Posted by Laurie (New Jersey, United States) on 18 January 2008 in People & Portraits and Portfolio.
I know it's hard to believe that terrible pun. I shot this with a homemade snoot that I made yesterday. I made one the other day but I thought I could make a better one so I gathered up some materials, put a little more thought into it and voila! A new improved and very cheap snoot.
I wanted to test it right away and so I found Russell sitting at my comp looking at some silly college stuff...sheesh...priorities! ;-P. I set the flash on a cabinet next to him and snapped this one without much enthusiasm on his part. He was rather perturbed that I was bothering him with this.
I know this one is very dark, but I rather liked the mysterious nature of it. Next time I want to play with more fill light and such but this was just a very quick snap done on the fly. I need to experiment more and try different things. I think I am going to like using this tool. Now I need to find a more co-operative, patient, and tolerant subject...Oh Jon...Come here a minute...Yeah right!
I've posted some photos where I used my DIY lightbox on Capture This if anyone is interested in having a look here and here.
Please visit my other photoblog Capturethisphotography.com
This photo of the Bucknell Quad is a 2 page feature photo in the Summer 2008 issue of Bucknell Magazine.
Your comments are very much appreciated. I know the time and effort it takes to visit and leave comments and although I don't get to reply to them nearly as often as I like, please know that I do really appreciate them. You are what keeps me going. I make every effort to reply to questions but I may miss one or two and I apologize for that. If you really need me to get an answer to you quickly, the best way is to use the contact form on Am3.
As of July 2008 I have decided to post the same photos here as on Capturethisphotography.com but check the archives for photos not posted here.
VFXY Photos
Great work, Laurie. I really like the dark moodyness of this. His expression is perfect.
18 Jan 2008 12:31am
@Sharon: Thanks. He has a million great expressions...he doesn't always want to share them with the camera though!
nice shot
18 Jan 2008 2:20am
@KMF: Thanks.
I like this. The darkness works very well and the crop is great, too.
18 Jan 2008 2:58am
@dee: Thanks.
I like the mysterious nature of it too! Perfect work here!
18 Jan 2008 4:53am
@Craiger: Thanks.
I like the mystery of this shot too! His expression is one to treasure!!!
18 Jan 2008 6:32am
@Kerri: Thanks.
very nice portrait !
18 Jan 2008 7:47am
@theys roland: Thanks.
A magnificent portrait. I like the angle of light and how you framed the shot. Very well done.
18 Jan 2008 9:53am
@Barbara: Thanks.
absolutely love the lighting! awesome shot Laurie!
18 Jan 2008 10:16am
@Tricia: Thanks.
Perfect lighting. It gives alot of emotion to this shot. I like this a lot.
18 Jan 2008 12:26pm
@photowannabe: Thanks.
Nice portrait, with a beautiful light.
18 Jan 2008 12:30pm
@Calusarus: Thanks.
Very cool effect. I really like the mysteriousness (if that's a word) of it. I use an inexpensive Lumiquest snoot that I use from time to time to add just the right amount of "snap" to a subject's hair to brighten it up. I just wish I could adjust the aperture of it.
18 Jan 2008 9:55pm
@Russ: Thanks...I did break down and get the Lumiquest one so that I can just fold it and stick it in my bag. I agree that it would be cool if you could change the aperture. Maybe a DIY project for the future!
I think the name for this is Bogart lighting, after Humphry Bogart. They used to photograph him with this style of lighting for the movie stills.
18 Jan 2008 9:57pm
@Russ: Thanks. I always liked that kind of dramatic lighting. I did not know that they actually referred to it as Bogart lighting. Thanks for the info.
I love this shot Laurie, the lighting and the mood is wonderful. Well done :)
19 Jan 2008 6:23am
@MaryB: Thanks.
Very good portrait! His facial expression is very soothing & calm.
19 Jan 2008 2:30pm
@badala: Thanks. He actually had a little smirk on his face as well as giving me the eye roll. He was teasing me as I shot this.
Absolutely beautiful. I love the mood in this one.
19 Jan 2008 8:43pm
@Rebecca: Thanks.
Great lighting..very reminiscent of "With the Beatles"
20 Jan 2008 3:31pm
@Jasp: Thanks. You are right it does have that look.
I had to google snoot to find out what it is. I agree that some fill light would be a good addition. I appreciate your sharing your experimentation with us. Maybe it will inspire some of us to try something new!
20 Jan 2008 8:40pm
@Anita: Thanks. Yes fill light is a good idea. When I use this technique in a more controlled manner I will be sure that I do that. This was a quick shot at my desk to just test the snoot. I was impatient to try it. Now I just have to get him to sit for a few more formal tests!
i love the lighting on this one, i will have to study the links you have provided about your lighting projects!
29 Jan 2008 1:11pm
@ankush vimawala: Thanks. They are definitely worth checking out.
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NIKON D2001/160 secondF/5.6ISO 20097 mm (35mm equiv.)
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