Tag: Dramatic Lighting

… And When There’s Darkness.

abstract, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Dramatic Lighting, Travel, Travel Photography

Taking the lyrics from a song of an obscure 80s hardcore band. (One my friend and I discussed about in length just last night.) Much of my love of photography stems from shadows and small pockets of light. Long ago, when I had my work reviewed by a mentor. His question, “What did a shadow ever do to you?” helped me see the error of my ways. In a sense, his words awakened something in me that not only changed the way I lit portraits and studio work. It unlocked a curiosity and passion for finding pockets of light in the dark and creating drama and depth in photos. While it opens the door to possible failure and mixed results. It brings me a lot of satisfaction as a storyteller. A puzzled look and a longer, more in depth look into the photo and it’s part of the story. This image was taken without the aid of a flash, at a parking garage in Annapolis, Maryland over the weekend.

The Power of Expression.

Beauty, Dramatic Lighting, Expression, Portraiture

As I continue combing through past sessions, I am reminded of the importance and power of expression—that mood, attitude, self-confidence, or lack thereof. Of course, things like lighting, it’s direction and many other things play important parts. But when you have someone who can effortlessly pull off that look or mood. It’s pure magic.

Lost and Found

abstract, Art, Beauty, Portraiture, RAW Files, Studio Photography

So, here I am, listening to the criminally under-acknowledged album “Broken Hearts Are Blue.” by Minneapolis indie rock standout The Truth About Love and mulling through images I might have overlooked. Perhaps something that just needs a crop or touch-up to give it new life. Funny how I can easily recall a photo shoot and whatever chemistry or connection that was made over that thirty or so minutes we shared, while allowing countless images to go unexplored. This one image of a badass musician / artist I met on the lower east side of Manhattan jumped out at me while appeaing to my recent obsession with edgy punk rock captures. It also draws me to the core of a style in which I’d love to photograph going forward. Please, share your thoughts. If you think this image and it’s dramatic style suck. Let me know. I get so little feedback on this blog. Let me know you’re thoughts on the matter.

Testing, Testing

Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

TestLast night a friend and fellow photographer visited to give me a lighting tutorial using just one hot light and a couple of flags. Having someone just down the hall from me who’s more than happy to stop by to talk shop while sharing his experience and knowledge keeps me inspired and appreciative. No matter where my journey as a photographer takes me.    I need to learn and grow in order to keep that passion alive.

TestIIAs we were shooting, he mentioned how this style would work well with my artist and musician portraits. Adding dimension and drama to my images. As we viewed each image as it was shot. I was reminded of a shoot I did with Brooklyn’s Cinema Cinema at my old home studio in Hoboken. This image was also shot with one light that was fitted with a soft box. At the time, and still to this day. Both the band and myself loved the results.      It seems that this was the direction I was hoping to move towards for some time now.

Having all the space I need to shoot and the tools to help my work grow. I can only hope to continue doing what I love.       To quote the late, great Joe Strummer “The Future is Unwritten.”