Puff the Magic Dragon CASE STUDY #11
CAMERA:
Hasselblad 503c
LENS:
120mm macro
FILM:
Kodak Plus X
EXPOSURE: LIGHTING:
f/8 at 1/15 second Luz 800ws power pack with one head and a medium softbox; additional light with grid on background
Assignment
a father and son are at odds with each other. Surpris-
Photographing musicians has always been a large part
ingly, he brought out some play guns. I photographed
of my personal work, and Peter Yarrow (of Peter and
them back-to-back as if they were ready to duel. It was
Paul and Mary) was on my list. Like his music and so-
worth a try—so be sure to keep an open mind and col-
cial convictions, Peter and his son Christopher, were
laborate with your subjects.
very tender and intense to photograph. Tips Visual Objective
This is the first case study to use a second light, added
Walking into Peter’s Manhattan apartment was like
to illuminate the fireplace and statue. Without it, there
walking into the rain forest. It was filled with tropical
would have been no separation of my subjects from
plants and Central American artifacts. I was given a
the background.
warm welcome by Peter and Christopher and sensed
You’ll also note that I chose a slow shutter speed
they had a loving relationship. My objective was to
to capture the candles burning. I am not sure it was
combine these elements, so I dragged plants to the
worth it, though; they are difficult to see against the
fireplace, lit candles, and placed a stool in the scene.
light background. I try to use every light source in the frame, though. It is my obsession.
Posing
I had Christopher sit on Peter’s lap as if he were cradling him. Then, I had them place their arms around each other and hold hands. The shape this created with their arms formed a heart. I also broke one of my own rules and placed the statue directly behind
30-degree grid on background, angled down from three feet above subjects
Peter and Christopher’s head. I felt this helped tell the story of the spiritual side of Peter. The Story
The image you see was the first idea and the one I liked the best. Peter also wanted to show another side of their relationship—the not uncommon side where 44
50 LIGHTING SETUPS FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS
medium softbox
