Elusive Goals

There are times when you set goals in Photography that require perseverance and continuous assessment. One of the goals I set this year was to shoot at least half of my work using Available Light, which also included a mini-goal of shooting between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, when possible.

I have had several shoots since my LUSH Home & Boutique session and in each shoot I at least used one of the following combined with sunlight:

• 4' x 6' 1-stop scrim
• 4' x 6' California Sunbounce
• 4' circular  reflector

The first opportunity came when photographer Deb asked if I would participate in a Group Shoot.  The shoot started at Noon and ran until 5 PM.  The following are examples of Direct Light, use of the scrim and use of the Sunbounce; respectively.

My next shoot was with my son and was basically shot in the shade around 5:00 PM, no reflector, just available light, which is diffused and lacks direction.

The following two shoots were basically an attempt to recreate an image of Adrianna Lima on a beach-like setting wearing a black leather jacket and what appeared to be a setting sun.  I called model Eddy to see if she would help me work on trying to capture that quality of light and mimic the image.  However, as hard as I tried, it just wasn't right.  I think we started to late (5:00 PM) and the area I chose, SUCKED!!!  Too many distracting elements and it wasn't as expansive as in the original image.  I did manage to get an photo of Eddy that showed a different and softer side of her as opposed to the hard light and saturated color of our Pole Dancer shoot.

Somewhat frustrated with the lighting results, I decided to try a different locale and also start at 3:30 PM and see if he angle of the sun would provide a little more pop and direction.  I contacted Model Mayhem Model Gabby and asked her to bring a similar leather jacket and also a white sweater.  These images are purely Available Light with the sun used as a Rim Light, no reflector, no scrim.

Albeit, I was pleased with the results from this session, but I still needed to push myself and be more critical of my process.  The picture above, with the black jacket needed a reflector to kick in on Gabby's left lower torso and legs to provide a little more warmth.  Of course I could fix it with Photo-editing software, but then again all I needed to do was to use the gold reflector I brought.

Fast forward to this past weekend, October 21, I was fortunate that another Polga practitioner was interested in participating in my Tatt'ed Sheets Session.  We shot at The Padre in the Pocket Room, which was the same room I used photographing Taylor and Sammy earlier this year.

Again, this was all Available Light, with the window sheers closed and variations of the drapes being open, or closed.

So what did I learn?

• Lighting is what gives an image a mood, or evokes an emotion.  By forcing myself to use Available Light, I have to think creatively about shaping light.  This could be accomplished by using a reflector to block light, or repositioning the model.

• Force myself to bring only a few lighting options - I brought more gear than needed for all 5 shoots.  Going forward I will bring the following:
• SB-900 Speedlight
• Pocket Wizards (2)
• Combi-boom Light Stand
• Reflector
• Octobox
• Clamps(2)
• Reflector Holder
• 24mm - 70mm and 85mm lenses

I still have two more months to do a few more Available Light Shoots, which will include some additions to my Tatt'ed Sheets Sessions  :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad