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

Exercise 5 - Dramatic Light!

First Attempt, Dramatic light.

Examples of dramatic light.