Studio Photography: One/Two Light Portraits
This post and next features commissioned portrait work. The bulk of what we shot in both cases featured a single subject light and, in some cases, a background light. The power of a single subject light setup is that it allows the photographer and subject to concentrate on what’s really important; the soul/personality/attitude of the subject, to stay behind the camera and remain connected with your subject. To this point, its also very helpful to have an excellent assistant. In this case I had Marek Lakatko and he made all the difference.
These two light setups are GREAT, but the light modifier you choose for your subject light is critical. In today’s images I used a 46 inch Alien Bees Octobox. This is a very large softbox and produces excellent catch lights in the eyes. I move the light in to 3 feet or so of the subject, position it high and, typically, to the side. In some cases I’ll come right over the top and front of the subject. The background light is an Alien Bees strobe with a 30 degree spot grid.
These folks are the founders of a consulting firm. We shot for nearly 5 hours capturing over 500 frames in the studio with different looks of clothing, backgrounds, etc.
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Awesome work AJ and all! A sharp look for a sharp team
Alec,
Love the simplicity of the setup! Are you using the 85mm? And are you using the neutral gray background then hitting it with color in Photoshop? Excellent job.
Travis
Hi Amy and Travis,
Thanks for stopping by. Amy, you are right…it was a job well done by all, especially the clients!
Travis, the first two were shot with the fixed 85mm, the second two with my 16-35mm! The background was a colored background, so no need to do any color work in PS on the background.
Cheers,
Alec
AJ
Stunning…ditto to Travis’s comment on the simplicity. I particularly like the last two because of the depth created by having the hands up close. I really enjoy the treatment of the third image too. Hope you are out shooting!
KG
Hi KG,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I didn’t get much on the north shore, but who cares? Its the north shore…so nice to get away and I really wish you could have joined me. Next time…
You definitely captured personality and attitude, Alec. What do yo say or do to bring this out in your subjects?
Hi Kevin,
Great question…wish I had a great answer, but I do a few things that help.
1) Create environment for client to be comfortable. That starts with good space, nice music, clean, comfortable;
2) Know the subject. In many cases I have a preexisting relationship, and if I don’t I’ll want to meet before the shoot;
3) I try to be very prepared ahead of the shoot. I know the setups I want, I’ve planned out the progression of the shoot, I’ve done research on posses I like or come up with my own, developed concepts for the shots, and I make sure to convey to the client all of this;
4) I get myself in a good place. Lots of rest before the shoot, some mediation, good meal and some coffee doesn’t hurt. This all allows me to be very present relative to the subject. My focus is right there.
5) A Good Team: I try to structure things so I or my assistant is “interviewing” the subject. I had Marek there and he is a natural people person. He warmed them up. I also had Katie doing makeup and hair, and her presence is steady and warm. In that process I will get very natural expressions from the subject as well as gain a better understanding of their energy and personality. This will tell me how far and where I can push the subject.
I think that’s it. Hope this helps. Nothing magical.
Thanks again for the great question.
Cheers,
Alec
Hi!
Loved the photo shoot! Great images and I learned so much!
Ill call and we can get together. The holidays are syuch a busy time.
By the way, how would you like to shoot the lights at Rice park? Might be a great shot.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Marek
Awesome pictures.