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Tag Archives: portrait
The Glasses Shoot
Ages and ages ago, Chloe-Jasmine and I had a little shoot at the house .
These are super simple.
- Single Light from an SB900
- Light modified using the Orbis
- 50mm prime lense
The B&W conversion was done using the Duotone Mode.
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/
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
Dave Kai Piper Interview | Lady Sybilia
Photographer Dave Kai Piper interview-
“Do you want the truth or something beautiful?”
An interview with Lady Sybilia for http://sybilia.wordpress.com/
“Perhaps the pursuit of perfection, is the pursuit of sweetness and light.
~Matthew Arnold~
Coming across Dave Kai Piper’s work was an interesting moment for me as i’ve been always evaluating personal style,aesthetic choices that reveal a direction towards soothing the eye with pure photographic artistry rather than initially impressing with uber fabulous choices of subjects,lighting,editing, as i reckon is the current trend. Ok i like several styles. Yet, the above plus the personality of the photographer itself played a significant role in me requesting him to answer,in his very own style naturally,the basic ‘Lady Sybilia’s’ questions…He kindly accepted, showcasing the context behind the concept..and other interesting details..
Your work showcases a strong interest in certain vintage aesthetics with a modern view. Is that the case?
Its a complex subject, however you’re not far wrong. I love the romance and elegance from what we could call Vintage. I would not for one moment say that I set out to shoot anything Vintage for artistic merit, its more to evoke a feeling of time and place. The concept of Vintage is tricky for me. For me, Vintage is more a concept and context in which to tell your story.
If you were ehm.. ‘forced’ to choose a certain era/photographer for image inspiration, which would that be and why?
I guess this answer is an extension of the last. Most of my biggest artistic influences have not been photographers or artists in the context of still frame. I am sure the close links between my family and the church have had an impact. The Catholic use of the Baroque after the Council of Trent, I guess, would be an era that was a catalyst for me and my work. Normal is never quite enough. I love the way the Baroque comes after you. It makes you form opinion, it makes you form your views. I like to think my work can do the same. Pretty photos are not enough, they need to engage the audience on another level. Inspiration is a strange thing. Being lucky enough to live in the UK we have some of the most amazing photographers and artists on our doorsteps, so there are many people I could name. When it all comes down to it. I like a good story. I want to be entertained. Many of my artistic influences are film makers and musicians. Marilyn Manson being the biggest along with Tolkien. Over the years there have been many amazing people who have shaped my world view, and there for my artistic views too. Its a very hard question to answer. But, If forced to, I would say, Cecil Beaton. This would for the sheer honest elegance and ability to create a story from a still photograph. Beaton shows us that photography is about content in context.
-Could you describe your overall vision/idea behind your work?
Sounds awfully Cliché, but I am quite aware that my work will live longer than I. I want to make a body of work that is going to live beyond me. To give something back to the world that has given so much to me. I guess my artistic views are formed on the sense that, what ever I do has to be created to stand for many years to come. To answer the first question. Yes. Its my version of what the Baroque is.
-Was fashion photography/photography your main idea or a career or emerged through life experiences?
I would still not say I really do shoot fashion. I would say that my style is to shoot fashion based portraits. The main focus is emotive content, then subtext is fashion in most cases. -Could you define some major influences that have shaped your view on things, perhaps photographers, designers, artists? There are many people who have shaped my views. There are few people who have actively came to me and helped me though. These people have defined me as a person and played major roles in my life. It’s unfair to name people, but they do know who they are. Most of them have not been photographers or artists, but people. Most of these people have put their time and energy into me a person, I owe a debt to these people, that, one day I hope I can repay.
-Are there some moments you’d define as crucial to your career, certain collaborations ,work features etc, that come to mind as milestones to you as a photographer?
Meeting Bryon Paul McCartney ? Meeting Chloe-Jasmine Whichello ? Meeting George Eko ? Meeting Steve Lewis ? Meeting Joe Challita ? Meeting Karl Baxter ? Meeting Krishan Parmar ? . . . It’s such a long question to give an honest reply to, the list above could go on for a many a thousand names. But of course there are some people who have had a more direct impact. Some people have been in my life for an hour, some people for many years. Some people I might never see again, others I am yet to meet. I don’t think I have reached any major cross roads yet, but, when I do, I am sure I will have the right people around me to help me see my path. Sometimes life is about choosing the people you stand next to.
The Westminster Shoot | Fashion Shoot
These were taken way back in Jan for Rag Mag out in Beirut.
Photographer : Dave Kai Piper
Make Up & Hair: Leah Mabe
Model: Racheal Howard / Chloe-Jasmine Whichello & Ruby Slate Balthazar
Dress: Joe Challita
Jewellery: Peter Lang A/W 11
A very special thank you to Lucinda Ellery and Chloe-Jasmine for the location and all your help on the day.
Westminster | London
Shot for Rag Mag | Beirut
Tagged Bands, Beirut, birmingham acadmey, Clhoe-Jasmine Whichello, dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, Fashion, Fashion Birmingham, fashion shoot, Joe Challita, Leah Mabe, models, Music Photography, Peter Lang A/W 11, photo editing, Photographers, Photography, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, portrait, Racheal Howard, Rag Mag, Ruby Slate Balthazar, wedding photographer birmingham, wedding photography, wedding photos
An Update !! Summer Cover Shoot
Just a little update.
We have a confirmed cover model and just awaiting news of the other girls. We will be shooting on the 18th and the 25th of April !!

Miss Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Tilda Swinton (Ice Queen) Cover Shoot
I have been meaning to write this blog for a long time, it’s a bit over due, but never the less, it’s here. It’s about the digital side of how the Winter 2010 Cover Shot was edited up. I really don’t want to get into detail about how, in a detailed technical way anything was really done here. It would take a long time if I were to do so. If you do want a closer break down, mail me !!

I have to be honest, the cover did end up a little different to how I wanted it. I really wanted to not have to use a digital composite photo for the cover, the original plan was to shot the cover super low @ f1.2 and to use a digital projected background that I had pre-made in Photoshop. In the version of the photo that was used, F8 was used , shot on a white background and the background is fully digital. This was because the f1.2 version gave a much darker feeling, although, I prefer the photo ( which can be seen here ), it was not suitable for the cover of a make up magazine. So another photo was selected. During the shoot a few “safety” shots were taken at the higher F-stop as I knew the F1.2 shots were going to be a risky move.

Photoshop was the starting point, I made up an image to be used as my projected background. On the cover photo, this was just added in as a background layer and composited in. I guess this was step one, joining my background and model.
As with all my editing work, I like to keep to a similar flow, starting with the Skin, Sharpen, Colour, Stamp Clone and repeat. Using about a million layers in the process. By the end of this photo, there are actually two PSD files, each with about 30/35 layers each. I could have used a PSB file which would have be better I think, but, next time maybe. A PSB file is the same as a PSD file, but designed to look after much bigger files. So the photo. had a good going over with the Stamp and clone tool, but, due to the amazing make up, the skin was pretty much flawless to start with. To begin with I was very worried about how the background would interact with my model, so some colour blending layers are added to even out any tonal problems with the layers. I needed them to match perfectly. Levels and photo filters are used controlled by layer masks.
To begin with, all my focus is on the background, then I turn my attention to the darker tones , bringing them into the tones and colour I want to use. more adjustment layers are used for this. My main focus was to get a nice punchy blue and contrast. Once I have them where I want for now, I pull the middle tones in then followed by the higher tones. Using a combination of Saturation and Hue changes with the paint brush tool, the make was lifted and enhanced. I am not a big fan of the dodge or burn tools, instead i prefer to use levels and control them using layer masks. Colour work has begun on the eyes
At this point I have my full colour adjusted photo pretty much where I want it, with the background nicely placed and good place to start really finishing off this photo. If you look close, you should notice bits of the dress have been repaired, bits of hair placed to improve the balance, lips and jaw line lifted. The main change in this layer is the grey overtone that has been applied. This was done using a Duotone Layer made up from shades of Gray.
Skin Colour work has really begun to take form. Using layer masks, lighter colours are painted over the skin in Screen mode to help build the matt shine. Work on the finger nails and hands has begun. The whole frame is being duplicated and re-layered over the existing photo , then blended back down to start to give the soft transparent shine. A few more areas are targeted for the unsharp mask tool. A few of the gems are lifted off the skin to create more balance. The stones that are left are sharpened one by one and have the glue behind them removed. Shape of the eye is enhanced.
The whole photo is level corrected (duplicated, placed on top then merged down using layer blending modes, controlled with layer masks) , converted into CYMK, cropped into the cover ratio, logos added and printed. Simple !! ish !!
Face On Winter cover
Photographer | Dave Kai Piper
Model & Make Up | Liv Free
Styling | Krishan Parmar
Dress | Joe Challita
Rings | Fei Lui
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[Blog] - [Photography] - [Coaching] - [Gallery]
Tagged dave kai piper, Dave Piper - Latest Work, Edits, Face On, Fashion, how to make an ice qeuee, how to make an ice queen, ice queen how to, icw queen, Liv Free, liv free makeup, photographer, Photographers, Photoshop, photoshop info, Photoshop tutorial, portrait, protraits, Punk Rock, queen photo, Tilda Swinton, wedding photographer birmingham, winter cover
Royal Inclination | Tear Sheet
This how RAG MAG introduce Joe , below is the 10 page exclusive spread. These photos were shot over a 3 shoots, credits are on the photos.
JOE CHALLITA, 31 year old Australian-Lebanese designer, adorest women. RAGMAG knows this because only a self professed “dreamer and a helpless romantic” could create gowns that virtually sing. We decided on JOE for our ROYAL ISSUE because the man brings out our love affair with fashion on a grand scale. Graduating with a double degree in Arts and Law and becoming a qualified solicitor, he then transitioned into fashion. We spoke to JOE about celebrity, geographical influences of the Commonwealth and Lebanon, Khalil Gibran, and WHAT MAKES HIM FIT TO DRESS THE QUEEN.
Joe is by far and away my favourite designer on the planet, every time I shoot a CHALLITA dress is such an honour.
RAGMAG – http://www.ragmaglive.com/
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Why Watermark a Photo ?
Ciaran Whyte posted a question on Facebook that did get me thinking a little. I have been meaning to write about for a while.
Ciaran asks:
I’ve been shooting 6 years now and to date I have avoided adding watermarks to my images. But given the recent theft of one my images and due a strange increase in requests for higher resolution versions of my images for wall papers, I have been revisiting the whole idea of watermarking. I’m not sure of the best way to add them… is this too much? Any suggestions?
I will be fair and balanced (ish) as I think outloud on to this blog. My things is… If your are going to be photos in the public domain, do expect them to be used by other people, legal or not. If your not watermarking your work its like leaving the keys in the car, and the motor running, your asking for problems.
If the photos are being taken of a website that you can control, there are many many ways of preventing this by using software to remove the option to save the photo direct of the site. Taking away the , Save As function can solve many problems. This is a very simple thing to solve. If the photos are being taken from a third party site like Facebook, Model Mayhem,Purestorm or any others, its very simple to solve also. Just don’t use them. But, this is just not practical, so, most of us just except the trade off and get the benefit. Use a watermark.
I use a magazine style credit for all members of the creative team, Its a nice simple way to give access and information to the other people while at the same time as showing ownership to solve and provent any simple faux pas. Its fine for me and my style of work, I can use it to show who does what and when, use it provide a background. Another key element is that I work in different ways with other people, This photo below was a was not my photography but my editing. It was in fact taken by my buddy, Bryon. Using this style of watermark is perfect for me to show my relationship to a photo.
Everyone is going to have there own reasons for tagging a photo, but it does shock me when people dont. I have to think, Do they really not want to claim credit to there work ? do they not want people to trace the photo back to its creator ? If they don’t, can they really complain when it is used for something beyond there means to proven ? As a photographer that’s why I am putting the photos out into the public eye in the first place, the more times they are reposted the harder they become to track and find the end user. As a Photo Editor for a magazine, this is very annoying, having to try and trace owners of lovely photos.
As Photographer Jay McLaughlin says:
“mostly self promotion, my theory is that if someone wants to steal your image, they will… it’s a sad fact of the internet.
So I figure it’s better to let them advertise me in the process”
“so what if someone moves it ? just out of intrestest ? Would you confront them ?” I asked back.
“I’d do what I’ve done to a photographer recently send him an invoice then when he doesn’t pay… take him to court. I won’t watermark over the middle of an image it ruins it”
Paul Ottey says
“I use watermarks so people can find their way back to my own archive of images on the internet. Direct links can become unclear after the second or third reblogging of an image. I think they should be subtle and added to the image in a way that does not spoil the viewers experience of the image”
Clear and very vaild reasons to use them, Its a good way to keep tabs and track of your photos.
The message here is, Protect your self and be sensible. Use a nice small credit or watermark, avoid problems by claiming ownership early on. I do want leave this article a little open ended as there is another article coming soon to follow up, so , till then I shall leave you with a funky way to tag a photo.
http://www.jaymclaughlin.co.uk/


































