Umm... 2 speedlites in a brolly (120cm). Oh, and technique-wise also a variable ND filter so I could shot so wide open.
Well done and thanks for sharing. I was wondering how fast a shutter speed your speedlights synced at to shoot wide open, but the ND would help that in some ways. I've never used a variable ND. I'm guessing it is basically dual polarizers. I'd love to do some location lighting. I have several monolights, so a small generator to buy or rent would be a lot cheaper than speedlights. Then I just need an alluring subject.
As far as GAS goes, I've been wanting the current Sigma 50-150 2.8, if anyone is in a charitable state of mind. After seeing these shots, a 30mm 1.4 might be fun.
Just for fun, some black-n-white processing. F/1.6 PS_49800-3 by Patcave, on Flickr PS_49803-3 by Patcave, on Flickr
I'd like to see the B&W with a bit gentler hand in conversion. The whites are blowing out, which bothers me.
Well, for whoever's keeping a tally...count me in as favoring the color shots. I found them stunning and thought the vivid contrast of the porcelain model all dressed in white against the lush green backdrop was somehow lost in the B&W.
I'm probably more of a high-contrast kind of guy, hate the mushy low-contrast processing choices. Not shot with my 50mm ART, but with the venerable Canon 17-40L: SP_20862-3 by Patcave, on Flickr
I prefer the color versions as well... although I did find some of the blown highlights in certain backgrounds problematic for the additional handful others I quickly look thru on that site -- a few of those may be where I might prefer B&W perhaps, if you can possibly dial down those blown whites, which is probably more doable in B&W than color. I agree w/ John about the (soft, lush) colors retaining the fantasy more. Maybe if you apply a different tone/tint (or maybe duotone?) to the B&W versions on top of reducing contrast some perhaps? Just a thought... _Man_
I get the "blown whites" concern, but they just don't bother me as much anymore. I know most of the "rules", and now I look to break as many as possible. Another B/W for your viewing displeasure: SP_20919-4 by Patcave, on Flickr
I suspect you're rebelling against this annoying trend where photos have no whites or blacks. I don't understand that either. Those last two shots work a lot better for me in B&W. Especially the most recent one.
Oh, didn't mean to suggest having some (blown) whites or blacks is always bad. I was only speaking specifically to certain other (color) images on that site in how the blown whites (and possibly also busy, bright greens) in the background seemed a bit overwhelming for me. And yes, I also prefer the B&W for this last one... _Man_
I like the color versions, too, for the reasons already stated. It looks like that new Sigma lens is a winner for you, Patrick. In keeping with the spirit of this thread, we just got back from two weeks in Alaska. Once I am able to sort through my photos, I will post a few shots taken with my new 16-35mm f/4L IS. I did not end up using it as much as I wanted, though, as it just wasn't long enough for the landscapes around Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, or the Inner Passage. I found that at times even my 24-105L wasn't long enough for some of what I was trying to shoot of the Alaskan Range, and had to use my 100-400L at times. I used the 16-35L mostly on board the cruise ship, when we toured an old copper mill in Kennicott, and while walking around Ketchikan and Anchorage.
I like that my GAS is at least paying off with decent photos. Let's see the fruits of your GAS!!!! I shoot so much cosplay, so I tend to go through a ton of color photos, and apply various degrees of vibrancy and saturation to them, so it's nice to ease off the color pedal and just play with black/grey/white tones for a chance of pace. I'll probably be done with my B/W phase in a month of so. LOL!
