Product influences for final 10 images

The Flute image for Andrea's flute

This is a small selection of images taken from the Pearl website. This is how they advertise their products (in part) but are on their main front page.

This is part of one advert showing one of the different types of flute they have available in different styles.

This is on the opening stream

As is this one

This is not on the web site but shows a different way to shoot the product, although the background does not relate to music.

This is also not on the web site, but is another different way to show the product (see my golf shirts eg).I had considered stringing the flute up and photographing it before I saw this advert.

This is my final chosen image from my shoot which I set up on my dining room table, which is loosely based on the above with my interpretation, and there is still room for some advertising text on the image. Also there is a contact sheet which shows the alterative images I was considering. I chose the image due to the shape and coloring and lighting and the overall look of the image.

This then is my chosen final image

I have used similar techniques to produce the other images in this submission. For example I have included below the contact sheet for Graig's portrait and plastering equipment.

Here is my contact sheet for Craig

And here is my contact sheet Niki

The equipment used for these images was my own, with the lighting units borrowed from college, and using my dining room for all images. I tethered my camera to my laptop so that it was easier to see the results of the image once taken, and also, when photographing subjects the subject was able to see quite clearly the image that was taken, which made it easier to follow my instructions as he had the previous image in his mind to respond to. I have found that this is a good way to enable a better rapport between myself and the subject. I also use a wireless trigger wich makes it even easier to communicate with the subject, rather than trying to talk through the camera. This also makes it easier to move around, and even release the shutter closer to the subject when required to give directions in some cases, or hold reflectors as required, as you can see the image from the subjects position. Also used in this situation was the light meter, which has proved to be a boon and makes setting the camera alot easier.

Health and Safety wise, certainly when at home, you have to be very aware that the trailing cables are well away from the working area, not all plugged into the same socket, after taking note of the electrical requirements from the lights, camera, laptop etc. Also warning others in the house about what you are doing and placing certain access points out of use. Also some subjects will need a braek due to the intensity of the lighting, and this would also give the lighting chance to cool down.

Lhottie at Calke Sunday afternoon

Once again Jim envigelled me into being his glamorous assistant, this time with Lhotte, so really did not miss the footy (well the Germans turned up anyway), much more fun out at Calke in the sunshine. Lighting was difficult, despite it being sunny (much cloud at times), but lovely and warm. Reflectors and flash just about made it. Just got the reflectors right and the sun went behind the clouds. It should be easy outside! Never the less Lhotte was very good, and very patient. Below are some of my images taken when the BOSS did not want me to hold his reflector.

Jims idea was for some Editorial shots using the light under the trees. I just enjoyed the opportunity to experiment with the light. No plan except Calke is a very good place with so many places to photgraph. I learnt a lot today, but time of day could be better, so next time will either be earlier or later in the day..

As Lhotte only had small sandles on we had to make sure that she was walking in an area without the thistles, and when she was not wearing shoes then to make sure she did not tread in anything she should not have been, especially as the cattle had been on the field.

When the sun was out the Gold reflector gave too much light(reflected under the trees on the model), the silver was also too much at times, but did good fill light to the face. The white reflector did not really register, although if placed close to the model it would have not been in the position to reflect the ambient light. Also had to be careful not to blind Lhotte.

This image was taken in the open with a cloudy sky.

Love this, taken in full sunshine and with a straight conversion. This is in line with my theme in the studio. I was pleased to get this effect outdoors as well.

Cheeky smile with my hat on, can't remember what I said now.

Somehow my hat got into this.

Just bursting into the sunshine. Fabulous dress, swayed in the breeze. I cant remember which pattern it is from the giraffe, not that Lhotte is anywhere near like a giraffe.

Mind the prickles on the grass, so many thistles, nice spot Jim!!

Peeking from behind the tree.

Lets pose now for Jim

Bowens Lighting Kit

L3
This is the kit I have used at home, borrowed from College, to take the "producture" shots included elsewhere in this blog. I have also used these ligths to create some of my portraits  at home in my lounge.
The biggest concern when usin gthese light was the safety issue. I had to tell other members of the house not to come into the lounge and dining area as there would be cables trailing over the floor (as tidy as I could get). I had set the lights up in a sensible way though so as not to cause any trip hazards (see note book). I also leanrt how to set up my laptop so that the cables were away from the working side. I also let the model know the whereabouts of the cables etc. Also the backdrop at home was only pegged to the curtains so I had to let the model know where to stand and informed them of the psoosiblities of it all falling down if they stepped back to far. No one did, they did listen. it was just a shame there was no snoot with the kit. I found the kit to be excellent.

The Bowens Esprit Gemini Lighting Kit includes:-

2 x Bowens Esprit Gemini 500W head

2 x Bowens 92 mm Umbrella

2 x compact lighting stands

1 x deluxe Kit bag

The power cords, sync leads and modelling lamps, and also included a battery pack.

The dual purpose silver/white umbrellas feature a white interior surface backed by a removable silver fabric with a black backing which provides a soft, but highly efficient bounced light source. For close-up lighting, the silver black backing can be removed, allowing the photographer to get closer to the subject while lighting through the umbrella. Unique ten-panel design provides maximum reflectance with a circular light pattern.

I found this kit very easy and simple to use, and set to up at home. The power level was also very good and I found there was a good range to suit my potential images. Once I had tried a few images I was able to adjust the lighting to get to where I wanted it to be. Missing however was the ability to use a snoot and softbox, which were not provided with this kit and unable to borrow from college. I feel I could have used these to good effect. However, I am pleased with the results with the kit provided.
Of course the other consideration was not to overload the circuits at home, but by spreading the load over several sockets I had no problem.
I did prefer this kit to another kit that I could borrow, a 150W 2 light system, but I found that although it was very good, it was not as flexible as the kit borrowed from college, ie the 500W lamps.

The major consideration with use of this kit however was to ensure that the cables were not in the area's were trip hazards could be. This took some thought and I had to trail the cables to the one side away from the area of passage as much as possible. Using one light was not too difficult to adjust too, and informing the model as well as to the location of the cables. The other consideration I had to take into account is that I was using my Laptop tethered to my Camera, which necessitated a 5m lead, and of course the power lead.It was extremely good to use the laptop, as the model could then use the images taken to adjust the pose as directed easier than without, as they could also see the images as taken. It is also so much better to see for myself as well on a larger screen, alot easier to make adjustments.

When using the lighting kit I also use my light meter. It is a Sekonic 358 and gives a very good guide to the level of exposure required. Once set it is possible to take several images without changing the settings until the psoe changes, when a new reading is taken.