Final 10 Product images

Eric Gaffney's Level 3 C&G submission Part 2

These are my selected 10 for the second part of my task, being products used by and associated with the characters that I have included with my 10 portraits. These images have proved difficult as I have little enthusiasm for the product shots that I seen. They are very spendid, technically perfect, quite stunning with the lighting in many cases, and very good at displaying the products, but to me they are all in the same vain. Whichever magazine or web site etc that you see the product is generally hightlighted and very well lit, which as a professional photographer (and Client) you would want it this way.

I wanted to experiment a little to see if there was any alternative to this, and some of the images set out below have been an attempt to do this. In terms of influence I think that the surrealist photographers have had a part to play in this, especially Lee Miller and Man Ray, and I do remember the exhibition at the V&A last year that I visited with Lee Miller's and the surrealists images etc on display. Irving Penn has taken some stunning.

In terms of presentation I would like to have provided mounted prints, as I like the abilty to not only handle the image, but also to dispaly it on the wall. I do have a digital frame which I also use to display my images but they are quite small, but none the less a good way to view my images. Due to cost and time restraints I have chosen to present the images as below, with an explanation as to how I have come about them. Other sections of this blog comapre my images and reasons against my research. I have found whilst studying on this course that my initial perception has changed so much, especially with the research and visits to various locations and exhibitions. Visiting the Penn exhibition at the Portrait Gallery and Small Traders exhibiton at Hamilton's Gallery in London changed my perception and gave me further ideas for creating images.

Golf shirts

Canon 400D-f4.5-1/80th-ISO200-29mm lens (natural outdoor lighting from the side)

These are two of my golf shirts ( James would not let me have his) and my shoes. I have thought about this type of shot for a while and have tried many different ways to create it. In the end I bought some fishing line and hung the shirts from that. It proved quite tricky as it was outside, and in the evening, but I enjoyed the open air shooting in natural light. As there is alot of space on a golf course the I thought the floating theme would be different. I have chosen this image as I like the surreal effect created here.

Decorative Art Blown Glassware

Canon 400D-f29-1/60th-ISO100-37mm lens (Bowens 500w light 45 degrees to the right and skightly above)

This is  piece of Niki's Decorative Artwork, (see the portrait section part 1) and I have chosen to represent it as a part to show the form of the object. It is a piece of blown glassware in black and white. The typical way to photograph this piece is within a light box so as to eliminate the reflections, and is very successful. But my feeling was that this is a piece of decorative art and would be displayed in such a way that you would get the reflections from around the area it was being displayed in, Thus I have chosen, after much soul searching and different surroundings, I felt that this represented the wonderfulshape and contours of the piece. I have subsequently seen this displayed in an exhibition, but unfortunately could not photograph it there. This was photographed in my front room using borrowed 500W Bowens light from College, with a very low power level. I just like the shape created here, by another artist.

Nut and Runner

Canon 400D

nut=f2.8-1/50th-ISO100-105mm lens      runner=f5.6-1/250th-ISO100-105mm (in both cases these were taken outdoors).

I continued my floating theme with the image taken of the nut and runner. I did photsop these two together as the nut and runner were taken in the evening in my back garden, and the rocks in the background were taken on location at Dove Dale in the Peaks. I used the rocks to illustrate the runner and nut as this is the enviroment that they are used in, and at the time the equipment was borrowed, so have had to make the image. Thereis suffient room on the image for any marketing text etc. I like this image for it's unusual presentation of this product, being suspended in the air rather than laid out on a surface. The nut and runner were imaged under studio conditions, but to give clarity to the product the rock background had to imaged outdoors.

  RAM golf glove

Canon 5D-f8-160th-ISO100-80mm lens (Bowens 500w studio lighting with snoot)

(I was lucky enough to get the use of the college 5D for this shot)

This is a straight product shot, lit in the studio with the Bowens 500W light complete with snoot, behind the porduct and slightly above, with the camera located over the porduct on a light table. I really like this shot as it shows all the detail in the glove, and is well lit, despite my reluctance on this type of shot. The shadow also falls nicely and I think enhances the outline of the glove, displaying well the makers name, with room for marketing text etc.In fact I went on to take several more products with this type of lighting.The lighting is one directional with a snoot on the 1 light used which is set slightly above the surface of the light table being used, at a power level of 2 on the Bowens 500w light. I used my light meter (Sekonic 358) to establish the initial settings for the camera, but found that I had to reduce the settings by 1 stop to get the effect I was trying to achieve. I chose this image as I like the detail that has been brought out in the glove.

Andrea's Flute

Canon 400D-f22-1/3rd-ISO100-29mm lens (Bowens 500w light borrowed from College on my dining room table)

To go with with the portrait of Anthea I also took this image of her Pearl flute. I was trying to get something different to the usual images I had seen of flutes, as in the portrait itself. I also borrowed some of her flute music, and then Andrea gave me her cleaning cloth as well, so I incorporated both in the image. The lighting of this item was very tricky, and I eventually used 1 light (the Bowens 500w borrowed from college), at  very low power level with the camera set almost at the same level. I have also managed to get a reflection of the music on the flute itself. This was set up on my dining table at home, and I used a thether to from my camera to the laptop so that I could see a bigger image to judge the light levels better than on the back of the camera. I chose this image as I like the subtle lighting, and the detail of the product.

Please refer to my blog regarding comparison and my idea with my image to those advertised by the maker of Pearl flutes.

Golf balls and Gloves

Canon 5D-f8-1/60th-ISO100-47mm lens (Bowens 500w studio lighting with snoot)

(I was lucky enough to get the use of the college 5D for this shot)

I brought in several pieces of golfing paraphalia to go with my theme and to connect to the portraits that I took. This was set up and taken in the studio, and this image shows the marketing packaging that the golf glove comes in, with lots of text and image on it to make it attractive to the purchaser. Personally it makes no difference to me as I am only interested in the product doing the job for me. I have allowed the glove to show through the clear panel so that the detail can also be shown on the glove which is picked out by the lighting.The lighting is one directional with a snoot on the 1 light used which is set slightly above the surface of the light table being used, at a power level of 2 on the Bowens 500w light. I choose this image because it incorporates all the manufactures marketing details.

Complimentary Golf supplies

Canon 5D-f8-1/60th-ISO100-102mm Bowens 500w studio lighting with snoot)

(I was lucky enough to get the use of the college 5D for this shot)

This image again was taken in the studio with the same conditions as the image above. This is a set of complimentary golfing goodies issued at the start of the golfing day out.The logo is very prominent and a very good advertising feature (especially as you lose balls on the way round and others find them afterwards!). I have kept this set as a souvenir. I like the way that the light has picked out alot of the detail on the products, and the shadow shows rhe relief of some of the items. I choose this image due to it being the promotional product.

Golf Balls

Canon 5D-f8-1/60th-ISO100-70mm lens

(I was lucky enough to get the use of the college 5D for this shot)

Again this shot was in the studio with the same lighting as the previous image, but this image is of a different type to the previous ones. This is of a sleeve of balls, with one seperated and the shadow forming a"header" to the pack. I chose this image due to the outstanding design of the packaging, but I like the product for it's use.



Range of climbing nuts

Canon 5D-f/4-1/100th-ISO100-45mm

(I was lucky enough to get the use of the college 5D for this shot)

This image is of a set of "nuts" that climbers use to place into cracks into the rock so that they can use their carabina's in to pass the ropes through. I have used the shadows formed to enhance the shape of the various types of "nut". The lighting is the same as that for the golf images. I chose this image for the seperate deatils of the parts, the shape of the product and the shadow detail.

Plastering trowel

Canon 400D-f14-1/200th-ISO200-39mm (1 Bowens 500w light, power level 3,with light cube and white backing)

This image was set up and taken on my dining room table, lit with 2 Bowens 500w lights (power level 1.5 right and 2 left), borrowed from College, and lit through a light cube with a white background. I have left the background with the creases etc in as this is Graig's plastering trowel. It has his day's left over plaster on it and it fits better with the image overall as plastering is classed as rough trade (despite the plastering on the walls is smooth in  most cases).

Comment

I have really enjoyed exploring the different aspects of trying to create product shots. I have tried to experiment with different ways of imaging various items in different ways, straight lighting, some with success, some need further work. Lack of studio time was the main to  experiment with different lighting set ups, different ways and angles to light the subject. This also applies to the portrait sessions that I had. However a combination of studio time and borrowed lights I have achieved the above images.

My final 10 portraits

Eric Gaffney's Final 10 Portraits Level 3 C&G 2010.

Reflective Brent

Canon 5D-f6.3-1/40th-ISO100-92mm lens (1 light at power level 4 with reflector to left hand side) Location=College studio

Whilst altering the main lighting I noticed that Brent had adopted this attitude, a thoughtful look,so I took the shot using my wireless remote for my camera before he changed his expression. He had relaxed since the beginning of the session, and is a straight image without alterations. The light source was from one lamp, with a reflector positioned slightly behind and to one side to throw some modelling light to the opposite side to his head from that of the main light. This is a variation from the likes of Davis Allen Brandt and Josef Karsh whose images I enjoy looking at.

 

Graig

Canon 400D-f4-1/200th-ISO200-23mm lens (1 light at power level 2) location=My front room

A good plasterer is hard to find but Graig is one of the best and can still wet plaster. This image I had in my mind after visiting an exhibition of Irving Penn’s Small Trades images in London. Graig immediately sprang to mind. I set up the lights borrowed from college at home, and within minutes we had created this image. Although Penn’s images are all in Black and white I like the colour version here, as his shirt would be lost in the background otherwise. The light was positioned to the right and at 45 degrees to Graig, and slightly above him. This was inspired by my visit to see Irving Penn's exhibition of "Small Traders" in london.



Sian and James
Canon 400D-f8-1/100th-ISO100-105mm lens (1 "beauty light" at power level 2.5 with Triflector) Location=College studio

I asked Sian and James to come to the studio. I have taken images of them separately in different situations as I wanted to use their different personalities and activities, and these images are elsewhere in my submission. However I also wanted to get them together and they were very relaxed and were enjoying the session, and I managed to capture the moments when they were oblivious to me and the camera and setting. I like this one and they are a lovely young couple and I have knbown them for some time. The lighting used here was with the tri-flector, and I have found that the results are very impressive with these.

Andrea and her flute

Canon 400D-F9-1/25th-ISO200-110mm lens-(1 Bowens 500W light at power level 4) location=My front room with borrowed light s from College

I wanted Andrea playing her flute in line with the lifestyle intent and David Allen Brandt style. This image developed and was inspired by a combination of Andrea and me looking for a different representation for a portrait and her flute. Man Ray and Lee Miller were my inspiration for this type of image. It is very surreal, and almost out of context, but I really like the black and white interpretation, as her top comprises various shades of gray, coupled with her hair piece which she thoughtfully brought. Lighting was from one source low down at 45 degrees with high power and with the light reflected off the walls and ceiling giving this even lighting.

David

Canon 400D-f16-1/200-ISO100-46mm lens (1 light at power level 2.5) Location=David's conservatory

David was a somewhat reluctant to be photographed, but to his eternal credit he played his part. I had arranged to photograph David and Liz, and we came up with the theme of the 30’s on a cruise. They dressed the part, and even opened a bottle of champagne, and I photographed in their conservatory, having changed it all round! However, I like this image of David is it shows his character when he relaxes, some would not recognise him like this. This was the first time I had actually tried to set up a scene, and found it exciting. Refer to my blog for further details. The lighting was set at 45 degrees high above David, with the light being reflected off his white trousers and wall to throw light under his hat.

Sian
Canon 400D-f4.5-1/160th-ISO100-35mm lens (1 light power level 3) Location=College studio

Sian is a regular visitor the local gym, also works there! and I saw an Annie Liebovitz type image. I had set out to photograph her in her running gear, and this image came about after asking her to rest and look as though she had been running. The result was not what I was looking for in terms of resting after a run, but this has turned out better as it shows the basic running kit she uses when working out. She is wearing an Adidas top with Nike trainers, and was off down the gym after this, and I like the way the lighting works here. This was one light to one side.

John the Sax player

Canon  400D-f/20-1/80th-ISO100-70mm lens (1 light at power level2) Location=My front room

I am really pleased with this image. We were exploring various situations, including standard portraits, with beer etc, but I had asked John to bring his Sax with him as an aside. Whilst I was adjusting the lighting, John said he would try his Sax. He just started to play and got straight into the mood, and I snapped this whilst he was playing. This again was set up in living room and John very tall and his head went above the background, but with his movement, I managed to get this shot. Again used with one light from infront of him as he moved, and inspired again by David Allen Brandt and Hamish Brown. It has now gone on exhibition in the Midlands.

James

Canon 400D-f8-1/125th-ISO100-35mm lens (1 light at power setting 2) Location=College studio.

I was intrigued with David Allen Brandt’s images of the golfer (see Blog) and have replicated it here. Space was a little limited to enable a full swing of the club and James was uncertain about how to swing the club, but with a little patience, we ended up with this image which I like. He had a long sleeve shirt under his golf shirt, which is how he usually plays his golf. Using one light above his head and to one side created this image. On reflection the light should have been over the right hand side, but we did not have time to redo the shot as studio time was short.


Niki
Canon 400D-f10-1/50th-ISO200-70mm lens ( 1 "beauty light" set to power level 3) location=College studio

By contrast to my other images, here is a black and white image, in high key, of Niki. Niki is not a model but is an outstanding artist producing glass and ceramic decorative art, which she successfully sells and exhibits in various local galleries, and are well worth seeing. Some are based on teardrops eg. One of her blown glass pieces are included elsewhere in my submission, but they were all in an exhibition on the day of the shoot, so I could not combine. This is almost a classic pose from days gone by, and is reminiscing of the 30’s almost. I have chosen to treat this image as a black and white as A) I like black and white, and B) I think it suits this particular iamge. The light was set just above and slightly to one side.

Brent

Canon 5D-f8-1/60th-ISO100-105mm lens ( 1 light at power level 4) Location=College studio
A strong image of a good face with low contrast lighting. I really like this cropped version of Brents face. I have entered this image in to local competition and it came first, so I was pleased with that. I find there is a lot to see here. I was inspired by Josef Karsh and Rankin for this image.

I would very much like to have had my images printed as before as I like to see them displayed, and as I do like a tactile image to hold and view. I also like to see them displayed on the wall, and I enjoy the mounting of the my own prints, so as to display them in the manner in which I would like them viewed.

 I also think that the above is a valid and easy way to display my images, and I am quite pleased with the result. I have also presented them on DVD for the course, which enables different ways to view them, either projected or on another computer system for example. In this digital age, with web sites etc I think this is a wonderful way to present your images.

I also have a digital frame at home where I can view my images. I also find that it is a useful tool for assessing my images for presntation, for printing and for helping me to sellect an image for putting into the local camera club competitions, also the regional ones. yes you acn view as a slide show on your computer, but when it is showing in the front room, you can see them at various points, and make your assesment.

The down side to presenting your images digitally is that there are folks around who would steal your images for themselves from digital sources, so you need to take care on how and where you present your images in this form. In this instance, however,due to cost etc. I am having to display them in the digital mode for this excercise. This does have it's advantages in this digital age, in that they can be viewed in many ways, and different sizes. They can be made into a slide show for viewing, also they can be put on to a web page, and with the full size image even be made into a poster.

Having seen images exhibited at College end of year exhibition, It has inspired me to consider other ways and places to exhibit. I will search out how to create my own website, although I do use Flckr, and Nkik has sugeested various Galleries that would display images for free, or modest costs. This I am going to explore in more detail. I alreday have images presented into regional competitions, but I am now inspired to move further into the display arenas.