Dirk & Sylviane – Confessions ep. 5
It’s been a while, since I posted the fourth episode of my video adventures. To thank you for your patience, I give you an extra long new episode.
After I captured my “running in 2020″ concept with the help of Ake, Pieter, Didier en Dirk, we were joined by pro model Sylviane. Because another model bailed out on us on the last moment, my planning was ruined. Luckily Sylviane wanted to help us out and didn’t mind to experiment in stead of photographing a well planned concept.
I’ve been wanting to work with Sylviane for a long time. But each time one of us was available, the other wasn’t. Luckily it worked out this time. Sylviane felt right at home in our crazy bunch and proved immediately why she’s a popular pro model. She is fun, she’s incredibly beautyful, she can pose and she’s professional … a photographer’s dream.
Enough text, time for some moving images:
And here are some static images:
I hope you liked this episode.
Bert, awesome video again. I really looove these. I’m new to your blog and watched all of them in a few days, inspiring, really.
A few questions about this particular episode:
1 – What lens is that one you’re using?
2 – What post processing did you do to these pictures? I see the rounded, soft dark edges and probably some levels and curves but, anything else?
3 – Can you post the EXIF of any of these? Really curious.
Anyway, excellent, just excellent. Again, so inspiring I’m gonnga get my lighting gear as soon as I can.
Congrats!
Another great video with more amazing shots! Your videos and photos are a real inspiration because whenever I need some motivation to shoot I see what you come up with and that makes me want to reach for your level. Thanks for sharing your art with us…
He DOES look like Iggy Pop!!! Great job as always Bert. Aside from Strobist, yours is my favorite blog.
My favorites from this shoot are the ones of Sylviane in front of the tunnel. That green jacket and the trees popping through the back….gorgeous.
I’m so gonna have to steal that tunnel trick, I just love how it almost looks like a setting full moon right behind Sylviane in the B&W version!
Yet another great video shoot….you make it look so easy. That’s one of the reasons I stay away from a video camera, no one wants to see me trip over light stands
Thanks!
@BCloud: I shot all these pics with the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS or the 50mm f/1.4.
Most of the postprocessing is done in Lightroom. I used Photoshop only to clone out some small details and do some dodging and burning. All EXIF data can be found in my Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98609590@N00/ (if you have a Flickr account).
@Jose: Going out and shoot is the best way to learn stuff.
@Tanya: Being a fashion disaster, I’m quite proud that I chose the jacket
DH’s blog is lots better than mine, but I have the better voice, right?
@David: Be my guest and knock yourself out with tunnelvision shots. Tunnels are actually great backdrops and light modifiers. You shouldn’t be afraid of video camera’s, as long as you do the editing yourself
Thanks for the video – this info is extremely useful for amateurs and professionals wanting to know more about how you guys use off-camera flash to achieve those results.
What a great video… thank you so much.
I am really impressed by the balance of ambient and flash. I wouldn’t have thought the 285s had enough guts to overpower the sun even through overcast, but after looking at the EXIF data I see you were shooting at 2.8 most of the time. It dawned on me that you are not overpowering… you are modifying, or accentuating. It only makes sense, but it took me awhile to figure it out.
As soon as spring breaks in desolate Michigan I know what techniques I will be most interested in practicing!
Thanks again,
-Chad
Hi!
Thanks for the video, Mr. Stephani, it’s great. A lot of very useful information. I think I will try to make some videos too.
I like picture number three from the top. It’s perfect!
Thanks again,
Kristian S. Solli
Thanks guys.
Excellent video yet again, Bert. Loved how you used that environment in all your shots. I’ll be a lot more observant next time I’m out shooting. And terrific job with the tunnel. I love that shot when green blur out of the tunnel is matching her jacket and creates an interesting aura around her.
What was the time of the day? And I take it it was overcast?
Thanks
Happy new year
Antoine
@Ivan: it was in the early afternoon (very overcast)
Dear Bert, hello again
How much do you rely on IS? Does it matter when shooting with flash, at 1/125?
Sergei, The IS isn’t very important in that situation. The only thing it might do is make sure the background (that’s not lit by flash) doesn’t have any motion blur. But since it’s blurred anyway (DoF), I guess it doesn’t matter that much here.
But I wouldn’t want to mis the image stabilisation on my 70-200. It’s really amazing. It’s an expensive lens but it’s worth every eurocent.
Thank you for the replies!
Now I am sure I will upgrade my 70-200/4L to an IS version.
f/2.8 is still too pro for me.
Sergei, if I were you I wouldn’t upgrade to the f/4 IS, You will be wanting the 2.8 all the time.
Instead I’d rather save up a bit longer until you can get the only real 70-200
Hi Bert,
I really enjoyed your new episode. Love the tunnel images! It inspired me to go and look for a tunnel-scene myself nearby my hometown Utrecht, NL.
Thanks again for sharing all the Exif and flash info with the Strobist community. It’s hugely appreciated!
You’re welcome Sander
hey,
loved the video, is it possible this is in shot vilvoorde? more specific 3 fonteinen? i was just wondering, this looks so familiar…
grtz
tonton
Congrats Tonton, you are correct and you’ve just won a free entrance to the domain.
Sorry I have to disqualify you and take back your prize because you have inside information
Hi Bert,
Just came across your video via Strobist. Spent the better half of my day (okay not quite half a day) looking over your blog, reading posts, and watching videos. Spectacular work. One thing that really got me was the distance you are from your flash. ONLY a pocketwizard will do that. I really need to update my ebay slaves to the PW.
Keep up the good work!
I am in awe of this photography – truly sensational!! I will be sure to check out the EXIF data on the shots, but I am always intrigued on the process how the settings are chosen on the camera when using the flashes like this. I can easily a vision of the flash and where I might experiment with it – I struggle with the exposure settings. You make it look all so easy by adding just a touch of flash – really great work. Your blog is now a daily pit stop for me!
Bert,
Your work inspires. i can’t help but keep looking at your images, as if they feed my eyes and brain with some addictive substance when i look, especially the outdoor ones, i actually have to try hard to stop looking, only to move on to the next photo. there’s a lot to be understood and analyzed, from the seeing you work to the actual outcome. Your outdoor exposures and colors are fresh and striking, so i have to ask;
- how do you end up with the naturally saturated colors ?
- how do you measure exposure ? i saw 3 of your episodes and i didn’t notice a light meter. yet the model’s skin and clothes, as well as the background and ambience is beautifully exposed.
Thanks a lot Bert. PLease keep doing what you’re doing.
Shadi
@Amish: Pocketwizards rock! Too bad they are so expensive.
@Beatrice: It IS all very easy … after you’ve spend a lot of time working with flash
Seriously it’s a combination of a bit of knowledge and a lot of practice. I’m sure you can do it too.
@Shadi: The colours are a combination of using the right settings and gels (if necessary) and the right amount of post processing. I have a light meter and I love it. But I don’t use it that often. I rely often on chimping and some experience. My first guess, usually isn’t more than a stop off. But flashmeters are great things. I used mine a lot when I was pretty new to flash. I learned from using it.
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