Creating in the Studio

For years I only photographed outside under natural light. The sun was always my light source – and I had to deal with whatever light was available to create my photos. I also had to compose my photos based on what I found where I was photographing. So sometimes I couldn’t take the photo I wanted because of something really annoying in the background – or because I couldn’t get my camera and tripod in the right spot.

And then I started photographing in a studio and discovered that when I did that – I had complete control of the light, the setting, and the background. And I could even ask the model to pose the way I wanted her to so that I could create the photos I wanted to.

So when I want to create a photo of a model with a bright red accessory against a dark background – I can use a black drop cloth and lights set to highlight the edges of her body.

 

Or if I’m inspired by the contrast of light and shadow in a painting by Caravaggio, I can create a similar look by setting my lights to create the areas of light and shadow.

 

If I want to capture motion, it’s just a matter of choosing the right lights, shutter speed and aperture

If my vision is for a photograph of a beautiful woman holding flowers in soft light, I can create that look with a right background and a couple of softboxes.

And if I’m inspired  by Doctor Who (one of my favorite TV shows) I just need the help of a wonderful model and the right props to create some fun photos.

 

If you’re curious about working in a studio with a model, join me on August 20 for my Photographing a Model in the Studio workshop. We’ll be working with fine art figure model Blue River Dream. Since the workshop is limited to 4 participants, everyone will have a chance to photograph under multiple lighting situations.

Be sure register soon if you are interested in this workshop – there’s only one space left. And once that space is filled, I’ll have to place you on a waiting list for the workshop.