The Beauty of B/W HDR

by Jim Austin

Oscar Rejlander’s (1813 -1875) studio was unusual; shaped like a cone, the camera would be in the narrow part, the sitters at the opposite end. The camera was in shadow so that the sitters were less aware of it. He estimated his exposure by bringing his cat into the studio; if the cat’s eyes were like slits, he would use a fairly short exposure. If they were a little more open than usual, he would give extra exposure. If the pupils were totally dilated he would admit defeat, put the lens cap on the lens and go out for a walk!” ~ Robert Leggat, 1999

Cats, much to their delight, no longer must endure conscription for use as light meters. Instead of cat’s eyes, we use other tools to expand the usable range of light. HDR photography is one of these important new tools, as it lets us preserve exquisite fine detail in a scene. We explore the appeal of black and white HDR here, with regard to personal and visual awareness.

While the first two parts of this article looked at color HDR, this article investigates key qualities behind interesting black and white HDR work, with suggestions for a B/W workflow. First, we consider why HDR imaging techniques leave the feline method in the dark.

Why black and white HDR?

Think of each black, grey and white picture tone as a separate instrument in an orchestra. Filling out the tones is like adding extra players to the ensemble. Just as your musical experience in listening to the Boston Pops is different than hearing a quartet, so does a wider range of black and white tones in a photograph allow for a greater reach of emotional expression.

B/W HDR also solves an old problem. When photographing everyday scenes, brilliant whites and deep blacks can result in washed-out highlights on the one hand, and blocked-up shadows on the other.

HDR bracketing and multiple exposure, help manage this lack of tone control. In Photos 1a and 1b here, compare the HDR multiple exposure at left with one single exposure at right. Shadow details are excellent in the HDR image and the daylight outdoors is not washed out because of the greater highlight detail captured during the HDR process. By the way, there was a cat in the bar but it was too dark inside to see its pupils.

1a. “The Bull, Key West” A six exposure HDR image with 1-stop bracketing, and Tone Mapping in Photomatix Pro 2.4. Highlights show much better detail

1b. A Single Exposure taken in the middle of the bracketed series. There is loss of both highlight and shadow detail.

What Makes Black and White HDR interesting?

Tonal Range, Visual Elements, Photographer’s Personal Qualities

The alchemy of B/W HDR is to make the unseen visible. One of the implied, unseen elements in photography is the movement of time. In the B/W HDR composition above, revered names of people who were killed in the Holocaust seem to recede without a fixed vanishing point, and so to go on indefinitely, conveying a sense of the infinite.

My Fine Art Nude Selection (Gallery 1)

I finally found a bit of time and created small gallery of my recent fine art nude collection.

Click on more if you want to see the photos in larger format

Long Exposure Photography (Black and White)

After looking at David Burdeny’s photos, I became fascinated with long exposure photography. Some people just have creative ideas and the can implement it. Those are the ones that take the art of photography to the next level. David is for sure a talented photographer and a famous artist. But there are many who are completely unknown but as good as David. One would be a photographer who calls himself m_i_n_o_r from Spain. His imagery is superb and his composition is flawless. His style is somewhat similar to David’s but still unique.

The challenge to take such photos according to David is the time of the day and the location. The rest is the equipment you use. He recommends using Black and White ISO-50 film for taking such photos. Obviously adding filters would change the results dramatically. Using neutral density filters would effect the outcome the most. But red and orange filter can contribute a lot specially when you want to expose longer.

You can take a look at the rest of m_i_n_o_r photos by clicking here.

Yoga meets Fight Club

I received an email from a photographer friend, Martin Prihoda, about new series he started called “Yoga meets Fight Club”. I was amazed and blown away by his new work. I met him about six or seventh months ago over a coffee. We discussed how he uses light and how he works with models. At the time he was really excited about his new yoga photos. When I looked at his work I knew he would be one of the few who will make it as a photographer. His style reminds me of master photographers such as Michael Grecco, Drew Gardner, and Adrian Myers but his work is as unique as theirs.

Combination of unique ideas and masterful lighting resulted in creation of “Yoga Meets Fight Club” you can see Martin’s other works at http://www.martinprihoda.com/

Motion in Nude Potography

After writing an entry called “Nude Photography” in this blog, which describes the basic rules of nude photography, I decided to challenge myself with available light, texture and an inexperienced model. And I wanted to do that all in of course black and white. This time I wanted to get away from a regular studio, strobes, stands, and softboxes. So I chose Ironworks in Vancouver.

I started looking at many nude photos and I realized majority of them lack motion. There is always beautiful girl in a photo with great lighting and shadows, but not much motion. The motion gives the photo another dimension. In that dimension viewers can imagine and build their own story about the photo however they feel and connect with that photo. Also motion in plain studio would limit the viewer’s choice to only the beauty and the skills of both photographer and model.

The lighting is the main challenge in nude photography with available light. You have to work fast so you do not loose the light and it’s direction specially in the winter. You also cannot move the source of light so you have to work with your model to get the lighting the way you visualized it. Another challenge is for the model to adapt her movements to the direction of light.

Tools of the trade:

These sort of photos can be categorized as fine art. In that case you want them to be as authenticate and as true as they can get. My suggestion is to use film camera. The film grains makes the photo much more interesting and true. When it comes to choosing film and since it is a low light scenario your best bet would be either an ISO 400 or ISO 1600 film. My films of the choice are Ilform HP5 ISO 400, Kodak TMAX 400, and Fuji Neopan 1600. When working with films, if you have enough available light that you can shoot at F4 at the speed of 1/125, try to under expose the photo by 1 f-stop. That gives you a bit darker image a bit moodier image. You can apply some filters to achieve different effects. Try to study and learn the use of filters before applying them to your photos. I found these two articles very helpful:

“Using coloured filters with black & white film” and

“Photo Filters for Black and White Photography”

I personally use Nikon F3. It is not an expensive camera to buy and it has all the features I need to complete my project. The light meter is extremely accurate and the body is a solid one. As for digital I use Nikon D200, you can use any camera you want but make sure whatever you capture can be properly converted to the black and white.

The photos you see in this blog are all captured with Nikon D200 and Nikkor 12-24mm which is an ultra-wide lens. This lens makes your photo even moodier.

Portriat Photography

Mood, lighting, and implementation of unique ideas are the essentials of a good portrait shot. You want to create something that is different if not unique to captivate your viewers. Let’s start with mood.

If you noticed, in recent years, actors and actresses are used for majority of commercial photo shoots instead of professional models. One reason is that they are known and famous, but the main reason is they can act. Actors can tell a story the way that viewers can connect to it. It is no more about how skinny or beautiful they are. It is about the effect of the photo.

So, how about us? the photographers who do not have access to celebraties and actors. It is simple. Communicate with your model and when the model wants to communicate back shoot and capture the moment.

How to capture a particular mood in my model?

That by far is the most difficult one but for sure not impossible. If you are working with an inexperienced model, you have to get to know them. You have to let them to know you! you have to establish a certain level of trust So when you are directing them you are telling a story and portrait a feeling that they are familiar with. But this is what I learned from my shoots:

• Get to know your model, and let your model know you. Talk some about of your private life (do not cross the border) so that your model can relate to you. Listen to what they feel and say.
• Prepare for your shoot. Ask your model one or two days before the shoot, to watch cerain movies, look at certain pictures, browse certain site, and read certain stories so when you direct them you can explain the feeling and have a reference for it.
• Again prepare for your shoot. Ask your model to practice certain moods and feelings in front of mirror. Mirrors don’t lie.
• Direct your model in the shoot to the feeling you want. If you ask an experienced actor or model to pose a certain way, they are prepared to do that. But if you are working with an inexperienced model you have to walk them through the shoot. What I mean is when you want to ask them to pose sad-angry but beautiful, direct them with sad poses first, then angry and then beautiful. Show the result to the model and the start combining them.
• Always ask permission to touch the model if you want to move their head or hand or …
• Make sure you change the mood all the time, laugh with them, even if neccessary cry with them
• MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC! This is a very important factor to set your model’s mood if they are not experienced one. Choose a music that they like and helps them to get into the mood you want.
• Be on time and organized so your model knows and feels that depite all the fun, this is a serious business

How do I light my model for certain feelings?

This is a very complex topic to talk about. But this is what every photography master will tell you “See”, “See before you shoot”, “See”. Photography is not a difficult thing. You can learn photography by reading the film’s box instructions or some books. But you cannot learn the ideas and how to see. You just have to see it.

I have learned lighting by reading some books, one that is my absolute favorite by Michael Grecco “Lighting and The Dramatic Portrait”, reading blogs like “The Strobist”, and simply practicing and trying new things.

There are some videos that I watch on youtube, which were really helpfull. Here is the list:

From Snap Factory:

• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 1
• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 2
• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 3
• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 4A
• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 4B
• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 4C
• Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 5

From Michael Grecco

• Guerilla Shooting (MUST SEE)

From Ken Henderson

• Studio Lighting 1 of 8
• Studio Lighting 2 of 8
• Studio Lighting 3 of 8
• Studio Lighting 4 of 8
• Studio Lighting 5 of 8
• Studio Lighting 6 of 8
• Studio Lighting 7 of 8
• Studio Lighting 8 of 8

There are a lot more if you search for them in youtube.com

Nude photography

There is no argument that nude photography is one of the most interesting and the same complex type of photography. Every details in such projects count. Most obviously there is fine but a narrow line between a fine art nude photo and just a posing naked model in a photo. I have experienced nude photography and I would like to share my experience with you.

There are some basic rules that you as a photographer should follow to be able to create images, artistic ones. I failed many times till I realized what works and what doesn’t. It is imperative to establish a trust and sense of comfort with your model so as to create a successful image.

Nude photography vs. A naked girl in your photo

Start first by looking at as many nude photos as you can both fine art and porn in order to define in your mind the difference between the two. Both are difficult to shoot and both have entirely different techniques. The poses, the lighting setup, the models, and how you as a photographer communicate with models are completely different. One good site to start the observations is http://www.fineartnude.com/webring/

It has been said and heard so many times that your photo must convey a story or certain feelings and that is no exception in nude photography. Thus far this is the most important rule of all. Creating an art that is both unforgettable and effective would be an incentive for your viewer to keep coming back to it. You have to surpass photographing a beautiful body with an eye pleasing curves and shadows simply by adding the beauty of your vision to it. There is also a difference between erotic art nude photos and porn. This is you who chooses your audience in this type of photography.

How to start nude photography?

Ask yourself the following questions, and be honest with yourself answering them:

• Are you ready to do a nude photo shoot?
• Do you want to create art or just want to see a naked person?
• Can you professionally compose yourself in front of your model?
• Do you have a plan? Do you have a concept in mind?

If your answer to any of the questions is no, believe me, you are not ready yet. If the answer to all is yes then you go for it.

Your Imagination, your model

Normally inspiration on the shooting set creates a better image than the one you had planned for. Still, you have to have a concept of what to shoot, how you want the makeup artist to implements the vision, what hairstyle works better, and what would be the lighting and background setup. That means you have to know what type of model you are after.

Ask simple questions. Do you want a thin model? Do you want a model with flexible body? Do you want a model with darker or lighter hair color? Do you want a tall or a short model? Do you want a muscular or normal body type? If your model is female, do you want one with large breasts or small ones?

Also make sure you find a model not only willing to work but also enjoys it!

Where to find your model?

There are several places a photographer could find the desired model. Modeling sites such as Model Mayhem and One Model Place are somewhat very popular and possibly the safest bet to find your model. These sites would give you the capabilities of searching models by location, by type, by age range, and ethnicity.

After search bookmark the ones you like and keep notes of what you like about them. Sometimes such notes will give you a different vision and inspiration for shoots.

There is another alternative that is very effective and fast, and that is Craig’s List . Place an Ad in the talent section, but make sure you have selected your city first.

How to attract models to work with you?

Nude models are mostly concerned about their safety so a photographers have to show they can provide a safe and a relax environment. You have to look professional and. The following rules worked for me every time

• Create a professional casting or Ad in which the project is described in detail, the location is identified, number of hours are set, number of crews and what they do are identified, and finally your expectation of the model well defined and clearly explained.
• Prints of some edited photos of the project along with compensation are always a great incentive for models to work with you. This also would help with establishing trust with your model.
• Interview your model before the shoot, and make sure the model is both comfortable with the project and you as a person. I suggest you do that over a coffee. That looks professional but also friendly
• Tell your model where the pictures go.
• Ask what poses are you model comfortable and not comfortable with
• Ask your model what makes her nervous or to excited so you can avoid them
• Ask your model what kind of music does she/he listens to so you can provide her with that music on the set

At the photo shoot

Snack and drinks:

At the photo shoot make sure you have enough supply of water and snacks. Models burn a lot of energy on the shoot. Specially when they are put in uncomfortable positions.

Environment Temprature:

Constantly check with your model if the temperature is comfortable and if not then you have to have small breaks in the shoot.

Be friendly and have a sense of humer:

Be friendly with the model. Try to make the model comfortable at all times. Tell funny stories and keep the model interested in communicating with you.

Poses:

There are some poses that you have in mind that the model may not be comfortable with. So to get the model comfortable, shoot some with clothes on and get her/him to be comfortable with the way you give direction. As soon as the trust us established your model can deliver.

Touching the models:

Make sure you ask for permission before touching the model. No matter how comfortable people are in their skin, they are not comfortable to be touch by anyone. Never under any circumstances hug your model. You can do that when you are socializing in a coffee shot or elsewhere.

Directing the model:

Make sure you are giving the model the correct direction and have some sample photos of similar poses ready to show to the model

Where to look:

Look into your models eyes at all time when you are speaking and not shooting. If you need to examine a body part tell the model in advance so everyone is comfortable.

Compliments:

Constantly compliment your model and how well she works. Never compliment a part of your model’s body during the shoot. You can do that after the shoot and while you are viewing the photos with her

Jokes:

Never tell jokes (you never know, you might insult the model or someone she/he cares about)

And the most important rule of all, If the model feel uncomfortable, end the session.

Welcome to Seventh Medium Blog

Learning photography is a challenge. There are lots of resources such as books, videos, and internet contents available. I created this blog to document the process of my learning. My hope is to speed up someone’s learning experience.  I will add text, photos and in some instances videos of my experiments here.My goal is not to create a comprehensive photography resource, but maybe the most useful one.