The Photoshoot

We began work in the studio, testing out different lighting techniques such as reflective sheets and flash as well as natural light from the windows. We worked with natural light first, and we each took it in turns modelling by the window and photographing each other. This was a good way to test out the lighting and the angle of the reflective sheet. We used the windows and the seats to come up with different poses and to experiment more. 

To the left is a picture taken of me during this particular indoor photo shoot, using the reflective sheet and natural light.

We then went on to use the artificial lighting techniques, using the camera flash, which was linked to another larger bulb, which would flash at the same time for a higher and stronger exposure. The more light there was on the face, the less blemishes appeared on the skin and the photos became more crisp. We experimented with the different lens options, blurring the background and focusing on the face only (lower 'f' setting) as well as high focus on the whole photo (higher 'f' setting). The fact that the walls were a plain white made it easier for us to find the right focal point and the white would reflect the flash, also leaving a clear shadow to form behind the figure, this gave a crisp outline to the figure and lit up each composition. I think that working in the studio was better as we were able to control the light completely, but the pictures became very unnatural, and clearly posed. 

We then decided to go outside and use completely natural light and one reflective sheet. It was a very sunny day so the photos were high exposure. As well as pictures of us posing, we also shot many in motion which was interesting and some areas of the photo become blurred where we are moving. We also wanted to get more unposed pictures of us as they appeared more natural and more similar to street documentary photos. I also enjoyed photographing outside as the pictures produced looked natural and unposed and we were able to move around more and pose with structures outside.

Once we had finished taking all the photos, we chose a selection of the pictures we liked, and then put them on drop box, allowing each of us the edit the photos how we wanted. I edited the pictures so they became tonal and I gave them a higher contrast and exposure, which I think made them more dramatic and eye catching. 

Here is a selection of group photos we took, in different poses to  make the photos become more interesting and different.