Outer Sam Pan CASE STUDY #31
CAMERA:
Hasselblad 503cw
LENS:
120mm macro FILM:
EXPOSURE: LIGHTING:
Fuji RDP
f/8 at 2 seconds
Comet 1200ws power pack with 30-degree grid for main and 20-degree grid for hair light; Lowell Total Lite
Assignment
something you’re not comfortable with. If it makes
This image was created during a test shot for my port-
your heart beat faster and your palms sweat, you know
folio. I was experimenting with motion, strobe, and
you are on your way to creating something special. Of
tungsten light.
course, you shouldn’t risk your reputation by doing this on the job; test out new techniques on your own
Visual Objective
During this session, I was working to create a dreamy image of my studio manager, Sam Verone.
time. I try to do test shots for my portfolio, and for my personal growth as a photographer, once a month. Many of my test shots fail, but every once in a while I
Posing
have a really great success that washes away all the
I had Sam tilt her head toward camera and look off
failed attempts.
into the distance. She stood still while I panned the camera to create the blur effect. The Story
I was trying to perfect the motion-blur technique, mixing strobe with tungsten light—and I was fortunate enough to have an exotic-looking studio manager for my subject. I originally shot her against a black background, but it was too clean looking. So I placed
20-degree hair light
30-degree grid for main light
green and blue 4 x 8-foot foamcore panels behind Sam with a black gap between them, subtly creating greater
tungsten light
visual ambivalence. I felt the test was success, because after experimenting for about an hour I felt more confident about using this technique on an assignment. Tips
The best way to challenge yourself as a photographer is to try out a technique that is unfamiliar to you— LIGHTING CASE STUDIES
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