Portraits – Photographer Joel Grimes – Website www.joelgrimes.com
LOCATION: The background image was shot in Denver Colorado and the subject was shot in my LA studio.
CAMERA AND LENS: I am currently using a Canon 5D Mark II. The background image was shot using a Canon 16-35 2.8 set at 16mm, and the basketball player Ryan William was shot using a Canon 24mm TS f/4 lens.
LIGHTING: Here I am using three Paul C. Puff Einstein’s, set at the high speed flash duration. The two side lights are run through two Photoflex large soft boxes with grids and my main overhead light is run through a medium Photoflex Octodome.
CREATIVE PROCESS: This image came from a project for the Ball Up team, which is part of the Pro Streetball Basketball league. The concept was to have them photographed in urban street scenes. I shot a total of 11 players on a white sweep in my studio and knocking them out in Photoshop CS5.
POST PRODUCTION: All the final images were composites and the biggest challenge for this project was coming up with 11 different backgrounds. The original backgrounds were shot in HDR and processed through Photomatix, and then all the post edgy techniques were done in Photoshop CS5.
Joel has been a huge inspiration to me throughout my career. He is an awesome photographer who is willing to share his knowledge to help you take your photography and business to the next level. I highly recommend his video tutorials, which you can purchase on his blog.
Weddings – Photographer David Murray – Website www.davidmurrayweddings.com
LOCATION: Andover Massachusetts (Boston suburb)
CAMERA AND LENS: Nikon D3 and Nikkor 17-35mm 2.8
LIGHTING: Available light only
CREATIVE PROCESS: It was my first Hindu wedding and was just getting my bearings at the beginning of the ceremony. I noticed several boys, being the curious kittens that they can be, trying to see what was on the other side of the silk cloth that had been set up as a barrier between the bride and groom. This is the part where they see one another for the first time. I got down on my knees, and took the camera down closer to the floor and away from my eye. I set the camera so that the red focus square would be on the right side of the frame. After that, I just kept pushing the focus button as the action unfolded, hoping that I was framing the subject correctly. The frame shown was the result of what happens when boys will be boys!
POST PRODUCTION: There was little done in Photoshop. The image is a raw file. I had exposed for the groom and his parents (left side of frame), which meant that the boys were almost two stops under. Pulling them out of the darkness is just a normal event for a former newspaper and wire photographer, because it is, for them, about the moment.
Film Still – Photographer Crash Taylor – Website - www.photographsbycrashtaylor.com
LOCATION: Lonesome village road.
CAMERA AND LENS: Canon 5d Mark II and Canon 85mm 1.2 L II.
LIGHTING: Natural light
CREATIVE PROCESS: I was scouting some locations and taken some stills of the lead actress for an upcoming short called Subconscious. I asked her to cover her face with hair leaving one eye visible and walk towards me. I asked her to raise her hand as she approached the camera. This was the first frame and it worked. It was a very overcast rainy day, which added to the atmosphere and made the models hair wet.
POST PRODUCTION: Photoshop CS4 – Silver Efex Pro 2 was used for a contrasty black and white image. I then added a texture, which is a shot of my car window covered in rain and dirt. I also played around with the eye to give it a more sinister effect.
Weddings – Photographer Crash Taylor – Website - www.crashtaylor.com
LOCATION: Stubton, Nottinghamshire, UK
CAMERA AND LENS: Canon 5d Mark II and Canon 16-35mm 2.8L
LIGHTING: Two off camera Canon speedlites placed on the bands speakers. Canon ST-E2 transmitter on the camera.
CREATIVE PROCESS: I always try to create an image that is completely different to the norm on the first dance. I love to include family, friends and the band within the frame to add dimension and also to create an image the bride and groom will cherish forever. I was taking a photo of the bride and groom when I saw the bride’s father’s hand pop into my frame. I pulled back to include his face and pressed the shutter. The expressions are wonderful and Dad seems so interested in what he is capturing on the screen.
The lighting from the off camera speedlites is perfect and rims all three of them. I use this setup on all my first dances when I can.
POST PRODUCTION: Photoshop CS4 – Silver Efex Pro 2 was used for a contrasty black and white image.