A couple of simple shots – as long as you have the Profoto B1 fitted with a 4 x 1’ softbox!
Shot using a 70-200 f2.8 on Canon’s flagship EOS 1Dx, again using the High Speed Sync mode on the flash.
The B1 was positioned just out of shot to the left of the model just to balance the strong mid-day sun coming from the opposite direction. Exposure at iso 200, 1/1000th f8 to maintain detail in the location and the sea. As you can see – this image is all about the location and composition. Using a professional model always saves so much time and the importance of working with professionals cannot be over emphasised. They know how to walk, hold themselves, dress and work for the camera – they understand lighting positions and how to be in the correct pose for the shot at just the right part of the ‘walk’ and in essence, make getting a great pic (once exposure for both ambient and flashes are set) a relatively simple task. All the photographer has to get right is the focus (simple with modern cameras), the composition (personal preference) and press the button at the right time.
Choosing your location is not always as straightforward as it may appear – it may be a small part of an overall scene that is picked out so that the rest of what can be seen by the naked eye is not in shot, or it can be that the overall scene is great at first glance, but on closer inspection may include a building site in the distance or other unpleasant features – always take the time to check the overall image in camera before deciding final composition.
Words: James Wright 2016
Images: © Double Red
Not for publication
