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 think this was a two light setup. One light hitting the background fro behind the subject. A light with no modifier (maybe a magnum reflector or standard reflector) feathered at the subject. The light falloff hitting the detail of the background, at camera left, was a happy accident and was left alone.
Post was simple: light to no retouching of the subject. Contrast and little dodge and burn and you’re done.
Mmm…
Shot: One strobe overhead and to the left, gridded and feathered to cast some light on the speaker array behind.
Post: Increase contrast, saturation, vibrance and clarity. Darken any surrounding area (vignette)
Done. Nice shot btw
Lighting: 3 lights. One on the prince from camera left. This one is neither hard nor soft. A beauty dish at a distance I think. It has very little spill so I think it is gridded. Another light on the speakers on the right hand side coming from camera right. The shadow of the candle right behind the prince shows it is coming in about horizontally. The shadow has some softness to it, so I think another beauty dish and again a grid to reduce spill. Third light is lighting the speakers on the left. I am puzzled about the specular on the black speaker. It looks like it is coming from a rather big lightsource that is slightly to the left and slighly above the camera. but how then to avoid spill on the Prince? not sure about that one…
A snapshot? Possibly a ‘test’ shot while we are waiting for an assistant to bring the microphone….
What was needed? The chair… I like the little wheels on them. The loudspeakers… what a collection. A second hand store? A museum?
When seeing this and after reading about the Prince I assume the idea behind this is that whatever the prince says is automatically amplified and heard everywhere. Or maybe the other way. The wall of speakers is to aid the Prince in his mission.
Camera settings have been revealed through teh meta data. I was not expecting a 24 though.. looks more like 35.
Post: sharpening and some vignette.. and something that I cannot lay my hands on… the colors seem vivid but not saturated… oh well..
NO Snapshot,
Lighting Softbox from Leftside 45° and from abobve maybe an additional lght to softly light up the background.
Camera Settings ISO about 400-800, Aperture 9; 1/100.; 50mm
Post Production: saturation was set a little lower, contrast (curves) up. and vignette.
Direction: the cloth should show that he a royal from india and should stand for the old traditions he tool from his family (the nonliberal part) but as he is gay he does not only has the conservative sides but also the liberal which is presented by the different amplifier, wthat shows that he has an opened mind for people/things that are different (and not royal) he wants for example adopt a child to keep the traditions, and thats another important aspect of the picture: The conflict and dialogue between those totally different things.
How did I make this picture? Very well.
Is it a snapshot? No.
Lighting? Yes
If so, how?
Small Strobes
Main light: Soft box camera left, 45 degrees
Background light: camera right, snoot or barn doors, aimed at speakers behind subject
The camera Settings?
F8 1/100 ISO 800
The direction?
The subject is Prince Manvendra, India’s first openly gay royal. I guess the speakers symbolize his openness and being outspoken about his sexual preference.
Post production?
Contrast, curves, white balance, vignette
…or the 2 lights could be continuous light sources, as the ISO is pretty high.