BH Photo Event Space Next Week

Tags

beauty, Beauty Headshot, Beauty Photography, BH, BH Event Space, BH Photo, Black hair, Model, modeling, Nikon, off camera flash, Photoflex, Photoflex Umbrella, SB800, Single Light, Single Light Portraits, Small Flash Photography, Sony, Sony A7II

Hi Everyone,

I apologize for not posting for a while.  I’ve been busy and have neglected the blog.

Next week on December 28, I’m heading to BH Event Space to run a presentation from 1-3 on the Humble Umbrella.

BH Event Space

I just received the new Photoflex Diffusion Screen for the 45″ convertible umbrella.  For those of you who know my work or work in photography education, you know that I love this umbrella.  Now, with a diffusion screen, this umbrella system is now complete.

Here is the link to Photoflex:

Photoflex Umbrella Diffusion

I’ll be at BH to demonstrate this wonderful piece of gear and to get a handle on it.  I’ve not shot with it, so we’ll all learn something that day.

I’ll be shooting with the incomparable Tatiana, who worked for me at the Nissin Booth this year at the Photoplus Expo:

Register at the BH Event Space site and join in the fun!

Hope to see you there.

The Model Polaroid Sitting

Tags

CT Model Headshot Photographer, CT Model Portfolio, Model, Model Headshot, Model Photographer, Model Polaroids, Model Portfolio, modeling, Polaroids

Hi and welcome back.

I’ve had a request to add a post on the model polaroid sitting.  The term polaroid to describe this look is a holdover from the film days when a polaroid camera was used to get immediate photos for a models book or during a casting.  This allowed the agency to have access to photos of the model for future use.

The look today is also called digitals.

Currently, some agencies require only a few images, but when I shoot polaroids I give the model 9 shots so that he or she is covered for every agency.  Some agencies require all the shots and some only a headshot and full body or some combination of images.

Normally, the sitting is done with the model in a two piece bathing suit and includes these looks.

If you have long hair, pull it back into a ponytail so the agent can see your face.  You can always let it out upon request.

The shots include:

Headshot front

Headshot side

2/3 body front, one side, right and left on an angle to the camera

Full body front, side, back

I always include all of the shots in the sitting so the model is covered to send images to agencies with differing requirements.

I use a single strobe light and a large softbox, like a 3 x 4 to get plenty of soft light.

Once I have taken all the shots, I put them into an 8.5 x 11 format for the model’s book, like this: 

Polaroids can be done with a smartphone: they don’t need to be done professionally.  But if I shoot a model portfolio, I offer it as part of the package so the model leaves with a complete set of updated images.

Currently, I’ve seen polaroids done in clothing, almost like a simple commercial fashion look.  I’ve not shot them that way, but it would seem to be easy to accomplish to send images to an agency.

I hope this helps!

Till next time, keep shooting!

September 17 Location Strobe Lighting Workshop

Tags

CT, Editorial, fashion, Interfit S1 Monolight, Interfit S1 Moonlight Review, Location lighting, Location Lighting workshops, Model, Model Workshops, modeling, New Haven, Nikon, Photoflex, Sekonic, Sony

• Hi Everyone,

  I cancelled the Headshot Workshop in Middletown as I was having too much trouble organizing it for the day, so I’ve decided to try my luck at a location lighting workshop in New Haven.

  We’ll shoot Location Strobes.

  If you are new or are looking to move up to strobe/monolights for your kit, location shooting is a great way to use them.  With new technologies and battery packs available, location strobes are all the rage right now.

  We’ll shoot a two light kit, going from one key to adding hair or accent lights for a fashion/editorial look.

  Gear:

  Interfit S1 Monolights

  Pocket Wizards

  Skein Light Meter

  Simple modifiers: Umbrella, grids, maybe a softbox

  When you purchase moonlight kits, you normally get two lights so let’s shoot with two and get some great and creative looks.

  Model TBD

  Location is my favorite spot in the courtyard behind the Shubert Theater:

  

  CHANGE

Hey Bob, get the conversation started!

The Importance of Styling

Tags

Beauty Headshot, CT Headshot Photographer, CT Model Photographer, Headshot, Model, modeling, natural light, NYC Headshot Photographer, Sony, Sony A7 II

Hi and welcome back.

I took last week off during the lazy days of Summer.  I’ll be posting only a few times a week until September and the kids are off to school.

For today, let’s take a look at the importance of styling.

If you are a going to a photoshoot, no matter who you are or what your need, styling is very important for a few reasons:

1. You look great after pro pampers your face and hair
2. It makes the photographer’s or retoucher’s job so much easier when post processing
3. If you are a model, male or female, and you can do your own styling, you will sometimes get hired over other models who can’t do this.  So as budgets shrink, learning to do it yourself is beneficial.

Now on to hair, makeup, and nails.

For hair, if you are doing a concept shoot or beauty shoot that requires you to have crazy hair, then keep it simple and clean but add body so if a fan is added you have the volume to move around.

For makeup, stick to neutral tones that enhance your eyes and overall tone.  Again, unless you are doing something specific, keep it simple and elegant.

Nails are a pet peeve of mine.  Keep them clean, manicured, and use a neutral or light tone color on them so they disappear in the image.  Don’t arrive to your shoot or job with broken nails or chipped neon purple nails.  If your hands wind up in the image, you’ll be happy you had your nails done and ready for the shoot.

Here is a proof of a shot I did a while back.

Notice how the tones of her lips, face, and around the eyes are even and neutral.  Her hair has had a blowout at a salon so that there is volume to it, even though you can’t see too much of it.  But most importantly look at her nails.  They are in great shape and the color on them blends with her skin tone, so they disappear in the image and don’t detract from her face:

Because her skin is evenly toned, her hair is controlled with product, and her nails blend perfectly, retouching is easy.

Here is a final retouch done by my retoucher:

If you are learning to style yourself, here is a guide I got from InStyle Magazine that will help you choose colors for your skin tone:

That’s it for today.  Till next time, happy stylin’.

Natural Light; Natural Beauty; No Photoshop

Tags

beauty, Beauty Headshot, CT Beauty Headshot Photographer, CT Headshot Photographer, CT Model Photographer, CT Natural Light Headshot Photographer, Headshot, Model, Model Photographer, modeling, Natural Beauty, natural light

Hi and welcome back.

I’m heading to Boston this weekend to teach The Headshot using all small flashes, but recently I’ve become addicted to natural light, natural beauty, and NO Photoshop.

Here is a pic I pulled from the archive that totally exemplifies that look.

Stacey worked for me a while back at a workshop and we shot in late afternoon sun.  This time of day, also known as the Golden Hour, is best shot right before, during, and right after sunset.

This shot was taken just as the sun dipped below the houses to camera left.  The light bouncing off of the sand, as we were on the beach, coupled with the cool background, produced a simple shot without any external modifiers.

When I shoot this kind of look, I choose these settings:

Aperture Priority between f/4 and f/5.6

ISO boosted to give me a good working shutter speed.  I have no issues going to ISO 1200 or more to get a shutter of at least 1/125 so everything is sharp.

Also, I’m into natural beauty.  This image had a contrast adjustment in Capture One and that is it.  NO PHOTOSHOP at all.

While speed lights and strobes are awesome, why pay for and lug all that gear when natural light does the job every time!

That’s it for today.  If you are coming to Boston, I can’t wait to meet you!

Till next time, keep it natural!

Photoshop Friday, a Workshop Saturday, and Headshot Day Sunday

Tags

Acting, Actor headshots, CT, CT Actor Headshot Photographer, CT Headshot Photographer, CT Model Headshot Photographer, CT Workshops, Interfit S1, Lighting Workshops, Model Headshots, modeling, New Haven, NYC Headshot Photographer

Hi and welcome back.

I’m going to tackle three topics here, starting with Photoshop Friday on an actual Friday!

For today, I’ll show you how to do a simple color correction with the setting in PS and a keystroke command.  Need a quick correction, this is it.

On my image, I have a lot of warm light.  This was due to the sun coming in over my client’s shoulders and reflecting off of my silver reflector.  I like the warmth but I think it needs a bit of adjustment to bring the color back to neutral, removing the warm tone:

After bringing your image into PS, create a new layer over the top of the original so once you make your adjustment you can toggle in between the two to see the effective change you made.  Hit CTRL>J to make a copy or drag and drop the image over the new layer icon, the page with the dog ear on the lower right corner of the palette:

On the top of Photoshop, click the Image icon, choose Mode, and then choose Auto Color or do the keystroke command, which once learned is fast and easy and if you don’t like it, just drag and drop the layer you created to the trash can and start over:

SHIFT>COMMAND>B

Once you click the command or choose the adjustment, voila!  You have a corrected image.  The tone is still there but her shirt is whiter as so are her eyes and teeth.

This is a simple way to get great results with just a few clicks!

Now, onto this weekend:

Saturday: 

Location Strobe Lighting Workshop

I’m a new Interfit Ambassador and have received a full complement the new Interfit S1 battery powered monolights.

Interfit S1

I’m still in the shake-out phase, but let’s get together and shoot location strobe lighting.

The new S1’s compete directly with the Profoto B1 and B2’s for half the price.  The difference: the S1’s come with batteries for location work and an inverter for mains power.  You can shoot plugged in to a wall outlet inside and then go outside with the same light.  It is quite ingenious.

 

Date: June 11, 2016

Location: The courtyard behind the Shubert Theater, New Haven, see map below

Time: 11-3, early enough to beat the traffic and get home in time to cook out

Cost: $160.00, use Paypal link above or text: 203-540-8821

 

During this 3 hour workshop I’ll cover:

Headshots

Fashion

Editorial

And simple light setups to really explore the power of location strobe lighting.

Model supplied and TBD

The location is behind the Shubert Theater in the courtyard in the center of the block.  You can enter from Crown, Temple, College, or Chapel streets.

This is an awesome spot to shoot in New Haven, so let’s take advantage of it and shoot location strobes!

Sunday: 

Headshot Day

I’m running a headshot day on June 12, 2016.

I’ve been working with Karen Wagner Talent and IMTA and am offering any model or actor who needs new headshots a chance to get them before the IMTA event.

But this is also open to anyone needing a headshot.

Here are the details:

Location: Courtyard Marriott, 136 Marsh Hill Rd, Orange, CT, directly off of exit 41, I-95, Go to Conference Room A

Date: June 12, 2016

Sitting Details: 

• 30 minute sittings, starting at 10:00 am
• Cost: $200.00
• Deposit of $100.00 to book, balance at your sitting, please add 3.8% for atm/cc card fees
• You receive all the images from the sitting delivered electronically
• Two lighting and wardrobe looks
• One professionally retouched image in hi res and web ready.

I am also offering hair and makeup for $80 on that day.  

Book Now: 203-540-8821 or bob@robertharringtonstudios.com

Headshot day may be moved from the Courtyard Marriott to a location due to costs involved.

If you want to attend the workshop or get new headshots, at this time it is best to call or text asap to get your spot:

203-540-8821

That’s it for now, till next time, get outside it’s gorgeous here in the North East!

Linley Channnels January Jones

Tags

beauty, black and white, Corporate Headshot, Creative Light Grid, Creative Light Softbox, CT Boudoir Photographer, CT Wedding photographer, education, fashion, fun, Model, modeling, Nikon, Nikon D3, off camera flash, Pocket Wizards, Portfolio, portrait, portrait photography, professional photographer, Rogue Flashbender Grid, SB800, SB900, strobist, studio, teaching

Hi and welcome back.

It has been a crazy time this past few weeks, but in that time I ran a workshop on high contrast black and white advertising imagery.  I took my inspiration from an ad campaign for Versace shot by Mario Testino last year.

We used two speedlights for Linley, my model for the shoot.

One SB900 into a gridded Creative Light 24×36 softbox

One SB800 into a Rogue Flashbender Grid for the lower fill light.

Here’s a finished shot and the BTS shot: Enjoy!

I got incredible shots with the most basic equipment.  It’s amazing what you can do with some forethought and a wonderful model.

Thank you Dave for letting me use the space and Linley for being so great.

Till next time, happy shooting.

Simply Eliza

Tags

Bat Mitzvah, beauty, brunette, Corporate Headshot, creative, CT Wedding photographer, education, fashion, headshots, high school senior portraits, light, modeling, Nikon, Nikon D3, off camera flash, one light, Photoflex shoot through umbrella, Pocket Wizards, portrait, portrait photography, professional photographer, Sassy, SB900, strobist, studio

Hi and welcome back.

Eliza came in the other day for a fun pre-Bat Mitzvah portrait sitting.

We had a blast and used of course off camera flash for all these shots: SB900, Photoflex shoot through umbrella.

Congratulations to Eliza, and I’ll see you May 14th!

Many thanks to Sallie’s Airbrush Makeup for giving Eliza the royal treatment!

That’s it for now.  Till next time, happy shooting!

The Simple Three Light Executive Portrait

Tags

Corporate, Corporate Headshot, Corporate Photography, creative, CT Wedding photographer, education, Executive Headshot, headshots, Lastolite Ezybox, light, milford, modeling, Nikon, Nikon D3, off camera flash, Pocket Wizards, Portfolio, portrait, portrait photography, professional photographer, SB800, SB900, strobist, studio, teaching, Westcott 28 Apollo

Hi and welcome back.

Today we’ll look at the simple executive style portrait.  I’ll be using three lights to complete the job.  This may seem complicated, but it really isn’t.

Let’s take a look at two shots.  Both of these photographs employ the same person, the only change is the background.  The lighting is the same for both photos.

And here’s the three light setup.  It’s simple, quick, and gives you that perfect light for the classic corporate portrait.

Need a new corporate look?  Then contact me and let’s get together to create the best look for you and your company.

Till next time, happy shooting.

Mixing Strobe and Off Camera Flash with Stacey

Tags

beauty, Beauty Dish, creative, CT Wedding photographer, education, Elinchrom, fashion, fun, headshots, Lastolite Ezybox, light, Model, modeling, Nikon, Nikon D3, off camera flash, one light, Photoflex shoot through umbrella, Pocket Wizards, portrait, portrait photography, professional photographer, Profoto, Sassy, SB800, SB900, strobist, studio, teaching

Hi and welcome back.

Yesterday I ran a workshop where we mixed strobe lighting with off camera flash.  We used a combination of lighting modifiers and techniques to get fantastic results.  I tried to show how you can seamlessly integrate the two systems.

Here’s Stacey when she arrived at the studio pre-styling: Nikon SB800 into a Lastolite Ezybox 24 x 24:

Here’s Stacey after makeup and using the mixed source technique.

For this shot: Profoto 300 ws Compact with White Beauty Dish for main light and a SB800 into a Lastolite Ezybox for a bit of separation and skim light on the gold shear:

For this shot we swapped things around a bit: Main light is a SB900 into a Photoflex shoot through umbrella, back light is a Profoto 300 ws Compact and Elinchrom 39 x 39 softbox:

For this last shot in the workshop we really switched things up: Main light is a Profoto 300 ws Compact with a 60″ Photek Softlighter, back light is a bare head SB900 outside the building shooting into the white shear to give a nice bright backdrop:

The workshop was a success!  I was able to mix and match lighting systems and use strobes and speedlights for both main and back lighting.  And, we even put a speedlight outside in that nasty cold and windy day to light from behind: awesome!

Many thanks to my workshop attendees, Stacey, Sallie’s Airbrush Makeup, and Salon Lui for really going all out for us.

Till next time, happy shooting.