ped Posted May 15, 2011 Share #1  Posted May 15, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi guys  A woman at work asked if I could take some pictures of her family, something I have never tried before. So I hooked my garage up with a couple of massive LED panel floodlights (borrowed from my TV Cameraman dad) and went to work with my DSLR, Digital rangefinder and film rangefinder cameras.  The garage wasn't ideal, not much width to play with (good job I have some wide angle lenses) and I had the people standing a ft away from the wall to avoid shadows, which wasn't always easy. Great fun though!  Any tips/critique would be gratefully received!  These pics are all from film - Leica M4P with Voigtlander 21mm lens, 35mm film (HP5+) developed at home in ID11  #1  #2  #3  #4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 15, 2011 Posted May 15, 2011 Hi ped, Take a look here Welcome back to my garage studio!!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ped Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share #2 Â Posted May 15, 2011 #5 Â These were with the R-D1: Â #6 Â #7 Â Cheers ped Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveleo Posted May 15, 2011 Share #3  Posted May 15, 2011 hi there  My opinion is . . . your people skills are outstanding, as are you posing skills. I can't imagine better people dynamics given the garage setup.  The lighting is flatteringly flat, but there are very nice shadings in there to add character.  Now the bad news . . . I personally really don't like the clinical background. Given the people and their fabulous dynamics, the background (IMO) is seriously boring. It kind of sucks all the emotion out of the scenes.  All of that commentary is meant constructively. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share #4 Â Posted May 15, 2011 Thanks very much for the feedback, very helpful. Â Background wise, I see where you are coming from. I really like the 'clean' look and without knowing these people I didn't have any other options other than to go to their house and get pictures in their lounge etc) Â Would there be some decent backdrops I could buy to hang in the garage, with a slight texture or something to them? Â Cheers again ped Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likalar Posted May 15, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted May 15, 2011 These are excellent ! You've done an amazing job at putting your subjects at ease, and the shots you show here are full of positive energy. The first is amazing. The personalities are in full view, and all seem to be very proud to be part of the group. I agree with most of Dave's comments, but I find the white and light grey gradations are modern and very appropriate for the mood of your session. I also like the nicely balanced highlights on either side, not easily achieved in a small studio space. Consider maybe cropping a bit closer to reduce the amount of background, but that's a personal call, of course. Â The only element I would change? The young boy's shirt with commercial graphics is distracting. Â I'm sure the family is loving these, and you and your new studio will be much in demand for more sessions. Fine work! Â Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share #6 Â Posted May 15, 2011 Thanks very much for the kind comments. I'm really happy you like them. I'm feeling inspired to do some more - in fact I'm taking a picture of some dogs in the 'studio' next week for someone's birthday! Â Can anyone suggest where to get one of those white curved backgrounds from, or is a massive ironed white sheet OK? I thought about getting something made out of acrylic, but it'll have to be moveable as I keep my car in the 'studio' most of the time!! Â Cheers ped Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share #7 Â Posted May 15, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) An interestingly, I felt my subjects were more at ease when I had the Leica and Epson than the DSLR. Small point, but I'm writing down all these little lessons so I can be better next time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likalar Posted May 16, 2011 Share #8  Posted May 16, 2011 Can anyone suggest where to get one of those white curved backgrounds from, or is a massive ironed white sheet OK? ped  I've used Savage products for years. Larger photo supply houses will have similar products available. This site will give an idea what's out there: The paper rolls are commonly used in portrait/fashion settings and are not too expensive.... Search around for painted backgrounds too. There's a bunch of options out there.  Savage vinyl site:  Infinity Vinyl Backgrounds  The Savage paper site:  http://www.savagepaper.com/  Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveleo Posted May 16, 2011 Share #9  Posted May 16, 2011 . . . . the background (IMO) is seriously boring. It kind of sucks all the emotion out of the scenes..  well . . . I did overstate that a bit.  Probably just feathering the light across the background or doing something to cast a soft soft shadowing back there might add more interest for me.  I would not rush out and spend $$$$$$ on backgrounds if you are just starting out. You can do nice things with simple fabrics, wallboard, light & shadow, spray-painted dropcloths, etc etc  (Yikes i just stepped on Larry's foot about the backgrounds . . . let me slip away quietly now. . . .)  Your comment about the camera is true. Pointing a big DSLR and huge lens at some makes them twitchy most times. Pointing a little rangefinder at them and they don't feel so threatened. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likalar Posted May 16, 2011 Share #10  Posted May 16, 2011 You have me smiling, Dave, no foot-stepping worries here. A full roll of seamless paper is 8' wide x 45 ' long (or more) for about $35.00. With care, they last a long time, except when they are walked upon. Even then, an eraser or Photoshop can clean them up a bit. Of course, you'll need a couple decent light stands, a long pole, some clamps, etc. to hold it into position. If the roll is too wide for your garage, cut some off with a handsaw, and save the leftover narrow roll for product shots and small people. ;-)  I would not rush out and spend $$$$$$ on backgrounds if you are just starting out. You can do nice things with simple fabrics, wallboard, light & shadow, spray-painted dropcloths, etc etc  (Yikes i just stepped on Larry's foot about the backgrounds . . . let me slip away quietly now. . . .)  . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted May 16, 2011 Share #11 Â Posted May 16, 2011 These are terrific. I'm certain they are pleased with the results. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washington Posted May 16, 2011 Share #12  Posted May 16, 2011 Great! I’d much rather see these coming out of you garage than yet another ’32 Ford Hot Rod! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share #13  Posted May 16, 2011 Great! I’d much rather see these coming out of you garage than yet another ’32 FordHot Rod!  I don't know, that sounds like fun!! I have my priorities right, though; the garage normally houses my great big Citroen C6 AKA HMS Ark Royal! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauledell Posted May 16, 2011 Share #14 Â Posted May 16, 2011 ped, Â Excellent portraits with great relationship with your subjects. Also fine lighting, tones, sharpness and I like your background. The only portraits I have taken were of Santa Claus pictures for the local animal rescue event. I used two sheets of muslim wash and wear material sewn together. They had a winter design that went well with the event, If the material is washed and ironed with no wrinkles, it works quite well. Larry's suggestion seems a lot more practical. Â Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted May 18, 2011 Author Share #15 Â Posted May 18, 2011 Thanks Paul. I have found a kit here in the UK for 3 lights with umbrellas and a Muslin cloth sheet background; I think that'll be OK for starters. I have been recommended a flash system rather than constant lights but I much prefer the sound of the latter because I don't want to spend much and I liked the way the lights worked - if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Â Cheers ped Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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