As promised, I am writing today to comment on some of the more technical features of what we do. We have always prided ourselves in our reception photography, making an effort to not just document the event but have exciting, fun, colorful "portraits" of our clients and their guests partying through the night. Achieving truly high end reception photography is about much more than knowing how to take a good picture. Rather, it becomes a challenge of not only having the proper equipment, but knowing how to use it. We recently upgraded our lighting arsenal and decided the break the new members of the family in at a sweet 16 party this past weekend. We were so pleased with the results, there was no way we couldn't blog about it. See some of our favorites below with some notes on just what it was about the lighting and photography that made the shot special.
The use of multiple lights changes everything. More fill, better color and perhaps most importantly, the addition of more lights than just the one mounted on the camera adds the perception of studio lighting- something you don't expect at a party. In addition, the use of our low aperture lens collection allows us to capture a lot of movement while allowing as much light in as possible. Here, we are using a combination of our Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 and my personal favorite; our Nikon 50mm 1.8.
In the photo above, my second light has been strategically placed next to the DJ booth, where a cloud of mist fills the air courtesy Cory of Grant Hammond and Associates.
A strong back light can have magical effects, in this first photo the light invades the frame and helps to translate an exciting moment. In the second image, the harsh light actually softens the image taken during an emotional moment as the birthday girl dances with her father. We use this technique often during the first dances at weddings.
Being true to our roots, these lighting techniques even offer the chance to throw a hint of the high fashion edge that we usually use for portraits into the impromptu party environment. After all, every birthday girl should be treated like a celebrity.
That's all for now. I'll be sure check in again soon, I've got all sorts of new toys I'm shooting with now that I can't wait to brag about.
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Thanks for this post Evan, been looking forward to reading some behind the scenes stuff you and Caroline do.
ReplyDeleteSo how are you triggering those two speedlights? If one is on camera and another off, are you using the on camera strobe as a commander for the other strobe? (as in the shot with strobe placed on the DJ booth)
And for the other shots, either you or Caroline has to be holding the backlight strobe in place right?
I like the 6th shot best, great party shot.
I enjoyed the images. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJason,
ReplyDeleteWe are using Interfit iSync4 radio triggers. One of my new toys is the VH Flip Bracket by The Morris Co. which allows me to use the trigger in my hot shoe and mount my speedlight (diffused with a Gary Fong diffuser) on the bracket. This way, I don't need to use TTL- which I dislike because I prefer full manual control of all my lights (plus, I don't like giving the machines too much power- that's how Cyberdyne took over.)
The second light is on an Impact light stand, Caroline is off running the Studio Booth in these shots.
Thanks for the reply....I didn't see a Morris Co. bracket, but am looking at a Samigon V-H Camera Flip Bracket System. Looks very cool. Just put your flash on the upper bracket, and that let's you keep your camera's hotshoe available for the radio transmitter...then other flash off a light stand (praying it does not get knocked over??).
ReplyDeleteI'll have to swing by the studio sometime and check out your bracket. Did you order it online or got it somewhere local?
Love the lighting! Those shots came out SO good! Is it May 2011 yet?!
ReplyDeleteThat Samigona looks like the exact same model. Perhaps the same manufacturer, but different distributor? The Morris Company can be found on B&H, where we got everything. I did order one item from a different lesser known site because I had a special need for it, but that's hard to explain without seeing it in person. Yeah, feel free to come by and check out the toys, just give us a call and make sure we're here!
ReplyDelete(Yes, the praying it does not get knocked over is important. But I generally put it next to a chair or something that is going to be avoided anyway.)