For a review of the Fuji X-T2, I met up with one of my favorite models, Anastasiya, in New York. Working with just the Fuji X-T2 and the kit lens that came with it, I wanted to work with just the available light. But I wasn't just on the lookout for soft, flattering light - I also on the lookout for interesting found light, such as unexpected splashes of light. Available light portrait photography with intent! These two articles will show how surprising it can be to stumble upon interesting available light to enhance a portrait:
Observing and Read more inside...
This striking photograph of Anastasiya, like some flying super-hero, didn't just happen on a first take in the studio. It started with an idea, and then through several iterations, finally took shape.
I wanted to test the Profoto B1 flash's Freeze mode, where the duration of the flash is much shorter - perfect for freezing fast motion. However, with a jumping shot like this, the photo is timed pretty much at peak movement - and there isn't really as much blur as we'd need to show that the Freeze mode is effective. We're going to need Read more inside...
In photographing wide-angle portraits, we have to make the decision whether we want to embrace the wide-angle distortion (such as Bill Brandt famously did), or have a more natural approach where the wide-angle is used to show more of the environment and to help with a dynamic composition.
With this photo of Anastasiya, I wanted to include these massive billboards 5th Avenue. That meant I had to use a wide focal length. In this example, I had my 24-7mm zoom racked to 24mm.
The idea here is that we need to be purposeful. Better to shoot in a Read more inside...
