Photography Challenge Day 3 - Self Portrait

This challenge is not about a selfie taken on your iPhone. However those iPhone users can learn very good techniques by following some of the tips in this challenge.

One of your self portraits must include something related to the coronavirus and what is happening in your own personal space.

My suggestions for self portrait set up include:

• backdrop

• at least one external flash or strobe

• camera mounted on tripod

• use of remote trigger or self toner mode on camera.  I set my camera for nine shots with a three second pause between shots which will assure my strobes recycling time and a different pose

• manual focus on a pre-designated spot

• F-11 or even more shut down to improve chance of in focus

• Use of 1 or more external props

• take many shots for a better chance of getting the exact shot you want

• For drama try a black backdrop

Points awarded for participation in this challenge:

• Five points for three or more submitted photos using at least six of the techniques previously defined

• One point for one submitted photo

• 10 points for best self portrait of the group. I get to be the judge and jury LOL

I have included a few images from my practice session yesterday in my home studio in Delray Beach Florida.

My setup for the following shots:

2-3 Paul Buff Strobes, Black and Blue Backdrop, Nikon D850 Camera, 35MM 1.8 Nikon and 85 MM 1.4 Sigma Lens, SNOOT, 18” OMNI Reflector, Light Meter, Tripod and others

Paparazzi – Now I understand

This is my first real attempt to start a BLOG.  My blog will definately be focused on my experiences in around photography.  I will discuss events, best practices, experiences, tutorials and of course point my peers to other postings I find interesting and useful.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_World_Cup

http://www.gulfstreampark.com/racing/contests/pegasus-world-cup-betting-championship

After photographing the Pegasus World Cup Invitational in Miami Florida I understand more clearly the world of Paparazzi.  I have always said I don’t want to be one of those …. Chasing after the famous, interrupting their world, getting their attention, begging for their photograph and of course fighting the other photographers who are all looking for the same.

Shame on you my fellow photographers for treating your peers with such disrespect.  I observed arguments, mostly about allowing other photographers in the back row to get the shot.  I was asked by a fellow photographer to move because he had his name on the floor.  Guess I was not one of the named privileged few.  He was not only rude, but he seemed 2 miles wide, taking up the space of 2 photographers with his girth.

No wonder celebrities avoid paparazzi like the plague.  I don’t blame them.  While photographing the celebrities on the blue carpet with the paparazzi all around me, I heard a constant barrage of pleas from the photographers … “Hey, look my way”, “Up here”, “Take our hat off”, “take your glasses of”, “put your hand on your hip”, “blow me a kiss”, “how about a wink”, “do you remember me at the …. Party?”, “can you come back, I never got the shot”, “loved you in … name the movie/event”.  Lenny Kravitz, now I know why you made a v-line move right through the paparazzi not allowing any pictures to be taken.

I always said I am a people photographer, and what I really mean is I totally enjoy taking photographs of people who want me to take their photograph.  When I got away from the crowd of the paparazzi I finally started to feel like myself again.  Almost everyone graciously respected me and anxiously wanted me to take their photo.  They were kind, courteous and respectful.  I could tell how excited they were to be there and to possibly get a fantastic photo to represent their day.  I got out of my comfort zone and approached people asking them if I could take their picture.  Not a soul said no.  After showing them my photo in the back of the camera, I got what I almost always get…. “that may be the best picture I have ever seen of me …. How do I get it?”