A couple session

I received a message last week from a model friend with whom I had lost contact with. Steffi had moved away from the area but was now back in my neighbourhood and made contact with me.

We talked a while and it was suggested that I take some updated photos for her portfolio. I was happy to do so and duly turned up at their house a day or so later. 

It was freezing cold and very overcast outside but thankfully her and her partner's apartment was lovely and warm. After a meal we set to work.

Because it was quite dark with the room lighting, I decided to use my Lightsphere Chinese clone to soften the flash. I attached it to my Speedlite 430 EX II and fired away. I really enjoy using my Lightsphere clone. The effect it has on the flash output is quite dramatic and turns what would normally be harsh shadows into soft pleasing romantic light.      
 

My Lightsphere copy on the table and at work

After moving some tables and chairs to make some space, we began the shoot.

The images above were all taken with the 24 - 105 using flash and the lightsphere clone. The ISO was 400.

After the sitting room, we went to the bedroom to get some photos of Steffi and her partner Marc as a couple. I wanted a light airy "feel" to the images so I mounted my two Speedlites on tripods and bounced them off the ceiling. The flash output was set to overexpose by one stop. To add to the "light and airy" mood, we took the duvet covers off. To trigger them, I used Phottix Odin transmitter and receivers. The Phottix Odins are simply fantastic to use and haven't ever let me down. They are way cheaper than Pocket Wizards and are more versatile.

I told Steffi and Marc to ignore me and just interact with each other. Their two cats joining us from time to time, helped produce some very pleasing images.

 One of the few images without flash

 

All the images above were taken with the 50 1.4.

Marc was also kind enough to take some images of me "at work".

Although, as usual, I took too much gear with me, I ended up only using my EOS 5D MKII, the 24 - 105 zoom and the 50mm 1.4. Still. It's better to take too much gear and not need it than to take just a few items and find that you miss something. 

Steffi is a real professional and a pleasure to work with. Nothing is too much trouble for her. If you'd like to see her online portfolio, you can use this link (German).

That's it for now. Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave some comments below.

Kristina. Impromptu photoshoot

My wife's sister came to visit us over the weekend.

At my suggestion we arranged an impromptu photoshoot. Using only one lens (a 50mm f1.4), a silver crumpled reflector and a Canon Speedlite on my 5d MkII which I always bounced.

We went through a couple of changes of outfits and 167 images.

I started off with a few head and shoulder shots just to relax her (she's a bit self conscious) and always let her see the results every few minutes.

Two hours later we had a great selection of images.

What do you think?

There is a more complete selection on my website here.

Seeking inspiration

We have been experiencing what is arguably one of the worst winters of recent years. Finally, we have a positive weather forecast which means that many of you will be dusting off your cameras and getting out into the sunshine to take some pictures.

For the more serious snappers amongst you, what will you be shooting?

I don’t mean family and friends etc. What do you do to keep your interest alive? It doesn’t have to be summer related. I am constantly thinking of ideas for images. I have a series of sketches that I’ve been making since the mid eighties upon which I record ideas for photos.

Sometimes I’ll be reading a magazine or watching the television when an idea will come to me. I’ll then draw a picture (my drawings are admittedly crap) and file it away until I get the chance to put it into practice.

Here’s one example. I wanted (back in the eighties) to photograph a girl with a veil so I made a sketch and filed it away.

Some weeks / months later I was doing a model shoot in Surrey, England when the model started drying her hair after the shoot. I looked at her and remembered my sketch. Explaining my idea, she posed as I wanted and voilà. Another idea realised.

Here’s the original sketch (the part on the left):

and here's the finished image:

I have loads of sketches and hopefully one day I’ll get the finish them all, but I seriously hope that won’t happen. Why? Because then I’ll have run out of inspiration.

See you next time.