Protecting Journalist CASE STUDY #34
CAMERA:
Hasselblad 503cw LENS: FILM:
EXPOSURE:
50mm
Kodak EPP
f/8 at 1/15 second
LIGHTING:
two 800 Profoto packs; 30-degree grid as main light; two heads with black-wrap gobos on map (one with blue gel, one with green gel)
Assignment
Tips
I was assigned to photograph William A. Orme, Jr., a
The key to getting rich gel color on the desired surface
journalist and the former director of the Center for
is to isolate the other light sources. Since the main
the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), for the McCor-
light is directed toward the background, that’s the
mick Tribune Foundation Annual Report.
light that usually washes out the color. Using a grid on the main reduces spill, as will placing a gobo be-
Visual Objective
tween the reflector and the background. The result is
A serious subject requires dramatic lighting. Addi-
a richer gel color on the background.
tionally, I wanted to show the global reach of the CPJ organization and the challenges they face.
Alternately, if you have the luxury of working in a large space, then distance is your friend. Placing the key light far enough away from the background will
Posing
also prevent wash-out of the background color. The
I had Mr. Orme lean toward the camera, supporting
best way to test this is by metering your background
his weight with one hand. His other arm was posi-
without the key light and with the key light, if there is
tioned to create a strong diagonal for visual tension.
no difference in the reading, you are good to go.
The Story
Not-for-profit organizations, often understaffed and on tight budgets, usually have very basic facilities that are uninspiring for portraits. I decided to be inventive in this small conference room, which contained an old
head with black-wrap gobo and blue gel
head with black-wrap gobo and green gel
world map, some CPJ books, and a video monitor. I pulled out blue and green gels, arranged the books, and asked if there was a video clip I could play to put an image on the monitor. This was one of those mo-
30-degree grid for main light
ments that you realize the power of lighting and how it can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The client was happy with the image and so was the CPJ, who ended up buying a print for their office. LIGHTING CASE STUDIES
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