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.
That is going to be really tough deconstructing.
It’s not a snapshot, there’s definitely lighting used. I think there’s three lights. One hard source camera left and high, pointed down at the prince. In fact I think all the sources are pretty hard. There’s another one camera left, about camera height, illuminating the speakers on the left side. Another light camera right, also camera height, illuminating the speakers on the right side (this light is also illuminating the speakers behind the prince). All the lights have very controlled spill. This could be accomplished with a grid, barn doors or snoot, or some sort of focusing head. But I’m going to guess that you are using gridded reflectors on all your lights.
Camera settings are in the EXIF: f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO 800, 24mm on full frame.
Not a lot of major post-work. Maybe just some simple curves/contrast type stuff.
Snapshot – No
Lighting – 3 lights:
1 camera left, bare strobe aimed at the speaker to the right of subject
1 camera left at 45 degrees high angled down, with softbox vertical
1 camera right, bare strobe aimed at the large speaker cabinet with candles on it to the left of subject.
camera settings: f11 1/200th letting in very little ambient light. Stobes doing all the work,
Direction? Sit in the chair – look awesome
Oh and the Direction? Lighting direction is described above. Camera direction? Straight towards the subject slightly lower than the subject face.
Snapshot? What’s the definition? You mean if the person called ahead to make a portrait appointment? The shot looks like somewhat deliberated so I wouldn’t say it’s a point and shoot snapshot with the photographer’s eyes closed. But it doesn’t look like a studio setup.
Light – one on camera left at about 45 degree down towards the subject, the light was placed a little higher than the subject’s face; the speakers on the left side are lit by natural light source (window?); one behind the chair shining on the speakers.
Camera setting: manual, 1/100, f stop 8
Post production? Some. I see slight halo around the chair legs.