It's on.

In my last post I've mentioned that i was in a studio.
Well, here are the approved pictures. Enjoy, and share your thoughts.

See my other pictures in my Picasa album 

1st time...

I'm over it. Yes, i had my fist studio session, my first request for it, and the first feedback about the photos.

It's done.

I can tell, if you want to try yourself out in a studio, don't hesitate. It's amazing, hard, and exhausting.

Photos will come soon, but until than let me share some toughs and good to know tips for the first tries.

So the things what I've learnt. 

The most important thing is to ask for assistance. You can do everything by yourself, but handling the lists/tripods, etc and shooting the pictures will distract you, and the model too. Which can be seen on the pictures.

The second thing, is to take short breaks. I've been making photos for more than 2 hours, and i realize that in every 30-45 minute it's good to have a 5-10 minute break, while your model can rest a bit, or can check the pictures or correct the makeup. It will build confidence in her/himself, and gives you some time to think.

Bring water! In the center of the flashes the model will require to drink. and believe or not, you too.

Use everything the model has. Long hair? nice legs? colorful eye? well shaped lips? Record. Concentrate on them. Use them. Believe or not, if you focus on the "parts" what the model is proud to, will make her/him to do a showoff. And than you can capture the essence of the model.

Look around in the studio. Is there anything what you can bring in to the scene? Even a pair of gloves can bring some extra.

Don't afraid to ask the model to do something. If you were able to connect with the model, she/he will be happy to do what you ask. (within in reasonable limits of course) Just ask. Move the model. Ask to make silly faces. try to make the session to be fun. If the model enjoys the session, you'll be able to make good pictures.

And speak. Show that you are keen to make good pictures. Tell what you want to see, in short sentences. Make it simple. Turn left a bit, turn your head back. Look here, look over there. Turn around, look back. But before that, tell why you asking. ( like ok. on the next series i want to make pictures like this. I would like to see this. ok?)

On technical side, don't forget to ask about the flashes. Flash sync speed is important. For example in my case the flashes could be used on 1/160s sync speed. I didn't know that. I've started the session on 1/200. So most of my pictures had the gradient shade on the lower side of the sensor, and i've noticed it only at home.

These are the things i've learnt. I hope you'll be able to use them, and again. Don't hesitate to go to studio. It's fun, and you can develop a lot. Grab a friend and go make some photos.

Rapid Shooting

One of my friend asked me yesterday, if I would have some time to make some pictures about his friend for some web contest. It was Friday afternoon, and i knew that i would have 2 hours free on the weekend. So i said yes.

The only thing i knew that the subject of the photos would be a girl who will wearing a corset, and she wants outdoor pictures. We fixed the time for 2:30 PM, and the location, the nearby ruins of an amphitheatrum. 

So Today i started my ritual, which i always do before the session: dismantle the gear i will use, clean every part of it one by one, and assemble it again, put it back to my camera bag. It usually takes 30 minutes, and helps me to clear my mind. I take my Nikon, the new battery grip, an 50mm 1,8 lens, the 17-105mm kit lens. A flashgun, the Aurora Firelfy, a home made sync cable (with a length of 6m cat5 cable) a car window shade (silver) for reflector and a 1l Coke.

We spend approx 1 hour taking the photos in the direct sunlight (was bad idea i have to admit) and the cool wind.

The results? Well, You tell me. :)