Shooting with a long time exposure softens the candles to balls of light yet allows small details to remain sharp.
Sometimes we just need to be creative. I honestly have no other excuse for staying up until the early morning hours the past two nights playing with my camera in my little 400-square-foot cabin. My place is rather utilitarian; I own no couch or table and my “chairs” consist of a low-rider Jimmy Buffet beach chair and a Block 4×4 archery target. I don’t necessarily own a plethora of things to photograph.
So my self-assigned challenge of shooting creatively within the limits of my living quarters posed a few challenges. I did, however, learn some interesting things.
1) Creative filters can be found anywhere. Over the past two nights I have shot through pantyhose and used tissue paper, a Buff, and assorted scarves as flash filters. The hose gives images a great gritty, vintage feel while the others effectively soften and tint the flash.
2) Get close. Much of my time was spent with the 17-40 snapped on, lying in weird spots and shooting up close. This is my only explanation for lying on my stomach in the middle of my kitchen floor last night shooting images on my rug.
3) Don’t be afraid to play with light. For editorial work, of course, be wary, but for creative shooting go for it. I was armed with the new flash, three tea lights and the mini-mag light from my keychain. Get creative.
Following that urge to be creative doesn’t necessarily mean packing up the kit and driving into town or to some remote spot in the country. Get creative with what you have, where you are. Stretch your imagination a bit.
You might be surprised at the results.
Tags: Projects
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