Mixed Lighting Portrait Feedback
Today I received feedback for my mixed lighting, I thought I’d start this post by repeating what I think of this image.
I like this image but I wished I could spend more time with Stan, I wish that I had more time to do this shot. It had to be cropped because of there was a distracting figure on the right, so I had to crop it. I wanted to put Stan on the rule of thirds but then the image didn’t work.
I was also worried that it wouldn’t be judged as a portrait because Stan wasn’t looking at the camera. I however feel I did well to balance the flash and ambient light. So now it’s time to reveal what my peers said.
I’d say the majority of the class and both Celine and Julian liked this portrait. The class felt I met the brief in the image using mixed-lighting techniques and that it showed a person at work. Celine said “It’s defiantly mixed lighting” this was followed with “it’s well exposed“.
Celine also liked the style of how I’d shot it. “Theres a nice feel of reportage in this shot … you’ve let him get on with his tasks but theres still that feel of he knows his picture is being taken“.
Julian liked the image but he also gave me advice to shoot with a tripod. That way I can take full control of the shot. I can compose the camera then I can move Stan, I can move lights around knowing that I’ve got my frame ready. Which if I do that hand-held I’m playing a very risk game, especially if I have the perfect shot, move and then I can’t recreate that angle anymore. Julian also said I should take control and ask for just another minute of his time. Julian also felt the lighting was mixed nicely but he felt that maybe the background could’ve been a tiny bit darker, which if I had time, I would’ve been able to.
On the left is my lighting diagram from the shot. I decided to use a 24-70 because I wanted to get as much in the frame as possible. A 50mm would’ve been too tight, not only would the location be lost, but also the sky would’ve been lost as well.
I collected my equipment earlier today. Below is the equipment that I’ll be using:
This would be shot on the Bow of HMS Belfast. It is tradition that the flag is raised in the morning and taken down at night. I could get Stan to stand next the flagpole holding the rope that holds the flag. I think this would be very good because it will having a feeling of Rule Britannia. I also might try this shot as a close up, just focusing on the face with the Union Jack in the background. If I go closer I would be able to show the IWM logo.
The Yeoman’s are there as the first people who introduce the customers onto the ship. So I was thinking of getting one of Stan saluting me, essentially saying Welcome onboard. This would be shot on the Stern of the ship where the customers start there tour of the ship.
My 3rd idea would be recreating my most favourite task from my work experience, brightwork. I had to polish the guns, brass & the torpedo of the ship. I did initially think I could use the portholes as my other source of light. However there aren’t any there. However I could possibly use the tv screen providing information about the torpedo he’s cleaning. Interestingly people spend more time looking at the tele rather than what he’s polishing.
My four idea involves Stan walking up one of the many ladders. This shot however might be tough to accomplish, it might be tough to get the lighting right, also some ladders don’t have other light sources next to them. Finally they could be busy with people wanting to use them.
My fifth idea was Stan playing the role of the tour guide. I would probably get Tiana to stand in the foreground and look at Stan as he ‘talks’ to her about the history of HMS Belfast.
I however am gonna base my shoot around HMS Belfast. In 2013 I did work experience for the Imperial War Museum, which lasted two weeks. For the majority I was posted on HMS Belfast, I built up a great rapport with the Chief Yeoman Kevin Price Bem Msm who has had just under 30 years experience with the Royal Navy. I built up a great friendship with him which as a result means I now have free access to this wonderful piece of history. This unfortunately does mean I can’t use him for the portrait shoot.
Another idea was getting a picture of Stan replacing the aromas. When you walk into the turret theres a smell of cordite, walk into the galley theres a smell of bread. These are all created via a heated cup in the corner of roof. Which I couldn’t find any of them during my visit. However HMS Belfast has nine decks so I’m sure there are loads of photographic ideas.
The first location I considered was both the Boiler and Engine room. These are two areas that are deep within the armoured hull. However I feel we would still be able to get the single Elinchrom Quadra down there. I feel I could create some good shots down there. I could probably play with the lines of the pipes. This could be a place to quickly getting shot showing him “polish” the brass. As a matter of fact, the bottom of the boiler room around 18 ft below the waterline is closed to public. I don’t know why but maybe I might be able to go in and take images without affecting the public. Which if I was gonna shoot here, I’m gonna have to be mobile to find the other light source.
Another location is the gun turrets. The for’ard turret is open the public. This is a bit more open that the Engine and boiler room. Also the door could provide the other source of light.
The 3rd location is the bridge of HMS Belfast. This is where a yeoman is usually positioned to hand out items of clothing to customers, usually children to wear and pretend to be the captain or an officer looking for the enemy. There is loads of sources of natural light.
Also on the bridge theres an interactive game where you can control numerous ships. I myself during my work experience loved to play this game during my lunch hour and apparently other members like to play this on there break. However it might be tough to photograph Stan and the game, unless if I can capture his reflection on the screen. Which might be tough, then again might not.
One image I was thinking about is getting Stan looking up the ladder at me.
I’ve emailed numerous places starting with Greenwich Park. This is because I always like to go for a walk through the park, I really appreciate the pristine condition of the landscape. So I wanted to do the shoot around those who maintain the park. I’ve send two emails since Friday and heard nothing.
After this I came up with another idea, I thought about using the market traders at Billingsgate market. Once again two forms filled out and an email to billingsgatemarket@cityoflondon.gov.uk [which is gonna take 10 working days] and I haven’t heard anything back.
The 3rd place I’ve emailed is the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. I know a few of the volunteers for them because I’ve covered a few of there fundraising events. So I was hoping one of them could point me in the direction of one of there charity shops that would be willing to let me use there shop for the environmental portrait. Which I haven’t had a response.
I do have a few other ideas, but the problem is that until I have a location and I know the name of the first-aider. I can’t fill out a risk assessment for the Elinchrom Quadra lights. And each day I wait for the risk assessment is another day where I can’t shoot. I wish that I was able to do this portrait with a speedlite because in some environments it would probably be better. To which I’ve messaged my tutor, asking if I could compromise and use my Canon flashgun instead.
Equipment wise, I’ve booked out a Elinchrom Quadra ELB 400 Sport Head Flash System, a Elinchrom stand and a light metre. I’m hoping to also book out a full frame camera either the 1D-c or a 5D Mk.iii so I can make full of a wide angle like a 24-70 or maybe even a 16-35 to show the whole environment. But as mentioned I can’t take the light until I fill out the risk assessment and I can’t do the risk assessment until I know where I’m shooting.
Ben Peters Digital Photography 