Test Night Shots Paris - Carla Coulson
You might remember from Monday's post that I am shooting next week. These are a couple of pics from my light test that I did last week. I wanted to check out my lighting set-up before the big night.
What type of light I wanted?
I wanted to re- create Parisian lampost light. A good thing to know before you start is what type of light you want to achieve. I love soft light and didn't want the light on my subject to stand out from the rest of the scene.
How I created this?
So I had my super cute assistant hold a SB 800 flash off up high to one side and in front of the flash he held a shoot through disc that diffused the light onto the subjects. I attached a Hahnel comb TF pro to my camera and also to the flash to trigger the flash each time the shutter was released.
What I learnt?
Bloody cold in January at night!
My glasses fogged up when shooting!
Black clothing ate the light. Note to self not to use black dresses.
Wear more clothes to shoot in.
Assistant needs to wear fingerless gloves otherwise fingers turn to icicles.
Stay Warm..
Carla x
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Reading with vigour your technical notes in addition your notes on the cold. Was sweltering in 38degrees and about 100% humidity here yesterday so any thoughts re the "bloody cold" appreciated.
ReplyDeleteIt look so beautiful already! I'm really looking forward to se what it ends up with :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm never likely to go into this field of photography, I still like reading the posts; never too old to learn.
ReplyDeleteSo enjoying this behind the scenes tour of your latest shoot preps, Carla. Your test shots are fabulous themselves! I'm very much looking forward to the shoot itself. Happy Weekend! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my blog, Carla...lovely to hear from you...your blog is inspiring...I love photography distinctly average behind a camera but enjoy collecting photographs especially black and white...your shots in Paris are fabulous! Check Catherine Robinson Cashmere @ www.catherinerobinson.me.uk
ReplyDeletefor fingerless gloves for your assistant :)
Enjoy the rest of the shoot.
Catherine
http://www.catherinerobinsoncashmere.com/
xx
This is just so wonderful Carla - can't wait for the next post - I feel as though I am there. Keep warm. Francesca
ReplyDeleteI love the way he mirrors the lamp posts, can't beat those fingerless gloves! I think I should live in colder climes...good for covering up all the wobbly bits.
ReplyDeletebrrrrrr
lisa x
PS did you see Francesca's latest post, its gorgeous!
Carla - love your photography and your generosity in sharing how you do it! Thank you!
ReplyDeletevery interesting things you learned !
ReplyDeleteand a whole lot more, I am sure
Loved this + can't wait to see your photos. You are sooo generous. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteCarla,
ReplyDeleteMandy (a la Parisienne) has been telling me to get my butt over here to check you out!
You are so kind to share your tricks and equipment. Black does gobble the light doesn't it?
Sounds like fun though! I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Amitiés,
Angela
Fondly,
Angela
Parisienne Farmgirl
&
Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine 1st Gorgeous Edition arrives April 1st Subscribe Today!
I've always wondered what to do about photographing black clothing. The details are lost if I am trying to balance out the lighting (light objects - faces, for example, become too washed out if I'm trying to overexpose to bring out details in black clothing). I don't have a fancy flash yet...so that's not an option. I'm interested to see what color clothing you have your subjects wear in a dark Parisian street on a winter night...chartreuse?
ReplyDeleteMandy
Carla you pics are really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit
xoxo
Cecilia
I have some fingerless gloves, so can I be your assistant!
ReplyDeleteOh brrrr! But aside from that your test shots are beautiful and so atmospheric--can't wait to see how your shoot turns out and most of all, what color dresses you decide to use!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
I like these shots, but the black definitely eats the light. I can tell you stories about shooting in the cold, as I've shot in temperatures below -20° C (it was colder than that this morning), and good gloves are a necessity. I try to change my camera settings where it's warm (car, house) before going back outside! I can't wait to see more from this shoot.
ReplyDeleteI see hoe the test shots are so important. The black clothing hides alot of detail even in the street as it all melds together. This is a great illustration for doing test shots- hec, if you are going to all the trouble of models/hair/makeup/gowns and stunning location you want it to be right!! I am still getting my head around the techo stuff for the lighting, you have me intrigued!xxCorrina.
ReplyDeleteCarla, I say it every time, but I just love reading your behind-the-scenes look at how you work. I so appreciate that you share yourself with us. xo
ReplyDeleteI LOVE being in class with you..... so much to learn. If you want an assistant for a few weeks in August this year, gratis of course, I will be over from Australia and willing to be your gofor!
ReplyDeleteWarm regards
Cute test subject! :)
ReplyDeleteOh he is cute :) amazing what you have to do technically for a shot.
ReplyDeleteI'll send you some heat from Oz, pretty hot here at the mo.
xxx