Grace
CASE STUDY #44
CAMERA: LENS: EXPOSURE: LIGHTING:
Canon D30
24–105mm zoom
f/11 at 1/125 second
Profoto 800ws head with medium Profoto octagon softbox as main light; Profoto 800ws head with spun glass over 40-degree grid for rim light
Assignment
The session went so well that I decided to shoot a
I offered my services to photograph Claire and her
vertical shot (seen here) for myself. After switching the
daughter Grace for a fashion benefit raising money for
red scarf for a purple one, I had Claire sit on a posing
a center that helps children with attachment disorders.
stool and placed Grace in front of her.
The image would be used for ads and a poster. Tip Visual Objective
The image of Claire and Grace appeared all over town
The portrait was for a serious cause so I wanted my
and part of the exchange was that my web site was
subjects to appear somber. Still, I felt that the image
printed on all the posters. When you take on gratis
also had to reflect bonding and warmth, so it needed
work, be sure that your name/web site appears on the
a softer edge—and to show Claire’s maternal nature.
posters, brochures, ads, etc.—otherwise there will be no benefit to you. It’s also a good idea to get the
The Pose
agreement in writing, so there isn’t any confusion
I had Grace stand straight and stare at the camera
about where and how your name will appear.
holding her elbow with her hands—a serious look for a child. I asked Claire to hold her pregnant belly and wrap her other hand around her daughter. spun glass over 40-degree grid for sidelight
The Story
Claire owned a fashion boutique so I asked if she would bring a change of clothing and colorful scarves. When they arrived at my studio I was thrilled—Claire was attractive and very pregnant and her daughter was stunning. I had set up a mattress for them to lie down
octagon softbox for main light
on, since the client asked for a horizontal for the poster. I also chose a black background to isolate the subjects, and knew I had to light them to stand out. Looking at the wardrobe choices, I chose a black dress for Claire and a red scarf to wrap Grace in. LIGHTING CASE STUDIES
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