Technique: Open Shade and No Flash
Date Taken: Sunday, June 19, 2016 at 8:26 pm
Camera: NIKON D300
Exposure: 1/60 sec at f 5.3 ISO 640
Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority
Lens: AF-S DX VR 18-200mm Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Focal Length: 105 mm (35mm Film Equiv: 157mm)
Flash: No Flash
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 (Macintosh)
We organize a dozen photoshoots each summer, providing models and locations for photographers to socialize and take pictures without a lot of gear or structure.
In fact, that's a rule. Minimal gear. No lights. Except for the addicted. They're allowed to use one flash, without a lightstand.
In many cases, maybe most, flash complicates life and does not improve the photograph.
Here, Jade was shot in the last half-hour before sunset. No flash. No reflector.
Notice the quality of the catchlight in the eyes; it's complex, interesting and definitely adequate.
In addition, because of the soft light of the open shade, the shading on the face is delicate and flattering. We could have used a little more light in the hair.
Here are the Photoshop layers, in the order I would have created them:
* Image layer: Minor clean-up with the Healing Brush.
* A Frequency Separation group. There was some dark tanning on the face, and tell-tale "racoon eyes" from wearing sunglasses.
* Curves adjustment layer, used to add a touch of highlight to the eyes.
* Photo Filter Adjustment Layer to warm the skin tones. The eyes and teether were masked so that they didn't have any yellowish tones.
* New Image Layer, used to create some sunbeams which are so subtle that you probably won't even notice them.
* Curves Adjustment Layer, set to Multiply Blend, to darken the image corners and provide some vignette.
Copyright Mike MacKay 2016