How is this achieved

Sukhi

Sukhi

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Hi Guys,

I've seen this effect quite often aswell, im not sure if its using a dark background or pure PS effect?

How is this achieved?

{edited}

Thanks in advance!
 
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Looks like a grey background with a narrow spotlight to creat the light pool, and there's a large light source on the subject in the first shot... think the light in the subject in the second shot is harder light.

Viewing in my phone so can't get great detail.
 
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Ive edited the links to make the images more viewable if that makes a difference...
 
On my phone screen there's serious banding on that last shot do I can't tell. The subject is lit with a fairly big light source from camera left
 
The first one looks like it's from a spot, but the second looks more like it's been darkened afterwards to me.
 
Either could have been created in camera or in post. The first would be "harder" to create in camera as there would have to be significant distance between the subject and the BG.
The second actually looks more like an added vignette due to it's irregular shape/size, but it could be done with an off axis light.
 
Sukhi said:
Hi Guys,

I've seen this effect quite often aswell, im not sure if its using a dark background or pure PS effect?

The Shots are by G Johal,

How is this achieved?

http://i36.tinypic.com/kdvdom.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/jb4jlt.jpg


Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
These shots were shot by a professional, who understands lighting

If you understand lighting, you can THEN use PS very sparingly, with a very light touch to make magical changes, as you are not fighting the original image

There are no shortcuts, if you want o shoot like this, you need to learn to see and do light
 
As above. This is lighting. Spot on a dark grey, or even black background. Simple as that.


Good photographers use lighting, not post processing.

Use distance to separate the model from the backdrop, then you can light the backdrop separately from the model.
 
There is no PS tricks here at all, shadows show us where the lights are, Pic 1 shows the model has a shadow under her jaw, this is clear that there's a softened light source from above pointing down at say 30 degrees with a possible flash on 1/128 at the back to add a bit of depth to the grey - it might even be a modelling light and as this would be taken on a fast shutter speed it would exclude most of the light in the overall shot. Number 2 is very similar, camera angle has changed to point 35 degrees to the right, flash aiming downwards and softened with a possible modelling light shooting into the BG. If you're interested in these types of shots then I would seriously take some time out and get some decent books on lighting. Some togs prefer grey as a background (I love it especially when doing boudoir style shots)
Not sure if there's a tutorial on here but there's bound to be some guides on youtube if you need some inspiration etc!
 
Thanks you so much for the replies, i will have have a search around for some recommendations on books for lighting.

I've definately got the photography bug, i feel like I have a quest for information and dont understand where you guys learn your skills!!

College courses / reading / trial and error / shadowing a pro?

Argh!!
 
Get some books and start reading, it will give you an insight to what you're looking for. Videos are helpful but having a book at hand will allow you to refer back to something required :)
 
Scott Kelby had some lighting "recipes", free to download as an app.

They were quite interesting, I think you'd enjoy them Sukhi.
 
Thanks for the heads up! I just had a look for the app and its up at £13.99, whilst this isnt a monumental sum by any means, i may just put that towards one of the lighting books recommended on here :-)
 
Sukhi said:
Thanks for the heads up! I just had a look for the app and its up at £13.99, whilst this isnt a monumental sum by any means, i may just put that towards one of the lighting books recommended on here :-)
Click to expand...

Ah, sorry about that Sukhi, I wouldn't have said it was worth that to be honest.

As Pat suggests you will find loads on Strobist, though.
 
Most of the lighting books you'll find won't actually teach you anything about lighting. Scott Kelby's stuff is particularly bad.

You're far better off doing what you're already doing, which is finding a shot/style you like, and then finding out how it's lit.

Your best resources are behind the scenes videos and just asking questions.
 
Thanks for the info guys! Ive posted twice and got really great responses! It looks like i'll be sticking around on here :-)
 
Sukhi said:
Thanks you so much for the replies, i will have have a search around for some recommendations on books for lighting.

I've definately got the photography bug, i feel like I have a quest for information and dont understand where you guys learn your skills!!

College courses / reading / trial and error / shadowing a pro?

Argh!!
Click to expand...

You would do well by joining a club to help learn your skills. Which area do you live in?

Malcolm
 
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