AVForums

Our philosophy in our forums, reviews, podcasts and feature videos is to promote audio and visual excellence by gathering and sharing the best information and resources available.

Help

To begin please visit our help section »

Not a Member Yet?

It only takes a minute to start enjoying the benefits of AVForums membership, and it's free!

Member Log in

Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Post Reply
Old 18-05-2008, 5:51 PM   #1
Veteran Member
 
Bristol Pete's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bristol.
Experience Points:
24,209, Level: 37
Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 679, Got 339
Posts: 5,583
Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

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.












Last edited by Bristol Pete; 18-05-2008 at 5:57 PM.
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 6:19 PM   #2
Prominent Member
 
bodoman's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Experience Points:
13,445, Level: 27
Points: 13,445, Level: 27 Points: 13,445, Level: 27 Points: 13,445, Level: 27
Activity: 0.4%
Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4%
Thanks: Gave 1,160, Got 1,306
Posts: 3,762
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Different and terrific set of photographs, the 2nd from last is a bit special
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 6:42 PM   #3
Veteran Member
 
Liquid101's Avatar
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Aberystwyth
Experience Points:
15,142, Level: 29
Points: 15,142, Level: 29 Points: 15,142, Level: 29 Points: 15,142, Level: 29
Activity: 11.0%
Activity: 11.0% Activity: 11.0% Activity: 11.0%
Thanks: Gave 596, Got 1,489
Posts: 6,039
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

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.
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 7:06 PM   #4
Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Poole
Experience Points:
5,516, Level: 17
Points: 5,516, Level: 17 Points: 5,516, Level: 17 Points: 5,516, Level: 17
Activity: 0.4%
Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4%
Thanks: Gave 27, Got 25
Posts: 416
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

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...
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 7:25 PM   #5
Conspicuous Member
 
stevegreen's Avatar
Join Date: May 2001
Location: in my Hymer
Experience Points:
30,635, Level: 42
Points: 30,635, Level: 42 Points: 30,635, Level: 42 Points: 30,635, Level: 42
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 1,182, Got 1,020
Posts: 8,724
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

#3 and #4 are great with #3 being the stand out shot
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 7:30 PM   #6
Prominent Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Guildford
Experience Points:
18,426, Level: 32
Points: 18,426, Level: 32 Points: 18,426, Level: 32 Points: 18,426, Level: 32
Activity: 0.4%
Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4%
Thanks: Gave 310, Got 933
Posts: 4,056
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

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.
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 7:43 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
denno75uk's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Leeds..out of Prescot
Experience Points:
6,544, Level: 19
Points: 6,544, Level: 19 Points: 6,544, Level: 19 Points: 6,544, Level: 19
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 310, Got 585
Posts: 1,932
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Well out of a great set I'm picking #4. That lad has some real presence and this capture just seems a bit bolder.
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 8:17 PM   #8
Prominent Member
 
onefivenine's Avatar
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Edinburgh
Experience Points:
17,895, Level: 32
Points: 17,895, Level: 32 Points: 17,895, Level: 32 Points: 17,895, Level: 32
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 687, Got 665
Posts: 3,353
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Very nicely done. Great lighting and excellent subjects too. Very dramatic effect, they really suit the mean and moody shadows.
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 8:39 PM   #9
Prominent Member
 
johnaalex's Avatar
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Acton, West London
Experience Points:
22,591, Level: 36
Points: 22,591, Level: 36 Points: 22,591, Level: 36 Points: 22,591, Level: 36
Activity: 8.7%
Activity: 8.7% Activity: 8.7% Activity: 8.7%
Thanks: Gave 560, Got 1,186
Posts: 4,995
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Quote:
Originally Posted by denno75uk View Post
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
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 8:40 PM   #10
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Thanks: Gave 78, Got 67
Posts: 391
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

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
  Quote
Old 18-05-2008, 11:13 PM   #11
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Aberdeen
Experience Points:
4,557, Level: 16
Points: 4,557, Level: 16 Points: 4,557, Level: 16 Points: 4,557, Level: 16
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 114, Got 49
Posts: 911
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

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.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 12:12 AM   #12
Veteran Member
 
Bristol Pete's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bristol.
Experience Points:
24,209, Level: 37
Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 679, Got 339
Posts: 5,583
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesilver View Post
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.

Last edited by Bristol Pete; 19-05-2008 at 12:26 AM.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 12:13 AM   #13
Veteran Member
 
Bristol Pete's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bristol.
Experience Points:
24,209, Level: 37
Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 679, Got 339
Posts: 5,583
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Quote:
Originally Posted by edddie_veddder View Post
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.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 7:03 AM   #14
Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Fleet, Hampshire
Experience Points:
5,345, Level: 17
Points: 5,345, Level: 17 Points: 5,345, Level: 17 Points: 5,345, Level: 17
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 355, Got 215
Posts: 721
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bristol Pete View Post
... 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.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 10:40 AM   #15
Prominent Member
 
Radiohead's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Amazingstoke
Experience Points:
15,086, Level: 29
Points: 15,086, Level: 29 Points: 15,086, Level: 29 Points: 15,086, Level: 29
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 327, Got 450
Posts: 4,212
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Great set - 1 & 3 are my favourites. CLS is working well then eh.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 6:39 PM   #16
Member
 
scharf_10's Avatar
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Near Dundee, Scotland
Experience Points:
5,490, Level: 17
Points: 5,490, Level: 17 Points: 5,490, Level: 17 Points: 5,490, Level: 17
Activity: 1.9%
Activity: 1.9% Activity: 1.9% Activity: 1.9%
Thanks: Gave 250, Got 90
Posts: 837
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

I really liek all of these shots. Interesting that you post these because I'm taking pictures of a band soon and i'm planning on buying a couple of flashes for myself soon.

A couple of questions. What do you use to trigger all of the flashes?

And I'm assuming you just set them on a light stand?

Thanks, Scharf.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 8:06 PM   #17
Prominent Member
 
tontoshorse's Avatar
Join Date: Sep 2005
Experience Points:
12,395, Level: 26
Points: 12,395, Level: 26 Points: 12,395, Level: 26 Points: 12,395, Level: 26
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 775, Got 693
Posts: 3,193
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

He's rather good that Pete, ain't he.

Top drawer stuff again.....

  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 8:35 PM   #18
Veteran Member
 
Bristol Pete's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bristol.
Experience Points:
24,209, Level: 37
Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 679, Got 339
Posts: 5,583
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Cheers. these are for an ad campaign with drops of text. This one (2) is thirsty work based on the summer season. Less is more etc.

that film what women want is a nice watch into how the ad people work and what we/I were given as a remit.

Here is an example - text says nothing more than

Wide Receiver - Catch me if you can.........along with the club website and my name. Going into local publications various places as a recruitment drive.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/...d2928184_o.jpg

Last edited by Zone; 20-05-2008 at 6:55 PM. Reason: File size way too big Pete, love the shot though, link intact
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 8:36 PM   #19
Veteran Member
 
Bristol Pete's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bristol.
Experience Points:
24,209, Level: 37
Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37 Points: 24,209, Level: 37
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 679, Got 339
Posts: 5,583
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Quote:
Originally Posted by scharf_10 View Post
I really liek all of these shots. Interesting that you post these because I'm taking pictures of a band soon and i'm planning on buying a couple of flashes for myself soon.

A couple of questions. What do you use to trigger all of the flashes?

And I'm assuming you just set them on a light stand?

Thanks, Scharf.
Hi,

one sb800 and two sb600s. The 800 triggers the 600's. The 600's were on tripods, the 800 on the camera or off shoe cord. All set manually.
  Quote
Old 19-05-2008, 8:57 PM   #20
Prominent Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ruislip, London
Experience Points:
16,655, Level: 31
Points: 16,655, Level: 31 Points: 16,655, Level: 31 Points: 16,655, Level: 31
Activity: 1.0%
Activity: 1.0% Activity: 1.0% Activity: 1.0%
Thanks: Gave 1,218, Got 968
Posts: 4,116
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Hello there

Great set Pete

Home PC on the blink so looking at these on the work lap top, really do like the tones in these. Last one is very good and like the way you have cropped it.

The use off water has worked very well for me especially in #2 and #4.


Cheers Holo
  Quote
Old 20-05-2008, 8:21 AM   #21
Prominent Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Experience Points:
12,582, Level: 26
Points: 12,582, Level: 26 Points: 12,582, Level: 26 Points: 12,582, Level: 26
Activity: 8.7%
Activity: 8.7% Activity: 8.7% Activity: 8.7%
Thanks: Gave 270, Got 393
Posts: 3,166
Re: Bristol Aztecs Youth shots - something different !

Pete,

Been looking at these on Flickr etc.

These have all worked really well.

I particularly like #1, #3 & #5 and I like the last crop of #1.

Like the "glassy" look of the "hard light". Were some of the flashes diffused or all used without diffusers?
  Quote
Post Reply



Thread information and display options
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off