...and we're back. I've been away for the longest time thanks to research work and preparations for my thesis proposal. The proposal went well last week and was accepted so i decided to do work on a personal photography project ( still very hush hush at the moment but will launch it soon ) along with a few paid and friendly photo-shoots. Many of you keen eyed individuals might have noticed that i've already put up two photoshoot projects ( Project Tunji & Project Jason ) but i just wanted to talk about them in a bit more detail.
As we all know, i currently reside in a country that cannot seem to settle on a type of weather pattern to stick with. One moment it's clear with no snow on the ground, the other it's pouring rain followed by an intense snow storm followed by -35 degrees Celsius wind chills. In such conditions it's difficult to just pop out for a photo taking walk about. I in-turn took this as a sign to improve my indoor photography skills.
I dont have much for a studio setup, just a speedlite flash and a few desk lamps. I did however manage to get a few key lights with umbrella reflectors for pretty cheap (as seen on the right). They do the job really well and the daylight corrected bulbs helped me create an interesting mood lighting set up for some of the shoots. Also, being blessed with an apartment with white walls really helps.
As we all know, i currently reside in a country that cannot seem to settle on a type of weather pattern to stick with. One moment it's clear with no snow on the ground, the other it's pouring rain followed by an intense snow storm followed by -35 degrees Celsius wind chills. In such conditions it's difficult to just pop out for a photo taking walk about. I in-turn took this as a sign to improve my indoor photography skills.
I dont have much for a studio setup, just a speedlite flash and a few desk lamps. I did however manage to get a few key lights with umbrella reflectors for pretty cheap (as seen on the right). They do the job really well and the daylight corrected bulbs helped me create an interesting mood lighting set up for some of the shoots. Also, being blessed with an apartment with white walls really helps.
The first shoot, with my friend Tunji Lawal, was probably the first time i've switched away from typically posed 'professional / look straight at the camera' type photography indoors. He's an aspiring singer/rapper for whom, i thought, a highly moody setup would be ideal to emphasize on a different form of aura and artistic persona. The props used were also impromptu and very well incorporated ( i think ). This involved change in wardrobe and the use of a wine glass.
The photo seen below is an unedited one to give a raw feel for the lighting set up. I wanted just one side of this profile to be lit so i didn't necessarily have to necessarily place both lights to be on.
The photo seen below is an unedited one to give a raw feel for the lighting set up. I wanted just one side of this profile to be lit so i didn't necessarily have to necessarily place both lights to be on.
This was followed by a few shots with Tunji sitting down and man other poses. Some involved a single speedlite setup to provide with a harsh lighting source.
The next shoot was a relatively quick one with my friend Jason Currie, who wanted a professional and formal head-shots to be done. This was more up my alley so you know what to expect. Although, i did try the sit down - one flash set up with him and it actually helped put a punch in the fruit punch that was the photo ( terrible pun but it's late.. ).
I will start off with a behind the scenes photo of jason getting ready followed by a few shots of him in his formal ( monkey ) suit.
I will start off with a behind the scenes photo of jason getting ready followed by a few shots of him in his formal ( monkey ) suit.
well it's 1 in the morning and my stomach is growling for some cereal and cold milk. Stay tuned for my up coming project launch. I'm naming it Half 'n' Half.
That's all i'm going to delve into.
That's all i'm going to delve into.
cheers all..
-ABK
