Tango, Dancer & Toshi The Rescued Retired Greyhounds (Click to enlarge)
Consider studio photography, namely portraiture. What are the components, or building blocks? Look at the image of Tango, Dancer and Toshi. We could have added another 3 of these lovelies, and the building blocks of a capture would remain the same. Background, lighting and foreground, or subject. Before you can attend to the Photographic Triangle, you must consider how you will begin to build your image.
Of the three building blocks, the photographer has the most control over the backdrop, lighting, and the subject in that order. Your plan should begin at the end. The subject will determine everything. It seems obvious, but many begin a plan with the vision of a wall color, or where the image will be displayed. A great portrait is never achieved by considering the color of the table the photo will sit on first. Begin with the subject, because that will determine the next step. The backdrop.
If your subject was Toshi, the silver brindle on the right, your backdrop options are many. Consider the mood you would like. A lighter grey or black would result in a more dramatic image. This mottled blue provides a lighter option. Now, lighting. If this group was shot on black, I might attempt to paint light on the right side, and plan some soft shadows on camera left. This would intensify the somber mood.
In the case of this image, my thought was to lighten it up. Remember, I don’t know at this stage, that my subjects will smile sweetly. I do know that most Greyhounds, and many other breeds as well, will be more inclined to crack their mouths. We can only hope they do it without a 12 inch tongue. When I use this sky-looking backdrop, I like to shoot with a 1:1 ratio. Meaning, I am using a key light – camera right – and a hair light – camera left. Both these lights are set to fire at the same power. If I keep my subjects 3 feet from the backdrop I can avoid shadows and light everyone evenly. Happy, happy.
In coming posts I will speak more about lighting ratios. If you’re following along at home, try using this two light set-up. Don’t forget some fill light too. Post your tests or questions here.
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