Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

[Bristol Pete]

So today we went to take some unique stylised images of the youth team at the Bristol Aztecs. I set up a D3, a 24.70 lens, three flash guns and a brolly but it was too windy so the brolly came back down. Tried some different stuff and got some nice photos. Thanks to my friend Ad's for the help in carting all the kit about. For reference, I exposed the sky but under by about three stops to get the drama and that kept that figure in the mind, then when I shot this, as I sourced the exposure from light the camera under exposed the subjects but the flash guns dealt with them nicely. Though all dialed in to suit.

Also, I have decided not to call this 'strobe' work, I prefer flash. Strobe reminds me of the time I went to a rave when I was 15, did a load of 'e' in a field and nearly bit my tongue off due to those bloody lights. (joke about the 'e' by the way, I think it was crack).

Love to all.

[bodoman]

Different and terrific set of photographs, the 2nd from last is a bit special

[Liquid101]

Great shots Pete - I really like the toning.

I think 1 and 3 work the best, with 3 being the stand out shot for me. The rest are good, but these two have the best overall balance and composition.

The group shot seems to have left one guy in the dark a little.

Great stuff though.

[bluesilver]

amazing shots. I take it that you're a pro photographer?

Is there much much post processing work done on these?
And I know you gave a description at the beginning, but can you break it down a bit more for us beginners please because I still don't think I could replicate your shots...

[stevegreen]

#3 and #4 are great with #3 being the stand out shot

[Tobers]

Good work. I'd take #2 as my fave. I still find flash quite confusing so I know you've done a good job with this lot.

[denno75uk]

Well out of a great set I'm picking #4. That lad has some real presence and this capture just seems a bit bolder.

[onefivenine]

Very nicely done. Great lighting and excellent subjects too. Very dramatic effect, they really suit the mean and moody shadows.

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by denno75uk

Well out of a great set I'm picking #4. That lad has some real presence and this capture just seems a bit bolder.

I'll second that

Another amazing set Pete - great work

[Farno]

Always love seeing your work.
#3 & #4 are the stand out shots for me.
Its a difficult choice but #4 stands out for me. The dude in #3 wouldnt look out of place in Puff diddles crew

[edddie_veddder]

Yet another great set Pete. You seem to be coping very well with using 3 flash heads! I strugggle with one! Love the muted tones.

[Bristol Pete]

Originally Posted by bluesilver

amazing shots. I take it that you're a pro photographer?

Is there much much post processing work done on these?
And I know you gave a description at the beginning, but can you break it down a bit more for us beginners please because I still don't think I could replicate your shots...

Thanks for the compliments all....

Nope, not a pro.

Firstly, I wanted to create a dramatic sky so I looked at the sky and read what the exposure would have been if it were spot on. I then under exposed by three stops as i knew that this would bring out the rolls on the clouds when I set the exposure up to shoot my subject. Naturally, with this they were dark as under exposed. However, I had three flash guns firing at them. One from my left, one from my right and one from my camera. The left flash and the on board flash guns were set at about full power, and the gun to my right was about 1/4 power, hence the right side as we see it being darker than the left.

Ideally, I wanted a brolly above them but looking down as this would have diffused the spread of light nicely, but it was literally too windy.

Hope this helps.

Pete.

[Bristol Pete]

Originally Posted by edddie_veddder

Yet another great set Pete. You seem to be coping very well with using 3 flash heads! I strugggle with one! Love the muted tones.

Yes, I am literally hammering them to understand them. Seems to work for me mate and hopefully understanding flash will help me take my photos to another level.

Cheers.

[ksten]

Originally Posted by Bristol Pete

... hopefully understanding flash will help me take my photos to another level.

I think it already has!

Really excellent results.

I'm not sure if using an umbrella would have been a good thing anyway. Maybe to lift the shadows slightly but I think the hard light you used suits the subjects perfectly.

Cheers.

[Radiohead]

Great set - 1 & 3 are my favourites. CLS is working well then eh.