coffee-shop class #1: wrap-up
01.24.08 | coffee-shop
class
we had 7 photographers participate in our first
'coffee-shop class' and it was a hit. after
hitting some of the technical basics (and
networking:), we headed out for some
mini-assignments. one of the more challenging
ones was a self-group portrait using one light.
gino siller set this
shot up on his mini-assignment, facilitated
by "r2-d2," featured in the lower-right:
each photographer pulled from a hat a mini-assigment. while we didn't get to perform all of them, at least we got the creative brains thinking reading them out-loud. just case you were curious at what some of the assignments were, they are posted below. we each pulled assignments from a bag (think folded fortune-cookie paper). the next step was to prove our mettle (or at least try) and then get our learning on. here's a smattering of some of the 'coffee-shop class' assignments:
1. Self-portrait.
The scenario: It’s time to update your OSP profile photo (or match.com) and you have to get it done, like, now! Using your newly acquired skills, one off-camera flash, create a self-portrait with your camera destined to be different! You are welcome to use a lighting effect of your choosing! And don’t forget to set your timer!
2. Group self-portrait.
This assignment, should you choose to accept it, will be to produce a group photo for the class on the kern-photo blog using a lighting effect of your choosing. Make it fun. Keep it fresh. Have fun!
3. Rim light Special.
To add a little ‘pop’ and give your subject some depth, create a dynamic portrait featuring a subtle ‘rim light’ on your subject. Just remember, don’t blow it… ahem… your highlights, that is (pardon the cheese)!
4. Lighting someone with eye glasses.
You’ve been given two minutes to photograph a Nobel laureate who has just discovered the cure for cancer. You are in his office and have little natural light to work with. You want to show off the seriousness of his eyes, but do not want glare noticeable on his bifocals. What do you do? Now make it happen!!!
5. Stop action (jump).
“Aw, that’s cool,” is what you want to hear from your clients. You are on an engagement session, got some safe shots out of the way, but now it is time to use your lighting skills and take some chances. Using your uber cool camera skills, see if you can capture a couple jumping mid-air (without blurring) using your flash. He thinks he can jump. She thinks she can jump higher. See if your best shot can show the difference and reveal the winner! Brownie points given for fun expression, textured background, and wild hair.
6. How far can you go?
Nikon has tapped you on the shoulder to test the triggering capabilities of their wireless flash. This assignment is to see how far away you can trigger a light and have the light noticeable in your photograph. 50 feet? 100 feet? 150 feet?
7. Low-ceiling.
‘Bride-zilla’ is getting ready in small, dimly lit hotel room on a rainy day. She is totally bummed because this is HER day and she has always dreamed of a bright and airy feeling for her getting ready photos, but doesn’t want to look light a deer-in-the-headlights. What can you do to help? Now make it happen!!
8. Around a Corner.
Britney Spears just signed an endorsement with Starbucks (not really). People magazine wants YOUR photo for their cover. You’re on location and see her inside. You have a visual…. She is just about to walk out the door with her “2% Venti 2-pump chocolate mint de-caf Frappacino with sprinkles.” But wait, with all the paparazzi, there is no way you can get the line-o-site you need to fire your Speedlight. Your PocketWizards are at home. You have one assistant that can help. Now make it happen!!
9. Lightpaint a Car!
The batmobile just drove up and your little cousin would love a cool shot. However, it is at night and the car is black. There’s your challenge. You know you’ll need several flashes to pull off the trick and evenly light the car. However, you only have one. What can you do? Now make it happen!!
10. Just for the flare of it!
The sun has set, but you still want to capture flare. While you may not be able to create that beautiful natural light, you can get close using your Speedlight off-camera. What can you do to increase your chances of nailing the shot? Now make it happen!!!
ps- if any of these topics tickle your fancy (okay, i love that phrase), and you missed this class, please do not fret. there is another *free* class scheduled to appear feb 21 at 4pm at the the press coffee company in belmar, lakewood. we'll be talking about using gels on lights. get the gritty details here. RSVP on the comments section below. class size limited to 10. first come, first served :)
each photographer pulled from a hat a mini-assigment. while we didn't get to perform all of them, at least we got the creative brains thinking reading them out-loud. just case you were curious at what some of the assignments were, they are posted below. we each pulled assignments from a bag (think folded fortune-cookie paper). the next step was to prove our mettle (or at least try) and then get our learning on. here's a smattering of some of the 'coffee-shop class' assignments:
1. Self-portrait.
The scenario: It’s time to update your OSP profile photo (or match.com) and you have to get it done, like, now! Using your newly acquired skills, one off-camera flash, create a self-portrait with your camera destined to be different! You are welcome to use a lighting effect of your choosing! And don’t forget to set your timer!
2. Group self-portrait.
This assignment, should you choose to accept it, will be to produce a group photo for the class on the kern-photo blog using a lighting effect of your choosing. Make it fun. Keep it fresh. Have fun!
3. Rim light Special.
To add a little ‘pop’ and give your subject some depth, create a dynamic portrait featuring a subtle ‘rim light’ on your subject. Just remember, don’t blow it… ahem… your highlights, that is (pardon the cheese)!
4. Lighting someone with eye glasses.
You’ve been given two minutes to photograph a Nobel laureate who has just discovered the cure for cancer. You are in his office and have little natural light to work with. You want to show off the seriousness of his eyes, but do not want glare noticeable on his bifocals. What do you do? Now make it happen!!!
5. Stop action (jump).
“Aw, that’s cool,” is what you want to hear from your clients. You are on an engagement session, got some safe shots out of the way, but now it is time to use your lighting skills and take some chances. Using your uber cool camera skills, see if you can capture a couple jumping mid-air (without blurring) using your flash. He thinks he can jump. She thinks she can jump higher. See if your best shot can show the difference and reveal the winner! Brownie points given for fun expression, textured background, and wild hair.
6. How far can you go?
Nikon has tapped you on the shoulder to test the triggering capabilities of their wireless flash. This assignment is to see how far away you can trigger a light and have the light noticeable in your photograph. 50 feet? 100 feet? 150 feet?
7. Low-ceiling.
‘Bride-zilla’ is getting ready in small, dimly lit hotel room on a rainy day. She is totally bummed because this is HER day and she has always dreamed of a bright and airy feeling for her getting ready photos, but doesn’t want to look light a deer-in-the-headlights. What can you do to help? Now make it happen!!
8. Around a Corner.
Britney Spears just signed an endorsement with Starbucks (not really). People magazine wants YOUR photo for their cover. You’re on location and see her inside. You have a visual…. She is just about to walk out the door with her “2% Venti 2-pump chocolate mint de-caf Frappacino with sprinkles.” But wait, with all the paparazzi, there is no way you can get the line-o-site you need to fire your Speedlight. Your PocketWizards are at home. You have one assistant that can help. Now make it happen!!
9. Lightpaint a Car!
The batmobile just drove up and your little cousin would love a cool shot. However, it is at night and the car is black. There’s your challenge. You know you’ll need several flashes to pull off the trick and evenly light the car. However, you only have one. What can you do? Now make it happen!!
10. Just for the flare of it!
The sun has set, but you still want to capture flare. While you may not be able to create that beautiful natural light, you can get close using your Speedlight off-camera. What can you do to increase your chances of nailing the shot? Now make it happen!!!
ps- if any of these topics tickle your fancy (okay, i love that phrase), and you missed this class, please do not fret. there is another *free* class scheduled to appear feb 21 at 4pm at the the press coffee company in belmar, lakewood. we'll be talking about using gels on lights. get the gritty details here. RSVP on the comments section below. class size limited to 10. first come, first served :)