2 minute read
The Fourth Round
CASE STUDY #14 The Fourth Round
CAMERA: Hasselblad 503c LENS: 120mm macro
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FILM: Fuji RDP 100
EXPOSURE: f/8 at 1 / 125 second
LIGHTING: Luz 800ws strobe packs and a large Chimera softbox on a boom stand; large white reflector on posing table
Assignment One of my clients in the ’90s was a celebrity stock agency called Shooting Star. Periodically, they would send rising stars to my studio to be photographed for public relations and celebrity stock. Ashley Sayers was one of the up-and-comers that I got to photograph.
Visual Objective Acting is a very difficult field to succeed in—and even more challenging for children, who are more vulnerable to the fleeting fame. I wanted to illustrate the toughness and the tenderness of a child actor in visually clean and concise way.
Posing A simple stool and posing table can be very effective for controlling your subject’s movements. For this tight shot, it allowed Ashley to rest her elbows on the table and cradle her head with the red boxing gloves.
The Story Ashley brought wardrobe and props to the session and was enthusiastic, following directions well. Within the first hour we had enough photographs for all her public relation needs. Still, I felt I hadn’t gotten “the” shot, so I went into my prop bin and pulled out a pair of man-size boxing gloves.
I wasn’t sure how Ashley would react but, being the consummate professional, she cooperated. I knew
50 50 LIGHTING SETUPS FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS
I had to try this at the end of the session when Ashley was a bit tired and her defenses were a bit down. I felt that it was at this moment I might capture a more authentic portrait of Ashley.
Tip When you are shooting for a client, take the photographs they want first. Then, give yourself time to take the photographs you want. They are paying your bills, but if you neglect your needs you will regret it later. Most of the images in my portfolio are the ones that landed on the editing floor of the photo editor.
When working with child actors, get them involved by asking about their favorite actors and movies. Ask them to imitate their favorite movie scenes or sing their favorite songs from Broadway. It’s a lot of fun.
40-degree grid spot as hair light
softbox white reflector
softbox
