Phocus Software- DAC Questions and Answers

1.	Where are the DAC options available in the software interface?
a	The DAC options can be found on the right hand side under the tools options of Capture, browse, adjust and export.
2.	Can tools be added to any tab? or repositioned within tool tabs?
a	You can add any tool to a tab and add the very same tool can be added to other tabs as well.
3.	Which factors are corrected through DAC?
a	Factors such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance, histogram, adjust the sharpness etc. can be altered via Phocus.
4.	At what point in your HB workflow would you perform DAC?
a	These are performed prior to image capturing, making sure exposure is correct and white balance is suitable to the conditions. Adjustments can be made during the process of images and after image capture. The idea is to create as little post processing as possible.
5.	What would be the advantage of making corrections in Phocus before export?
a	Adjustment won’t have to be later made in lightroom, especially if the image only requires minor adjustments.
6.	Can these adjustments be made in Lightroom? How?
a	Images that have been captured on Phocus can be imported into lightroom, there should be a side-click option when the file are highlighted. Phocus works very closely to lightroom in terms of adjustment options.

Portrait Shoots

For my portrait shoot, I have chosen to go with a dramatic theme in terms of lighting;

For my portrait that is to convey a sense of place and mood using light, I have decided to use only one light to create almost a spot light, and pose my model to direct her attention towards the light. I love the drop of dramatic shadow used in the portrait below, but as i want to feature the model's face more, i wont have have the light directly above and more towards the side to allow light direction.  

(the dramatic effect of movement with spotlighting)
the fourth figure is fairly close to my intent.

For my alternative light, I have purchased a lamp that glows like a little moon.
I am using it as my main light source to illuminate my model with an additional from behind to separate my model from the background. my intention is to create something from the combination of each of the example images below. The intended mood of the shoot is to create a dramatic, dreamy portrait with soft relaxed posing. I will be having my model dress in a loose white shirt to allow the light to reflect.

I want to get a variety of images, with the model holding the lamp at different heights and even photographing on the floor and reflecting more light with the use of a white sheet. 

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Studio Shoot 29/10

For my electrical item, I have chosen to photograph a Sunbeam popcorn machine.

Having the product slightly angled, showing the power switch is most ideal position.

I like how the product is lit from slightly above but i don't entirely favor the dark patch of shadow on the product.

I prefer this light set up more; the image doesn't appear etched and I like how the popcorn is popping out of the machine, which is basically what the machine does.  

This image appears to be from the same shoot above using a Dutch tilt for a candid effect.

What I would like to do is photograph my popcorn machine at an angle, with two lights; one illuminating the back with a slight catch on one side of the product, a second slightly above and use a reflector to reflect some light onto the product name. I also like the idea of popping corn while shooting to show the product's function and entice the idea of food in the advertisement. background will be white with the product on a reflective surface so the product doesn't look like it's floating.

For my personal choice, I'll be photographing my Tony Bianco Shoes

There weren't many flattering images of the shoes and most have that white etched background look.

for my shoot,
I want to emphasise the colour of the shoe and place the products in an edgy way by having the shoes propped, angled, on a slightly levelled modelling block, with a black sheet covering the block. I want the backdrop to be white. With the contrast of cloth and white backdrop and black cloth creating a horizon, the purple shoes will pop with colour.
2 lights will be used for the shoot; one for illuminating the backdrop, and another light facing the angled shoes from a 45 angle above.

Studio 2 -Product Portrait Idea

For my product portrait I am photographing Lynx's 'Twist' deodorant.

The target audience for this product are men with body odour issues and a cheaper alternative to male cologne.

My advertisement portrait is to appeal to men in a suggestive-product-of-choice-sense and for women to encourage men to use the product. I have organised a male model of a fit physique to model the product. 

This is an example (not the most ideal) of the model light set up: basically 2 rim lights, one slightly angled more to the front. The idea is to show the person's outline and physique. I will also be having the mode twist his torso to face the main light. The reason I also want the light side on is because I will be having the model apply the deodorant to himself and want to show the detail of the spraying substance of the deodorant can.

Studio Research Task 3!

Workshop 2 – Studio Research Task 3

This includes a review of previous theory and a simple research task for week 4.

1. Complete the following list of f-numbers (do not use 1/3 stops)

f1.0 f1.4 f2_f2.8_ f4_ f5.6_ f11_f8_ f16_ f22_ f32_

2. In a given studio portrait situation where the subject is lit by one source and a reflector, if an incident light reading of the lit side is f16 and an incident light reading of the side lit with reflected light is f1.4 then the 

difference in illumination will be;

[b] 7 stops

3. The difference in illumination described in question 2 above expressed as a ‘lighting ratio’ will be;

[c] 8:1

4. If the maximum output of a power-pack is 1200J, the output of the same power-pack when set on half power 

will be;

[d] 600J

5. If in the situation described above in question 4 an incident light meter is used to measure the output of the power-pack set to maximum output and from a given distance is f22, the new f-number at the same distance 

when the powerpack is set to half power will be;

[c] f11

6. In a given situation you are using two powerpacks to photograph a subject using multiple discharges, eg. 10 sequential discharges. One powerpack is set to a greater output level than the other. You need to decide 

which pack will be the master pack to be triggered from the camera and which will be the slave pack 

triggered either optically or via another method from the master.

Describe which pack will be the master and why. The diagram below may help.

The higher output flash would be the master and the lower output would be the slave.

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Studio Shoots For Portrait Task

This post is to outline every planned shoot.

For these shoots I will be using my 18-55mm lens (only one I own) on a Canon 1100D.

Corporate Shoot

-15th April at 10:30-12pm period of the lesson

-Model: Krzysztof Wende

-Assistance: -(1 position available)-

-Equipment: 2x Barn door lights, 1x Ambient light, 1 Diffuser screen

 For both shoots, there will be a grey backdrop.

The change to full body portrait will have the main light source more overhead to drop off towards the feet. The original rim light in the head and shoulders will be repositioned as a hair light to keep separation but wont appear in the image.

Model will be dressed in Dark ash suit with a red tie and glasses.

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Editorial Shoot

-30th April, (8:30, model prep) 9-10:30 period of the lesson.

-Model: Rose Ottley

-Assistance: -(1 position available)-

-Equipment: 1x Circular rim light, 1x Ambient light, 1x silver reflector

The main light is to be positioned overhead to create hollywood style lighting, The backdrop will illuminate with a circular rim light for a white backdrop that drops off with slight vignetting. 

Model will be dressed with slicked back hair and makeup (a preparation before light set up); Dark eyeshadow, Dark lipstick. Clothing will be grey faux stall, Redcoat and black lace underneath, showing through slightly open jacket. Torso and above will only be captured.

Samba Belezas -Group Portrait -Light Diagram   

-7th May at (8:45, model prep) 9-10:30 period of the lesson

-Models: Georgia Maguire, Rebecca Flemming & one other (Rebecca is supplying)

-Assistance: -(2 positions available, 1 light reader and 1 light observer)-

-Equipment: 2x barn door lights, 1 circular rim light, 1 ambient soft box.

After researching enough group portraits, I came to the decision of this light set up. 

To create a 'Stage feel' to the portrait, I will have a softer light to illuminate the faces and drop off at the hips. Because the models will have large head pieces, I want to create strong contrast from the backdrop by having one rim light behind the centre model and 2 hair lights to illuminate the side models. The rim light will keep the focus centered and all lights will be situated at chest length.

Because i''l need quite a it of space and 3 backlights, I need 2 assistance to help me execute the shoot a quick and clean as possible.

*all set ups may altered slightly but this will be the solid basis I will be working from.

Proposal for Major Assignment 1

Corporate Portrait

For my corporate portrait, I want to use a simple light set up for my model but have a serious and confident expression and manner to represent professionalism.
I am basing my portait to be used to represent a lawyer (from the task sheet example). As the profession is quite a serious and challenging job, I want to express trust, assurance and confidence which is what clientele look for for representation (also felt a bit sick of seeing cheesy smiles plastered on my screen when researching). 

Examples of my corporate idea.

I like the lighting scheme but there's almost a bit of boredom in the subjects face.  

I like the frontal lighting and the direct body language and attention towards the camera. 

Simple, nice lighting, cropping is a bit small though.
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Group Portrait

For my group portrait, I am wanting to photograph a small group of Samba performers who represent Kokoloco Dance Studio and perform at weddings and events. The bright coloured costumes and confident performers  will make for an interesting group portrait.
Participants are willing the moment I give a proper shooting date.
Examples of my group image idea.

An example of a group of samba performers: even light on the subjects but I want 2 backlights to give the costumes more definition and emphasis. 

Example of the effect of the back lighting and frontal, over head lighting.

In Samba, emphasis on the chest and torso area are important , this to create length and confidence when performing. Main front light will be placed high and focus on illuminating the head and torso and drop off more at the hips. the main light will have a diffuser to make the subjects more evenly light and help to emphasise the backlight. Only challenge maybe requiring a bit of room for the shoot as head pieces are quite tall a require enough distance to evenly spread light on subjects and their headpieces.
Might consider having two main, diffused lights.
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Editorial

For My Editorial shoot I have decided to base my portrait on Vogue Magazine (general Vogue, including issues internationally). From my research on Vogue's past covers, there are verried lighting used and different moods expressed. One thing that remained a theme was the high fashion (of course) but also the subjects, whether they are models or celebrities, there is mood of female dominance and empowerment. This is what I find is one of the appeals has Vogue magazine towards female readers.

I have chosen to use fashion and female empowerment as the theme for my editorial for Vogue.
I also wanted to incorporate a slight winter theme to my shoot as if this was for Australian Vogue's following issue for the winter months.
The story idea I have for my model is that she is star that has broken out of her 'child star' image and is embracing her young adult life through her upcoming major role in an upcoming film. The feature is an interview on the stars metamorphosis.
To show that change, I want to use some symbolism in the clothing to help convey the story;
I have a red coat (red being a captivating and sensual colour) with a grey faux fur shawl to dress it up and create a  wintery feeling. Like a lot of fashion shoots, models always look like they're freezing their butts off, mine might not be an exception, underneath the coat there will be just lace (a black crop top if thats less revealing) and black tights, bottom half wont be seen anyway.

Model will be Rose Ottley.

Examples of my editorial.

I like this image for it's direction of light and shadow (despite it being flash), the image incorporates a slight mixture of broad and hollywood lighting which I am considering for my shoot. I also like the subject matter and the direct gaze and strong stance that holds attention. 

Similar light direction, but more overhead than the previous, I also like how the light drops off from the hips. The pose is strong with a bit of attitude. My model will be shot from head to hips and may need to show more body language from the arms and shoulders as shown in the example. 

Similar lighting again.

Will be post lighting diagrams and image sketches with shoot dates soon.

• http://www.tributeproductions.biz/talent/international/aroundtheworld.html#.UVrd7Ksd6tg
• http://dancabrazil.com.au/about/becky-kern/
• http://www.maddance.com.au/blog/mandy-mcgill/mandy-mcgill-green-samba-costume/
• http://art8amby.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/
• http://www.stylesaint.com/stylebooks/4f21e261ee8ffb4544000333
• http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9705476/Best-fashion-magazine-covers-January.html