So this week when there was another opportunity to spend some time in the studio I opted to give it a go. Still life.
Initial set up was undertaken by Steve. Camera to be used - Canon EOS 5D with 24 - 105mm lens. Principle lighting from Bowens Esprit 1000W that can be adjusted for strength of light and flash - strong central light grading outward. Light changed to a barn door light. Camera and lens synchronised using a cable. The cable can be attached directly to the 5D, other cameras may need a fitting to attache via the hotshoe.
As well as an opportunity to look at still life the session gave me another chance to look at low light photography, taking images of the session - both as a record and as additional practice taking images of people.
My record of the session below. Less conscious about taking pictures of people. Almost enjoyed the candid shots, watching from the outside, recording action and process rather than posed images.
Had a conversation with Steve this evening about how I struggle to see pictures of people having avoided it for so long. His suggestion was to work through a process of photographing themes that I can see, including people within the shot, gradually making them a larger part of the whole. I am beginning to understand that as I reflect about the studio session. It's not necessarily about staged shots of people.
Working without flash, using high ISO and large aperture, F3.5, has given rise to a series that almost have a sepia tone with colours emerging in areas caught by the spot. Small images have good clarity, becoming grainy when viewed at full size resulting from the high ISO 1600-3200.
Studio i
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600
Studio ii
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600
Studio iii
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600
Studio iv
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 3200
Studio v
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600
Studio vi
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600
As well as looking at an area of photography this has been a good lesson in using the manual controls of my camera in low light conditions and will be of use with soem of my planned low light sessions outside.
Hi
ReplyDeleteA well documented blog which is a valuable exercise and will underpin your knowledge of technical settings and their appropriation to subject. The skills remain the same and only the subjects change, this is just as valuable for you doing landscape and buildings as any other subject.
Steve