I still deconstruct the work of other photographers all the time – it’s a great way to expand skill sets and understanding. And I know from your previous feedback that you guys are fond of these posts, so let’s dig into another one.
I was asked to photograph the amazing and controversial Prince Manvendra of India last month in NYC. It was an honor. But tell me…
How did I make this picture?
Is it a snapshot?
Lighting?
If so, how?
The camera Settings?
The direction?
Post production?
Whatever details you think were needed to make this image.
We’ve done this lots before, but I thought this particular image would be a good one to dig into for a couple reasons. I’ll reveal how it was made in a followup post and give a signed book or something to one person who nails it in the comments below.
Really Chase?An autograph? I like your style but it ain’t that serious.
How did I make this picture? Years and years of hustling to get to the point where someone will ask you to take a picture of Prince Manvendra of India
Is it a snapshot? Unless the prince was just passing by and you were setting up lights for another subject…
Lighting? yes
If so, how? I would say that the subject is lit by a hard light probably something like a profoto with a zoomed out standard or maybe magnum reflector and barndoors. I wouls say positioned about 3meters away at a 45 degree angle and pithced slightly downwards. . Thats giving the nice neat catchlight in the eye. No fill, the kickback on his face is coming up from the silk of outfit.
As for the background I recon the main light got flagged off the speakers which are illuminated by 2 medium softboxes quite close in and pointed fairly straight at the background which is why you are getting those big specular highlights on the shiny surfaces.
The camera Settings? 24mm 100th @f8 highish iso which is the only thing i don’t get, if the set is lit with flash which i’m pretty sure it is, why did you need to go to a higher iso.
The direction? Please sir take a seat.Chin up slightly *click* thank you… I appreciate your time….
Post production? Vignette, skin cleanup, a bit of contrast and a bit of vibrance.
Ciao
A
I’m going to take a guess and say this photo was taken with a 35mm 1.2. The light is coming from one source which is a softbox coming in at a 45 degree angle with possible a grid. It also appears that there is a second speed light behind the chair that is facing towards the speakers giving some depth of field to the picture while lighting up the back of the chair as well. In post production it looks as though the left side of the image was feathered using vignete and a little on the right side of the picture too. I do like the shot and how the speakers give meaning to the photo. It screams out at people that this individual has a strong voice and opinion. That he sits on a thrown and can command orders. Just my opinion
Camera: Nikon D3S
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure: 1/100
ISO 800
Focal length: 24 mm
Lens: 24-70 mm, f/2.8
Exposure program: manual
Color space: Adobe RGB, 8-bit
Date/time taken: 5/14/2011 – 1:25:04 PM
Resized: original 4256 x 2832 to 3607 x 2400 pixels @ 300 dpi
One light, camera left, at approx. 45 degrees, either snooted or with grid.
Post-processing of RAW file with Photoshop CS4 for Mac:
White Balance Custom
Temperature 5300
Tint +9
Exposure +1.55
Shadows 2
Brightness +50
Contrast +25
Saturation 0
Sharpness 25
ColorNoiseReduction 25
Clarity +10
ParametricShadowSplit 25
ParametricMidtoneSplit 50
ParametricHighlightSplit 75
SharpenRadius +1.0
SharpenDetail 25
ToneCurveName Medium Contrast
CameraProfile Adobe Standard
Well I’ll give it a try.
Gridded beauty dish camera left at 45 degrees probably 1/4 power pointing down. 2 Sb-900’s behind chair one zoomed out toward the right other zoomed tight with maybe a snoot going left. Since you’re a Nikon guy D3s with 24-70 2.8 shot at 35mm, 100iso, 125th. Am I close?