Violinist

[Claire]

Ok, this is a long shot. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with a close friend and will have a photo session with her. I'd very much like to take pics of her sister too. She plays the violin and I'm trying to figure out how to take a decent pic of her playing. Any ideas?

[rammy]

Go to Google Images or Yahoo Images and do a search for "violinist". You will get back loads of samples that may spark some interest in you.

My suggestion:
I would try standing on a chair or table, above the player and use the second curtain sync on your flash if you have it. That way you'll get one of those "looking down" type of shots AND her arm will blur to show motion. Do macro shots of the strings and fingers; do a DOF shot along the bridge; silhouette shot? kneel down below and take picture looking up; stand behind them and take an "over the shoulder shot".

Another thing could be to try and do a halo effect on a portraiture. Place a light source behind them, pointing back to a dark wall so a "spotlight" effect works. Then get them to stand in the middle of the spotlight, forward of the plane of the light so you get a "darker" exposure on them. Try light painting as well (that is, use a torch or lamp to light JUST the violin or part of); use a slow exposure with rear curtain sync AND light paint and wow, I would love to see that kind of shot.

I hope that one idea suits you, or not as the case maybe ;-)

[Merle]

A "window light" shot or use tungston lighting with candles as props. and create a vignette with your lighting and also vignettes in photoshop if you like the effect.

;) :) :D

Good shooting to Ya !!
Merle