Studio lighting systems

All of the shoots for this assignment have been done in a studio with either a plain white ramp or black paper back drop. The lighting to accompany has come from a very basic set of studio lights with a few different attachments for different effects, a soft box to give a more even softer light for example.

Usually mains powered either through a transformer type power pack or directly into the back of the body unit of the light with a continuous fashion light and a strobe that fires when the shutter is released on the camera.  My own lighting set up is 2 nikon flash's that can be used on camera as well as the same way as these studio lights,benefit of the studio lights is although they are not as portable,having the illumination from the fashion lights on pre shot does help to compose your subject much better and saves the guess work when arranging the lights.

Images from Bowens other lighting systems are available..

Bowens Gemini standard studio light

As can been seen on the side of the unit, it can be easily adjusted and its clear to see what level its working at..which is nice. Can be conected either via a cable or remote to the camera to trigger the flash

Large Portraits Soft Box

I used this in one of my sessions in the studio,It really helps to bring out peoples eyes and leaves a quite distinct  reflection if left in the shot. Very soft even lighting and not suitable for going for high contrast and strong shadows.

Basic large Reflector

The exact opposite of the softbox in terms of harshness,there is nothing between the strobe and the subject to break up the light so it casts a good shadow if needed. Similar in distribution though and not as directional as others below.

Little reflector,barn doors and snoot attachment

This is where your looking if you want to bring the light in a focused direction on the subject,whether its dropping off the background in darkness or highlighting just a part these will help. Like the bigger reflector shadows can be seen so a reflector board can be used for fill light,

Finally the beauty dish,which is probably my favorite from the portrait shoots that we have done for this assignment,its quite forgiving and makes any subject look good being the best of both worlds of the soft box and the reflector. Add that the nice round reflection in the eyes when caught 

Hasselblad

An iconic brand for even those who are not directly linked to photography in more ways than one. From being used a symbol of real and professional fashion photography in studios to being used by NASA in space to take images of the Moon and Earth. Could there be a more important use of a camera?

The Hasselblad camera - history(click for source)

Photography expeditions in search of rare birds in his native Sweden started Victor Hasselblad's quest to invent an ideal camera. At the time, in the 1920s and 30s, cameras capable of making detailed images on film were cumbersome.

Experiments with a Graflex camera produced a book on migratory birds in 1933, an event which established Hasselblad's reputation as an expert pioneering bird photographer. When World War II engulfed Europe, the Swedish Air Force commissioned Victor to produce cameras for aerial reconnaissance. The resulting modular HK aerial cameras were revolutionary but the pragmatic Swede wanted to make a civilian camera.

In New York in October 1948, Hasselblad and his chief engineer and designer Einar Cronholm, presented the world's first 6X6cm single lens reflex camera with interchangeable lenses, film magazines and viewfinders. The first 1600F camera was hailed as a 'timeless beauty' and the Hasselblad legend was born.

Ten years later, the classic Hasselblad 500C with leaf shuttered Compur lenses was launched and since, the 500 series, including the 500CM, 501C, 503CX, 503CXi, 500 Classic and 500CW have all retained the original 1600F modular concept with improvements to light baffling, shutter release and light meter accessory viewfinders. An electric motorised version of the 500 was launched in 1965 as the Hasselblad 500EL with updated models such as the 500 ELM, ELX and ELD gradually being introduced.

The 1954 Hasselblad Supreme Wide Angle camera was fitted with a specially designed Carl Zeiss Biogon f/4.5 38mm non distorting lens for architectural photography. The 903SWC and 905SWC are modern versions of this camera. 

A new range of Hasselblad 2000 series focal plane shuttered slrs was launched in 1977. The 2000FCM, 2000FCW, 2003FCW were forerunners of the state-of-the-art 205TCC and FCC launched in 1991 and 1995. Later 201F and 203FE models evolved from the earlier cameras.

Hasselblad cameras have been used in every NASA manned space mission since 1962, capturing some of the finest and most fascinating photographs ever made. Thirty specially modified Hasselblad 203FE cameras were delivered to NASA in 1997.

The company also produced the FlexBody, emulating movements found on larger view cameras. It was followed by the ArcBody in 1997. Many accessories and lenses as well as special models for scientific, military, surveillance, aerial and mapping use make the Hasselblad the most comprehensive medium format system camera in the world with almost all accessories old and new compatible across the body range.

The 35mm Hasselblad X-Pan film camera was the result of a partnership with Fuji Film launched for panoramic format enthusiasts. The camera was discontinued in 2006 but used samples can still be found for sale. Hasselblad's main products today are its medium format HD digital cameras with high resolution CCD sensors and interchangeable lenses although it still produces a digital back for the Hasselblad V system (500 series) cameras.

Hasselblad with Digital Phase One Back 

Hasslblad with Carl Zeiss Lens and Film Back

Deconstructed Hassleblad/Film Back and Viewfinder 

Although for this assignment we have been using a digital back cropped sensor unit on the Hasselblad the same camera body can house a traditional film which produces a square medium format negative. A blanking slide can be used across the back in order to swap over the type of film being used ei going from a black and white to colour without exposing the film to light. 

There is a great sense of connection with a Hasselblad unique to its feel and the way it is looked at from above as apposed to DSLR. There is very much a mechanical nature to the winding on process which slows the photographer down and makes taking images a more thoughtful and rewarding experience. Every part of the design from the pressured shutter release to the connecting joints feel like an ergonomic miracle considering how long ago it was designed and what was around before it. 

Malick Sidibe

Malick Sidibe - The Eye Of Bamako

"In the late 19^th century on the back of the Long Depression the big European powers were looking for new markets for cheap raw materials with little competition and also regions that could give them a strategic advantage over their rivals. During this time France took control of Mali making it part of the larger French Sudan which gave them control over large swathes of West Africa. Mali remained under French rule until 1960 when they gained independence and were finally able to determine their own destiny. The resultant feelings of freedom from foreign rule and undoubted joy at removing the shackles of French governance were expertly captured by Malick Sidibe who just happened to make sure he was in the right places at the right times.

Born in either 1935 or 36 (he’s not sure which and there are no official records) his humble roots meant he was tending to the family flock until he first set foot in school aged ten. His natural artistic ability saw him constantly drawing and painting and also winning his fair share of prizes too. In 1952 he won a scholarship to the highly regarded Ecole des Artisans Soudanais in the capital city of Bamako and following his studies he secured a job working for Bamako’s premier photographer. His apprenticeship consisted of watching his boss at work and learning on the job. On weekends he would cycle round to all the local parties taking literally hundreds of photos which he would then take back to the studio to develop himself often staying up all night until he’d finished his tasks."

Studio Portraiture

por•trai•ture (ˈpɔr trɪ tʃər, ˈpoʊr-) 

n.

1. the art or practice of making portraits.

2. a pictorial representation; portrait.

3. a verbal picture.

Photographers have been taking portraits for as long as cameras have been around(1850's). What makes a portrait different from a photograph of a person as the subject, is the added intention to relate some personality and mood of the subject rather than just record an image of them.

Before cameras artists would paint portraits of those who could afford it and these were then used as status symbols as much as visual interpretations of the owner. Used in the home,in media and fashion.

For the module "Introduction to studio" we will be working in small groups to make a series of photographic portraits using studio flash and Hassleblad/Phase One camera and digital back. RAW files will be processed using Capture One software to produce at least 3 digital prints  from a professional lab.

Street Photography Evaluation

Coming from the kind of street photography that’s mostly scorned upon i.e. using your phone to take opportunist snaps as you go about your daily business into our first assignment with a 35mm manual SLR has been a rewarding experience. Both in terms of getting to grips with the technical side of using such a camera and getting to be involved in a tried and tested medium for creating interesting images.

The basic elements that make up the genre have not changed a great deal over the last hundred years. The technological advances have made it possible to be a much more spontaneous with quicker expose times, so the subject no longer has to be stationary and as such doesn't need to be aware.  Prevalent themes from the most recognised are subjects with personality, edge and some humour in their most natural environment from the human element. Strong use of contrast, usually from shadows  and direct sunlight and that extra element of being in the right place at the right time to create a frozen piece of imagery only seemingly  possible once in a life time.

It hasn't come as much of a surprise to see that none of the images from my first developed film have made it into the box. An error made while processing put paid to that. Adding developer into the drum before the stop solution and then the lid coming off while agitating meant I was left with a very cloudy negative. Making most of the images unusable and the rest to be returned to when i have a better understanding of how they can be saved. I was glad to get onto my next two rolls although there was also a problem with one of them. I had reloaded a film accidentally so in effect shot it twice over. This brought some interesting combinations of crowd shots from a daytime music event and a shoot which had intended to be a practice film for the new camera of my daughter and some of her friends on her fifteenth birthday party. The rest of the seven films were developed without much incident and by the book barring a few kinks caused by jamming of the wheel whilst feeding on in the blacked out room. Patients and a better technique at this should prevent it from happening in future 

Getting the most from the images was difficult at first in the darkroom,trying to emulate a certain high black and white contrast look from each negative without taking into full account the conditions the shot was taken in was almost impossible. It was only after experimenting and trying to bring out the individual qualities that my best results were seen. Blurred edges from cropping the image too close to the easel and not holding it down during exposure spoiled early prints  by leading the eye away to a not very aesthetically pleasing border.

Varied locations from across the region Stockton riverside,Hartlepool town center,Middlesbrough Center square,Wakefield  and Sunderland helped to create more interesting backdrops to the images although it has been argued street photography starts right out side your front door. Going to places where I wasn't used to seeing meant i was looking with fresh eyes and more interesting elements of the buildings and structures seemed to appear. Although not ready to commit and say this is the style of street photography as my own,I have found that I am comfortable to try and convey emotion in my images. If there was a theme to the final cut it would be highs and lows in the mediocrity of life and death. 

And the surprise sixth image,after much deliberation and discussion with Jill I felt i couldn't really leave out my favorite image from all seven films shot for this assignment. Conceptually it is exactly as i visioned when shot. The statue,buildings and trees,both real and manufactured reaching up from the near silhouette bottom third into a textured early evening sunset lit partly cloudy sky. The only reason its not in the five is the omission of a first hand human element.

Critiquing the crit

It seems that everyone is an expert in almost everything these day and photography is no exception. In fact its probably the only professional trade where you will find people absolutely busting at the seems to tell you with up most glee they have never had a days formal training along their journey to be the most amazing photographer in the world. Of course there are those who are just gifted and can turn their creative hand to almost anything and produce amazing work, for the rest of us its more about practice and long term education. Its also probably worth noting that its almost always someone who hasn't got a degree in any subject that will be the one telling you that its not worth the paper its written on.

Critique is often confused with criticism,those of us on Facebook who have dared to venture into any of the north east based "photography" groups will know all to well how things can escalate quickly from a simple comment expressing how an image doesn't quite look right or could be better into sending message via inbox to arrange a meet up to discuss things,how should i say it,on a more personal level! The groups were probably made in the best intentions or at very least as a self promotion tool for the admins. Mostly everything on the internet although not always obvious at first has been manipulated and structured around getting something for the creator. Make a group and invite all your friends,make sure the title sounds something a little official so when others go looking for a community they want to join it sounds safe enough. "Lets tall photography" just for example, now lets say you want to share a picture of your dog,kids,fireworks or the moon. as long as its not too out there or either too good or bad you'll be pretty safe and maybe get a couple of likes and "nice shots" which is all great,its not bothering anyone but its not really going to help you get any better at photography is it? You notice this after a few weeks and your not stupid so you want to push the boundaries a little,however you don't really understand the rules of engagement. Up until now you've been under the radar from the creator of the group as your images aren't going to threaten his or her position as alpha tog in front of all their friends.

That's when you post the best photo you've taken  and your excited to see how many likes you get,its like an addiction,if you don't get anything you have been lucky and should cut your losses and run. But you don't! You see it as a challenge and cant understand why its being ignored. Again you post an image that's up there with the best in the group. That's when its too late,it starts in spurts of little niggly comments of the "I wouldn't have done this", "you shouldn't have done that"  kind. The pack is circling,and the big tog hasn't even come out of their cave yet. You weather the storm brushing it off with your retorts of "I meant to do it like that,because" and silence falls over your comments and your post starts to slip down the news feed. Your glad you think its over and are still licking your wounds when you refresh the page to see there at the top is a post that's been running the whole time you were being berated. The top tog has laid the killer blow,signalling their disdain to the group of how "newbys" should learn to take criticism in the manor its meant and not get upset when their images are in effect ripped to pieces. Consider yourself well and truly served by a pro,don't take it personally though its just a game.

My personal favourite public group execution came a few weeks ago when i watched as an acquaintance posted a picture he had taken of a lock off a garden fence. he was into abstract images and clearly thought this was sufficient enough reason to post for some friendly "feedback" The first comment posted was from one of the group minions who went into great detail to tell him what was wrong with the image and a long list of the do's and don'ts of the group,their rules. He was quite exhaustive with his explanation and even i thought well fair enough that is what the group is about and sometimes its good to have rules. 5 minutes later the minion posted a picture of the selfie kind swagging a bottle of Jack Daniels with the comment "bottoms up,its the weekend"..It didn't end well.

So,we will be having none of that kind of behavior,which is actually the point of this blog post if that has been lost somewhat. Jill kindly presented us with some guidelines of how to approach critique in the manner it is intended. To offer a balanced opinion after taking into consideration many aspects of the image.

Here's how ours looked from our group critique of 35mm work so far

I was slightly disappointed the only negatives were from my blurred edges from printing but thankful for small graces all the same. 

Another great way of approaching this would be to compile your own check list like this one which is similar to that used for an editorial. Literally ticking all the right boxes can make an image successful or not make the grade needed.

Street Photography Final Five

Trying to capture every element of what we have learnt about the great street photographers into 5 images in such a small amount of time was never going to be easy.
4 or my final 5 have turned out pretty much as i imagined and hoped when i took the shot,BoB however was a happy accident with the addition of a portrait from a double exposed film but if anything it adds to the overall look.

Best Of British

In Loving Memory

Locked Dreams

Predator

Riff Raff