By Hernan Rodriguez
I recently was featured in the Alien Skin Newsletter showcasing a collection of images shot with the 70-200mm and the 60mm F2 macro. I just love my "Sixty". On a sidebar: I am not too big of an advocate of many of these plug and play filters out in the market, but I am completely sold on Exposure 3. Whatever images I capture with any Tamron lens I use, which is the first objective, GET THE SHOT, I then have the option of adding a flavor of any film choice I desire, without the mess of chemicals or the cost of processing.
In this Vintage collection I put together, I wanted to portray images that would take you back to the Old Hollywood era. Images of Iconic Personalities such as James Dean, Judy Garland and Joan Crawford.
The lighting was set-up to project a historic period in time. I tend to use upward of eight lights on my talent, which gives me the most control over highlights. But in this case, it was a back-to-basics approach. I used a basic three-point light setup. I was very satisfied with the end result. The majority of key lighting was shot through a satin umbrella placed very close to my subject. This made that well lit Hollywood look with quick falloff. For fill I used a small 16×20 softbox and a reflector if needed. I also used either a background or accent light on my subject for separation.
One favorite of mine is the shot of the young girl with the pink hat. It was shot with very weak window light and one silver reflector on the opposite side. This is where my "Sixty" took over, that is my 60mm F2 Macro. The final exposure was 1/50thsec @ f2 with an ISO of 600 because of the low light. This was a great starting point for the feel I was after even before any post work. I made a few adjustments in Lightroom and fine-tuned it into the 40’s and 50’s Hollywood era with Exposure 3. Pushing my exposure to the lens' maximum aperture, directed the entire focus on the front plane of the eye and the ribbon bow on top of the hat. The final image was that of a classic fashion editorial shot with the styling of the old films. When all was said and done, I was able to have the range needed for tight close ups from my 70-200mm, and the maximum aperture offered by my 60mm F2 for low light scenerios.
Ladies and Gentlemen, "WE ARE GOING TO HOLLYWOOD".
P.S. TAKE A LOOK AT MY FEATURED CASE STUDY PROVIDED BY JIMMY @ ALIENSKIN AND DOWNLOAD A FREE 30 TRIAL.
Give the guy a (leather) jacket (or remove the check shirt)! Needless to say I was thinking of John Travolta & James Dean.
Posted by: parv | Monday, January 31, 2011 at 11:42 PM