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.
I don’t think it was a snapshot. The lighting was set up very intentionally to produce the lighting and shadows seen in this photo.
The camera Settings – ISO100, f/8, 1/100 second
Minimal post processing
I’m seeing three light sources that give the appearance of spotlights. 1st light is camera left, slightly above head and angled towards the amplifiers. 2nd light is camera left at around 75 degree angle from the camera and is overhead pointing down at the subject. The third light is camera right pointing at the amplifiers but angled so that the right side of the chair will remain in shadow from the first two lights being camera left. The third light is placed front of the subject as opposed to behind the chair because the third light slightly clipped the edge of the chair as it’s hitting the amps.
Minimal post processing if any to adjust color levels.
I personally find the lighting too harsh.
I am going with beauty dish, the shadow cast by the feet of the chair, under the nose and the highlight top left of chair is the best indication of the direction and height. Too high by my reckoning, particularly the modelling on the face.
Given the fall out of the background is consistent with the subject, possibly only one light source?? There might only be one to two metres between the subject and the background – the shadow of the chair from a reasonably high light source is cast over the speak far right.
Lens between 35-50, leaning towards a 35mm as his front foot appears a little larger than life. I would suggest Nikon digital given the reddish hue through the skin tone.
There has been some burning through the floor left of frame? as it is not consistent with my one light source theory.
250th @ f16 as all evidence of ambient light has been drowned out by flash! I suspect not a lot of production at all – the lighting is hard, even a tad over cooked in my opinion taking into account the fabric he is wearing.
Over and out.
Actually, there also is light from low camera left on his body not hitting his face, making it 6 lights total.
SHABANG
Wide angle lens around f/8.
5 lights total. 4 tight lights on the background. 2 of them from behind the chair. Subject lit by one light in a gridded beautydish from high camera left.
A little vinjetting on the floor in post.
SHABANG
ps: I fully expect to be banished from further commenting. 😛