Daily Photo – Find The Photographer
The Daily Photo series focuses on the two or three key creative choices, in terms of composition and processing, that go into creating an image. Specific technical details about the shot have been left out — you won’t hear me talking about tone curve adjustments and whatnot unless it was a key component of the end result.
Can you figure out where I shot this from, given the reflection in the window?
Exposure
- Shutter: 1/500
- Aperture: f/4
- ISO: 200
- Camera: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
- Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Composition and Processing
- I really wanted to use the strong reflection in the window as a background, but was concerned about catching myself in the photo. I run into this problem sometimes with modern dance — the mirrors in the rehearsal studio more or less reflect the entire room. In those cases I usually shoot slightly off center so that, if I am in the shot, I’m usually clear of the subjects and can be easily removed in Photoshop. For this image I shot straight on, twisting my body to align my feet toe to toe in an effort to become thinner. I also crouched slightly so my shoulders and head were below Laura’s shoulders. Laura’s open jacket helps too, although not all the shots in this series were like that. As you can see from the original, I didn’t actually have to remove anything in post (well, nothing related to my reflection that is).
- The lines of the window frame line up nicely with the lines of the buildings in the distance. But the more interesting lines to me, the ones that really give it depth, are the bricks. They extend in the direction of the horizon and appear to be an extension of the ones in front of Laura. That, combined with the angles of her jacket, drive your attention to the top of the frame and Laura’s face.
Original:
March 25 2009 11:59 pm | Photography
Gretchen Lebrun on 16 Apr 2009 at 7:32 am #
…and I also like the slight tilt to the left you gave your final version creating more diagonal lines and dynamic impact