Using a single strobe - creative examples - mark II

[dave63]

Yeah, well, timing is everything. The whole point of doing that first was to make a sharp left.
Monty Python built an entire empire on sharp lefts. I was raised on Monty Python.
You do the math.

[Seanzky]

Originally Posted by dave63

I've done that I don't know how many times. You get so focused on capturing the face for the theme that the background gets swept aside.


Then, share them!
You never know if your shared reason might give someone else pause for rethinking their approach when in a similar situation.
Your fear of sounding defensive will put you exactly there: defensive. it will make what you write, defensive. Stand by your convictions. Even if you see them as wrong 5 years from now, they are yours, now, and work for you, now. That's how we grow.

Okay. I'll share them since you asked. What I was afraid of was replying to your critique and sounding like this, "Yes, but blah blah blah so I had no choice."

The truth is this. Their rehearsal studio has a lounge. That lounge is a long room and it's padded with gray foam. So lighting some the way I lit the lead singer would have been very tough. The room was no more than 8' wide with a ton of crap all over the place. One day I'll photograph the entire studio and when you see the mess they have, you'll wonder how I even managed to put a lightstand anywhere without toppling it or something else.

Good. I'm glad you found something about our exchange to appreciate.

I appreciate all comments, good and bad. The sarcastic comment didn't have good timing, I guess?

Meh. My average is off. 'Chick' bassists seem to be all the rage, lately, and the guitarist (son of LeBon) has all the classic features of an 80's synth/keyboardist. As a drummer (primarily), I can almost always recognize "one of us". Plus, our vocation usually puts us to the far side or back of any band shot. It's instinctual in every band... can't be helped. Hell, even though the Police was Stewart's band, he never had front and center in the pics.

LeBon's son (Bryan), or "Twilight" as I like to call him, can actually play any instrument you hand him. He's pretty gifted. As for Gisel, she's so dainty, I can't imagine her holding up a bass guitar. Lol. But I see what you're saying about the drummer now. He does have that look.

[dave63]

Originally Posted by Seanzky

Okay. I'll share them since you asked. What I was afraid of was replying to your critique and sounding like this, "Yes, but blah blah blah so I had no choice."

Well, honestly... that's all in your mind. What, about my position in life, should make you afraid of my perspective relative to yours? Nothing.
People's opinions are their own. Not law. Not rule. Just opinion. And the wonderful thing about them is you can choose to ignore them or take them to heart. I would be flattered if my work had been consistent, stellar and outstanding enough that you would take my opinions to heart, but I know that's not the case, so being so afraid of my opinion on your work is really just making yourself uncomfortable for no reason.

Originally Posted by Seanzky

The truth is this. Their rehearsal studio has a lounge. That lounge is a long room and it's padded with gray foam.

Which is funny 'cause it's normally the room with the instruments that needs the foam.

Originally Posted by Seanzky

So lighting some the way I lit the lead singer would have been very tough. The room was no more than 8' wide with a ton of crap all over the place. One day I'll photograph the entire studio and when you see the mess they have, you'll wonder how I even managed to put a lightstand anywhere without toppling it or something else.

Or even manage to make music.

In that context, then, I guess what I would have recommended is that you put everyone in the same spot, one at a time, as the lead vox. IOW, use that as your studio spot, your posing spot. Consistent look, from person to person, with only their personalities to differentiate them from each other.
Which, in some bands, can be mighty difficult.

Originally Posted by Seanzky

The sarcastic comment didn't have good timing, I guess?

For you, no. For me - and possibly someone else who hasn't chimed in or seen the post - perhaps.
It's all a crap shoot. Everything we do.

Originally Posted by Seanzky

LeBon's son (Bryan), or "Twilight" as I like to call him, can actually play any instrument you hand him. He's pretty gifted.

I love players like that. I used to know one... it was a blast to gig with him.

[D_M]

Definitely some great shots on this thread & the mk I thread; wish I had more time to comment and search the forum, but a new little guy has taken a bit of my spare time

Some christmas themed family shots from this past weekend using a single speedlight bounced off wall/ceiling behind camera:


Dec 11 - Christmas08 1024 by mark.a.m., on Flickr


Dec 11 - Christmas09 1024 by mark.a.m., on Flickr

[spxxxx]

Yesterday's efforts .... Kacey BD and grid

[mickeyjuice]

Simon, I know I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but I love your use of black negative space, it rocks.

[TMR Design]

I love them all Simon. You've really captured a great mood and images that I'm sure the happy couple are going to love.

[togish1]

had a fun shoot last night

[phamster]

@ Togish good stuff with the seasonal stuff

@ Simon.. nice.. stuff with the beauty dish..

very cool style and i can see it a mile away..
your style is unmistakable..

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kate Senior ~ Golden Autumn Breeze

well the winter is here and going thru the photos i took this Fall makes me appreciate Fall more ! LOL..

This golden light only lasted for about 5-10 mins tops.. just glad we got there in time to get a couple shots..

Lighting was Elinchrom Quadra with Deep Octa Boomed by her Brother's Friend..
power of the quadra was 3.5-3.9 camera left

i had a Neutral Density Filter Value of .6 to get it opened up and be capable with my shutter sync speeds..

CameraCanon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperturef/1.8
Focal Length85 mm
ISO Speed50
Exposure Bias0 EV
FlashOff, Did not fire

[togish1]

i love your work pham...just cant over your work

[Ken S.]

Simon....fantastic photos...it is a pleasure to view them....thanks for sharing.
Ken

[Bioshock]

Pham.. I don't think you can post photos from when it was nice outside when it is as cold as it is now. Especially when we still have months till it will start to warm up again.

wonderful lighting btw.

[JonWes]

Great photo's everyone!

Here my contribution.

Self portrait
430ex thru an 32" ebay umbrella at 1/4

[ianlti]

strobist info:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlti84/5259459450/

[dave63]

Probably had a slower shutter on that, being that it wasn't difficult to freeze motion.