Depth of Field

Depth of field is  important when you are taking photos in a studio. It is all about the lighting and composition of the photo which will make it either come out brilliant or really rubbish.

On a cameras lens the depth of field is very narrow so you have to adjust the lens to focus on what you want it to be focused on or it will be blurry.
We did a few examples or how different lighting can effect the photo and what mood it gives off the photo too.

Image 1

The lighting is low key, we have a soft box over the light and it is facing directly above the model.

This really brings out the colour in the models hair, as well as showing the facial details and structure, you need a reflector to get the best result from using this composition.

I really like the composition of this as the hair colour really shines and shows through, it also has a really soft focus on the face as well which doesn't make her features look as harsh.
The only thing I don't like is we had to take this shot a few times to get the real effect we wanted, if I got a shot but I wanted to change little details of it, I could be there for a while making sure I get the image I really want.

Image 2

The lighting is low key, it has a soft box over the light which is behind the model facing the photographer on an angle.

With the light being behind the model, the image comes out as the model really standing forward from any background. If the image comes out really dark then you can turn up the flash, this will really make the hair stand out too having the light shining down on the model. 

I like this image composition as it gives a really nice look to the model, brightening up the models hair at the top gives the rest of the image more detail.
The only thing I don't like about this composition is how it makes the hair look really fair in the image, the rest I really love but I personally am not keen on the hair being so brightly lit up on the top of the head.

Image 3

The lighting is high key, it is a hard light which is facing the white background.

These photos came out really really good! The model had turquoise hair which really came out of the image when we shot it. The image looked like the model really stood out from the background, as the lighting makes the model stand out. The colour of the hair was so vibrant and when you zoomed in the details on the models face were so different to any other composition we used.
I really liked this composition, this was my favourite of the day, it taught me something different and new, showing how we can use lighting to our benefit. Changing little things in the image made a huge difference and I really like the outcome of these pictures.

This ones was really technical to get right too, if the lighting was too dark then you need to change the aperture on the camera, you need to change it so less light gets let in and so the image there fore becomes brighter on the camera. The background lighting makes the pupils go smaller too, so you wont get a red eye effect. The red eye effect happens through the harsh flash going to the back of the pupil and bouncing off the red blood cells in the eye making them appear red.

Image 4

The lighting is high key, it is a hard light shining on the walls/white reflective boards.

The white reflective boards adds more light to the picture, making it brighter and showing more detail on the models face. The boards also give the models eyes a cat eye effect too, the lighting was so beautiful in this picture, the face looked so soft, the details were so nice and the whole image was so different to anything we have shot before.
I loved this image and this composition, it showed us all how using different reflective boards and different compositions in the studio can make different effects on the eyes, skin and facial features.

Shooting at Home

When you are working at home you can think it will be difficult but if you have a round idea of what to do, what you want to achieve and if you have a nice space to use then you can still get a good shot of something.
Having a basic wall which is cream/white will give you good surface to have a light shining on to, giving you light which can reflect back on to/into your shot.
Then opposite that your background can hang on the wall on where ever you can get it. 

We did a practice of this composition in the studio, a black background with the light reflecting off and using a reflective under the camera to give the model some light on to the face and hair. 

The shot looked really beautiful, her lips were so vibrant, her hair colour really stood out from the black background too. It showed ne a really interesting way to shoot at home, proving to me that it can be done and you can produce images that you can produce in a studio, but at home.

White Balance

Auto - the camera will automatically adjust the white balance settings to what light is it in so you don't need to change it, unless you want a certain mood in an image you would change the settings.

Shade - If you are shooting an image and there is a lot of shade, the white balance will change the blue tones, which are found in the shade and change them to reds and oranges to brighten up the picture.

Cloudy - You would use this setting when you are shooting on a cloudy dull day or you can even use it when you are shooting portraits. This is a very similar setting to the Daylight mode, but it will add warmer hues in to the picture which are what you would want in landscape and portrait pictures.

Daylight - This setting you would use when you shooting in direct sunlight and it is hitting your subject, it will add warm tones in to the shot to make it less bright.

Tungsten - This setting is the best one to use when you are shooting at home, the setting will take out the warmer yellow tones from the image and swap them for cooler blue and purple tones.

Florescent -  This setting is for florescent lighting which is found in offices and gyms, the setting will take out the cool tones and add more warmth in to them by adding orange and red tones.

Flash - This setting is basically the same as the daylight one, the flash or the light directly on the subject but it is a little softer than the daylight setting, it adds cooler tones as well as warmth.

Boom

A boom is a set of equipment that you will see in larger studios, they are more commonly used in the larger studios than smaller ones. It is a pole which is on a stand with 3 legs on the bottom on the stand. There is a light attached on one end of the pole and the other end there is a weight. The weight on one side holds the light where it needs to be in the air, in the middle of the pole where it joins to the base there is a tightener, it also keeps the pole where it needs to be. Where the legs are the pole needs to be directing in the same way as one of the legs or it will topple over. 

On the light you can add what ever lighting you want, a soft box, a hard light or a beauty dish etc. You need to be really careful of the wire that will attach in to the light so always use an extension lead when using this piece of equipment or someone could trip in the studio and then you could be to blame, you will lose out on money for the studio, booking the model, the make up and hair artists etc. So making sure the equipment is set up correctly and safely is always important.

Week 2 Studio

My second time in the studio was so much better than the first week! We knew what we wanted to do and what we wanted to achieve. We all got ready and set up the studio in record time as we knew what had to go where and how to set it up.

We started off the same way, one person was the model, one arranged the model, one arranged the lighting and the reflector and then we had some one taking the shots.

Studio set up

This time the lighting was a hard light so we bounced it off the white wall to get a reflection on to one side of the face, adding structure and shade to the face.

We all loved having fun with this as we all knew we had to practice certain things, such as, the front face on image, side profile image and a jaw/cheek side of the face.

We changed the lighting around facing it up and down and further back and further forward to see the different images we could get. Which ones worked really well was when the light was facing the wall and the light was reflecting off the wall on to the face but we also used a reflector as well to get the extra shine on to the face making the eyes pop and the lips look really good.

We all had a really good time shooting in this studio, we got two of the girls to model together as well which proved tricky as the light was shining on the wall still so one was lighter than the other but the reflector was a really big help, lightening up the other model to make her look just as good as the one nearest the light. We all swapped over and got some really, really good shots!

We then changed studios with the group next to us. They had a hard light too but theirs was shining straight up to the ceiling, so no light was coming from anywhere apart from the reflecti0on from off the white ceiling. 

At first all the shots we took were really dark as we didn't know we had to change the settings on the camera until Chris came over and showed us.
Once the camera had been changed we could see a huge difference in the brightness. It was so much better and we could definitely see that we was doing it slightly wrong at first. 

In the pictures the dark ones are when we first started in that studio and the brighter ones are when we changed the settings. 

The end shots that we got were really good! We all had this flawless looking skin and out features really popped off the face. They looked really good and I was very pleased with these shots.

I really enjoyed myself in the studio as we had more of an idea on what to do, how everything gets set up and what shots we knew we had to produce. I liked the first studio lighting we worked with as we could change that to get slightly different looks with changing the lighting but in the second one our whole look looked great. Smooth and flawless but I wasn't keen on just keeping the lighting in one place as all the images start to look the same.

That was the only thing I didn't like that we couldn't change what the image really looked like in the second studio as the lighting was just the same in each shot.

Overall, I loved being in the studio the second time around. We all knew what we wanted and what we had to do so we got on with it and produced some really good images again.

Week 1 Studio

My first time in a proper studio, taking proper pictures, with proper equipment was so exciting. Trying new positions, using the lighting in different areas to get different images and different looks.

My group was me, Olivia, Phoebe and Naomi, some of the girls already knew how to use a camera like the one we was using today so they knew how to set it up an showed me how to do things properly too.

What we did was take turns who was taking the picture, who was arranging the model, who was the model and who sorted the lighting and if we needed a reflector.
We all really enjoyed ourselves taking few different pictures of each other in different poses. 

Studio set up

The pictures we were taking were 'Beauty Shots', we focused on getting the lighting right to make the face and skin look so smooth and beautiful. We changed the lighting around a little bit but we mainly had it facing the model/on top of the model. We used a large soft box to create a soft look on the face.

In the sketch is the lights in the box with lines facing the model, the camera below the light, the round reflector facing the model which is the black rectangle

What we decided to do, to see if we could achieve it, was all of us in a picture together as a group. Phoebe arranged us where we needed to be, checked it in the camera to make sure we all looked right and there was a gap for her to get into. She put a timer on and got in to the frame and the picture turned out really well!

I really enjoyed my first time in a studio, experimenting with every one, changing certain things to make it look different from the rest. I also really enjoyed taking the pictures myself, seeing what it looks like in the frame and then when the flash or the reflector is added it changed the whole image. It either looks really, really good or the lighting does nothing for the model and we have to rethink what to do to improve it.

The only thing I didn't like about being in the studio is every one else is in there too and sometimes you cant use what you would like as we have to let everyone have a chance to use the different lighting and the different studios we had available. But, I am sure we will get chance to try out all the different lighting and techniques.

Overall, I really enjoyed myself and I feel that we all did really well. We all knew exactly how we wanted our model and what would make them look most flattering. I cant wait to keep going and learn more things about working in studios and different lighting to make different moods.

Studio Set Up

Setting up your studio and your camera are most vital when shooting. You need to make sure that all your camera settings are correct before you start so you don't lose or ruin any shots that you take and setting up the studio with your lighting, background and tripod/camera so its safe and ready to use when you are ready.

Setting up your studio before you shoot is so important, you don't want to be rushing when you are on a time limit. Things can go wrong, things can get set up wrong and then that can danger your model and yourself.
There are so many things to remember when you are setting up your studio, but you must always do it in a safe manor and make sure your model is ready to go so you don't lose out on any important shooting time.

Camera Set-up

- Don't forget your camera!
-  Use your own SD card to save all your work on to

- A hot shoe adapter, this is attached to the top of the camera where you connect the camera to the flash.

- USB or a hard drive

When setting up the camera there are 3 most important setting that need to be done before taking any photos, when you turn the camera on and the settings appears on the screen make sure you go into the MENU and erase everything from off the camera and reset the settings.
After you have done this the camera is cleared and ready for you to use -

1. Raw Image - taking photos in Raw will take the picture exactly the same as a JPEG but when it comes to post production it proves more difficult to edit. You cant change some of the settings on the photos without drowning out the light etc. On a Raw image, you can change the lighting and it doesn't change the whole colour of the image, it either adds more light or less light not by darkening the whole image.

2. Manual setting - having the camera in a manual setting is the best for you, if it was in Auto it will automatically change the lighting, the composure etc. You want images that are 'what you see' so you can change the lighting or the models pose or the type of lighting or if you need a reflector. You need to learn to change things and do it yourself because you don't want the camera doing all the work for you. That's cheating!

3. ISO 1/160 - This is the shutter speed. This shutter speed takes images at its fastest, this is what you want - to click the shutter and the image be taken just how you want. You cant keep clicking away though as the flash needs to catch up with the camera, so you need a few seconds between taking a shot.

Using these setting will give you the best shots you can take, you can then change them to how you want in post production with out any problems. When using the MAC in the studio, don't use the SD card in the camera, use a USB or portable hard drive in the computer to save the images to instead.

Studio Set-up

- Remember to use a tripod (if necessary), these will be sturdy shots, as it wont be hand held there wont be any wonky pictures being taken.
- A sync lead, this physically connects the camera to the flash.

- Set up your lights, get a light and stand if needed or change the accessory on the lighting to the one you want/need.

- Get reflectors if you will need them

- Set up the background - do you want a white background or a colour etc

- Do you need a chair or stool for your model

- What kind of lens do you need

1. Get your camera settings sorted and attach the camera to the tripod correctly.

2. Attach the hot shoe adapter in to the camera, them placing the sync lead in to the shot shoe and the other end into the light

3. Make sure the light works by turning it on and looking at the light/flash settings on the camera making sure they are at the settings you want them - dimming the light or flash etc

4. Get the right attachment for the light, do you need a spot light, a soft box a beauty dish. There are many to pick from but you firstly need to think about what kind of lighting you want -
         1. High key lighting - lets out more light, brightening the picture

         2. Low key lighting - lets out less light, dimming and adding shade/shadows to a picture

Try not to use a hard light on beauty shots, its very hard on the face of a women but when shooting with a man it looks very good and brings out the facial details. Where as on a women it takes all detail from out of the face washing them out.  

4. Using reflectors or boards when you need them to add light or to take out some light and add depth and shadow to the image. The light reflectors are either white or silver, the white reflector will add light in to the areas that need it where as the silver reflector will add light and shine on to the areas. The silver reflector really brings out shine and details in the models eyes.

5. For beauty shots you will need a beauty lens, it is made for these really precise and close up shots of the face and they bring out a lot of detail in the shot.

Types of Light Accessories -

- Hard light - this light has no cover over the actual light bulb but has a small dish around the exterior aiming the light in the direction you want. This is a high key lighting, the light is really harsh and shouldn't ever be pointed face on to the model or any other person in the studio, they are good at being aimed at a wall or back ground the give off reflective light. You don't need to use a reflector in these shots as you will be getting all the light you will need.

- Soft box - you can get these in different sizes but this is an adapter where it looks like a box with a white sheet in front of the light giving off a really soft light. This is a low key lighting technique, giving off less light in to the shot so there are more shadows and shade. You can use reflectors for these shots as they will add more light in to the shot if you think you will need it.

- Beauty dish - this adapter is really good for the beauty shots we want to product, hence why it is called a 'beauty dish'. This is low key lighting too as there is not harsh light being shone on to the model, but you can use reflectors in these shots to add more light/shine where you want it.

Changing the lighting in the studio will give you different kinda of images, one with more shade and less light or the opposite. Changing and seeing how things change is so good to learn what goes well and what doesn't with what kind of shot you want, experiment and see what happens! 

Model Casting

When casting for models it is so important that you do your research and look at different companies or even when you are out and about keep your eyes open and people watch to see if you can find some one who will match your brief.
On the street you will be able to see the model, the face, the hair, the skin tone, the height and weight. When you are looking online the photos are probably photo shopped in some way to make the model look different. This is why taking a polaroid photo on a casting is done because it photographs exactly what is in front of you and it is processed straight away.
If you cant do a proper casting where you have models meet you face to face there are different ways for you to see them. You can Skype or FaceTime the model or even ask them to send you a picture of them self with no photo shop, this will show you what they are like in real life like how they act as well.
The better the model is or the more popular the model is, the harder for you to book them. This will be because everyone wants their face, for example you can not open a magazine and not see Cara Delevingne's face on at least two or three of the advert pages. She is so beautiful, everyone wants her in their campaign! 

When choosing a model don't go for some one who does the same pose in all their photos. you want a varies of different things to look at because then you can see if they will fit your brief. Models with a variety of poses and looks is more likely to get booked more as they can show they have done a number of different things and are versatile.
When you have your model in the studio, look after them and make them feel special. You need to make sure they have enough food or water, they are warm and comfortable and you can also offer giving them the photos for free. Don't let your model get cold as the body starts to stiffen and maybe even shiver, they will get goose bumps on the skin and they could get cramps too. Give them lots of water to drink so they are always hydrated, they will get bags underneath their eyes if they don't drink enough water. Don't stress the model out as she will feel uncomfortable, her eyes will pop out a little and they probably wont want to work with you again.
If the studio is too hot then you and the model will start to get a sweaty, this is no good for the make up as it will go shiny and could start to slide down the clients face. 

Experienced models will know what they are doing on set, every time the camera snaps a shot they will change poses, where as inexperienced models will need more direction. As the photographer you need to tell them what you want any way but giving some extra direction will help them, by using your hands or standing in the pose you want.
When looking for some one if you have a specific look you need, make sure you choose someone who will fit that look. Don't pick someone who has small eyes to do an eye make up advert. You want some one with big beautiful eyes.
Never work in a dark room you will always need some lighting on, when shooting you will have your lights on the model but working in a fully dark room will not be good for shooting in as the photos will not come out great.
Never give out any photos that aren't finished, after a shoot they need checking and photo shopping slightly. If a model wants a photo they will have to wait until they have been done as if someone else gets hold of the photo they could think it looks horrible, the lighting could be too dark and there could be roughness on the skin that would need soothing.
Never put too much stress on yourself when doing a shoot, always be organised so you know what you're doing, what you're using, where your going, who the model is and who the photographer it. Always get the studio set up first before you start any work, even do a test shoot so you know how long it will take you to get everything ready, what make up goes right with the model or with the brief. Try not to get any nerves as you can pass those nerves on to other people and then it will create an atmosphere in the studio.
Make sure you do lots of research in to what look you are going for, going to places which will inspire you are great so you get first hand looks on what you want. Also books, films, pictures, how the people dress or objects look like, how they live or where they live, you need to communicate with the genre so you get every aspect of it. Creating mood boards are a good way of getting everyone down in one place and seeing it all together. 

In the studio have some background music on, you wont feel uncomfortable and neither will the model if all of a sudden it goes really quiet. Talk to the model try get to know them in front of your camera, it will relax them and you could get better pictures out of them. Sometimes the best photos of your model are when they aren't posing, like between shots when the make up artist has topped up the lipstick or someone else is talking. Never whisper in front of your model, this will make them feel uncomfortable - I you don't like something your model is doing then you are better telling them in a polite way. Then they will know what you want and what you don't want, so be upfront to your model but never be rude.
Once you know you have your shot - fine tune it. Look at the lips, the eyes and the hair. Are they all in place and look perfect, can her hand move into a different spot or does her eye make up need a little tweaking. This is where you can change these things to make the picture perfect and need less photo shop.
Always make sure you have a back up model available, if your model doesn't turn up or becomes ill or maybe have to leave early, if you have a back up model you will still be able to get on with your shot even though it will be with a different model.

Before starting your shoot think of the mood you want to create. What type of lighting do you want, high key or low key (high key - more light, low key - less light and more shadow). What do you want your background to be, what make up do you want your model to have and how to do you want their hair to be styled, think snout what poses will look good for what you are trying to do, do you want front face, the side, angled, do you want them to hold something, be on the floor, sat or laid on something or stood up.

These are all key factors that you will need to think about and research before you start your shoot and being organised is the most important thing.