all levels. Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned pro, our photography workshops help you develop your creative talent and improve your technical skills in the midst of scenic and inspiring southern Tuscany, Italy. In 2011, we offer four six-day workshops, based in beautiful San Quirico d’Orcia.
Quick Links to 2011 Classes
Find a class to explore your passion for photography! Follow the links below for details:
DSLR 1-2-3 Photography for Beginners
Creative Composition 1 & 2
Exposure & Available Light
People & Portraits: Capturing Personality
Better Travel Photography
Studio Lighting Workshop with model
Macro Photography Lab
Low Light & Night Shooting
DIY Portrait Lighting
Content reposted from – http://www.viewfindercenter.com/
We are dedicated to providing creative and innovative learning experiences that encourage people to develop their individual passion for photography, take better pictures and simply have more fun with photos.
Tagged Better Travel Photography, Bryon Paul McCartney, Canon Workshop II: Personal Vision & PortfolioLens Fun Lab, Course schedule, Creative Composition 1 & 2, Dave Piper - Latest Work, DIY Portrait Lighting, DSLR 1-2-3 Photography for Beginners, Exposure & Available Light, Fashion, fashion shoot, in English!, Low Light & Night Shooting, Macro Photography Lab, models, Music Photography, NIK Software., One-day courses in Zurich, People & Portraits: Capturing Personality, photo editing, photographer, Photographers, Photography, Photography Courses, Photography Courses in Zurich, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, Studio Lighting Workshop with model, Summer Photo Workshops in Tuscany Workshops, Switzerland, teaching Zurich, viewfinder centre, ViewFinder Photography Courses and Workshops, wedding photography, Zurich
Clowning Around – Fashion Beauty
After a wedding shoot the other day, Chloe and I were staying with the amazing Leah Mabe. Model, Photographer and Make Up Artist, we had to do a shoot !!
Working with good make up artists is so important when trying to push your photography. We spend money all areas of Photography, cameras, lens, flash kits and all sorts. I wanted to do a super low budget shoot but just showing how important good a good model and good make up artist can be. All of the photos taken here are with a set up that costs less than £1000.
The wonderfull Chloe-Jasmine Whichello was our model with the very amazing Leah Mabe as our talented Make Up artist.
Model: Chloe-Jasmine | gingersnap.co.uk
Make Up Artist: Leah Mabe | leahmabe.com
Post Production was very light and simple using a Duotone layer method, UnSharpen mask and some pressing of the stamp and clone tool along with the Heal Brush.
I used a Nikon D90 with a 50mm ( the f.1.4 lens), a SB900 and the magic Orbis® Flash. I have used the Orbis® super close to the models face, but, I have used a defuser between the model and the light source. Keeping at iso 200 and about f4 to f5, I found a light that worked really well and kept some super sharpness.
The orbis® Flash
My little review of the orbis® flash adaptor
I was first introduced to the orbis® Flash at Focus On Imaging in Birmingham earlier this year. For those of you who have not heard of this gadget, “the orbis® easily turns your harsh SLR flash into beautiful, shadowless light - the ring flash effect, with equipment you already own” is the promise from inventor James Madelin.
The pictures below are all shot using the orbis® attached to a SB900. Shot with a D90 @ 50mm. Eddie and a Frio were used to mount everything together.
Model & Make-up: Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
In a nutshell the Orbis® Flash is an adapter that shapes the light coming out of your speedlight / flash into a much nicer shape while adding a certain about of defusing at the same time. It has been called a budget Ringflash. Its important to not compare the orbis® to a 800watt mains powered Bowns or Profoto Ringflash, in my eyes they have been designed to meet different needs. They both have good points and bad points. If you are in a studio environment and have the time to set up a proper ring flash, then the orbis® is never going to be able to stand up to the raw power. This is due to the fact that the orbis® powered by a speedlight pushed into the bottom, its only reflecting the light into a better shape. It’s only going to ever be as strong as what ever speedlight you are using. I am lucky enough to have the SB900 Nikon flash which does kick out a strong light. This has led to overheating problem when attached the orbis® though. The studio is clearly not where the orbis® has been designed for.
A ringflash is a flash that is designed to wrap around the end of the lens leaving a space for the lens to come though the middle, the idea is that, this should leave very little shadow , creating even and soft light on the subject, I think, it was a dentist that first came up with the idea. Its the sort of lighting that forensic photographers use. Its used a lot by beauty and fashion photographers as it can be used to show great detail. Ringflash lighting is clean and simple to use. Most people use a ringflash close up for head shots. Usually a ringlash is part of a lighting set up in a studio with a hair light or back light too, nothing stops you from using it on its own though.
For me, the orbis® really comes into its own when you step outside or need a very lightweight portable lighting solution. With the rise of the popular Strobist / off-camera flash look it was only a matter of time before the big company started to make lighting modifiers for speedlights. Nothing really has come though as good as the orbis® though, It shapes the light so nicely. As a photographer, this is the single most important factor. For the last couple of months the orbis® has lived in my camera bag, at first, I never really used it that much. I do love natural light. At times I never even carry my flash, this would mean carrying an orbis® would be even more silly. I had the idea that the orbis® would only give me the Strobist look, something that I didn’t want. It was after a couple of weeks I started to really start shooting with the Orbis to see how versatile it is. Most of the time that I used the Orbis, it is mounted on Eddie ( 3 legged thing) and used as back light , side light or to create funky catch lights. Most of the shots taken don’t even look like they have had any flash at all. You can get some super soft lighting, and quickly do the super lightweight set up of the kit.
I have used the orbis® with the Frio, with a SB900 All mount on super lightweight Carbon Fibre Tripod from 3 Legged thing. Shooting Nikon is great as there is no need to buy any remote triggers, you can just set the Speedlight and Camera to fire remotely. You can do all adjustments in the camera menus. You can also pick up the orbis® camera mountings which nicely mount the flash,orbis® and camera all together. Great for shooting though the center of the orbis® in a ringflash style.
So its light, cheap and greats great light. But, it can be bulky as a portable bit of lighting kit at times, it does overheat the flash if used “pap style”, when mounted on the camera, it does create a bit of a funny weight problem. There is also a small problem of being able to fully use the lenses to zoom or focus as the orbis® sits over this part of the lense (when shooting though it) I get round this by mounting the orbis® on the Tripod and just shooting though the middle. Pretty much all lenses do fit, of course a 200mm f2.0 wont fit, but why would you need it to !!
To sum up, for the small downsides the orbis® has, it’s quickly turning into a vital part of my camera kit. While out on a shoot, just having it close by is a comfort, knowing how much of a creative tool it can be. I am very sure Nikon, Cannon, Metz and the other lighting companies starting kicking them self when they saw the orbis®. I would never dream of using my Speedlight without the orbis® attached now. I would love to see some colour gels for the orbis®, and I wonder if orbis® will ever make their own flash to fit the adapter in an even more snug way, I don’t know, I hope so as most of the downfalls are not the orbis®s fault but in fact limits of the flash units.
The photos of Chloe-Jasmine on this blog are all shot using the orbis®, the very top photo is using the orbis® as a ringflash, the next two underneath are using the orbis® as an off-camera flash, balancing with the window lights. These photos were taken on my living room floor and wall. Mains powered ring flashes tend to be very powerful and hard to mix with natural light. Another point for the orbis®.
In a couple of days, I am flying off to teach on Bryon Paul McCartney’s art Nude workshops. I have given a great deal of thought to which kit get the nod and gets to come with me. Space is very tight when packing to travel and fly. The pros and cons of the orbis® are very clear. The shape and light that it gives, the creative ways that it can be used are enough to justify the size and bulk. Are are also taking an Elinchrom quadra if things need that bit extra. In Tuscany, there is always great light, we tend to use alot of reflectors to balance out shadows, but this year, I feel the orbis® will be taking care of the fill lights and helping to creative effect. I am hoping that cooling the flash head in the Tuscan sun will not be to much of a problem, we shall see !
Overall, does the orbis® work. Yes. Should you have one, very much so. If you are an events photographer, Sports, Wedding, Portrait or art photographer, there are very few reasons why you should not have an orbis®
Do also check out the Frio and 3 legged thing Tripods. The Frio is very clever little clip that enables you to mount the flash to a tripod, it has a very simple and safe locking system. I was and do use the fabulous tripods from 3 legged thing
Be sure to check out the orbis® Flickr group ( link )
I always have a flash gun with me. An orbis® would be ideal for shooting in low light environments without wanting to overpower the ambient. My ring flash on its lowest setting is still really powerful – Christian Scott
Tagged 3 Legged thing., 50mm @ F1.4, A pretty model, Adobe Lightroom, adobe photoshop, birmingham, birmingham acadmey, Bryon Paul McCartney, Carbon Fibre Tripod, Chloe-Jasmine, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, fashion shoot, flash, Frio, James Madelin, models, Music Photography, NIK Software., Nikon, Nikon D90, off camera flash, Orbis, Orbisringflash, orbis®, photo editing, photographer, Photographers, Photography, photoshop info, ringflash, wedding photography
Infrared Photography
I am by no means an IR professional photographer (Infrared photography), I am just someone who is lucky enough to be able to shoot with converted camera.
Check out my Flickr account for more of the IR set that I have been shooting over the last few months.
All these photos have been taken at 50mm with a Converted 5D. I am happy to take questions about the camera or any other details.
