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.
The image depending on the camera format, if full frame somewhere between 24 and 35 mm not wide open more like f11 everything is in focus and good detail throughout.
Main light is placed above camera left based on the shadow below his left knee.
there is only one catch light in his eyes I believe he’s lit by only one light.
The background is getting light from 1 his main light but there is also a second light as the speakers behind him to the right are too hot to be coming from his main light source.
Post production could change everything but as it appears some serious vignetting is all that I can tell has been done.
Thanks that was fun:)
Studio strobe with Barn Doors – about 6′ high camera Left about 10′ back from Chase.
Camera on tripod about elbow height to Prince Manvendra and 6′ away.
50mm set to f16 and 1/100.
A small amount of vignetting in post to reduce light spill in the foreground.
Pleas no hate from the gallery if I’m wildly off. I’ve never tried this before.
Snapshot? No, but I’m guessing you didn’t have a great deal of time with the Prince. So I guess you used someone else for the lighting/backdrop set-up.
Looks like two lights, one front left with a softbox and the other at the side on the right to light the background with barndoors.
The camera set at f8 1/250 so you don’t get any background light other than the flash.
As for ‘post’ I don’t think much goes out without a little voodoo. Looks like a overlay channel mixer to punch up the colours and add a bit of contrast.
Great shot by the way.
Beauty Dish with honey comb 20deg camera left, F8 125th iso 200. Burnt Edges and background saturation and sharpness added.
Nikon D3s 24-70 @ 24mm, f/8, iso 800. (it’s in the exif :D) One flash on the left and one behind him… i think