Workshop- In the Studio with a Model


Friday 16th October


In the Studio with Andy Farrington.


I attended a sign in workshop to learn more about different lighting techniques in the studio.


We were told that there would be a model arriving at 10am and that we would be photographing her using the natural light from the window and looking at the effect this had on the shadows and texture in her face. We went into the studio to set up our camera's and take a few practice shots to make sure our camera's were on the correct settings, appropriate for the light source and the situation.



F5.6, 1/125 Sec, ISO 1000, handheld, un-edited.
Situation 1

The model was first sat down with the window on her right, we used a variety of reflectors to gain knowledge of the way light reflected onto her face and filled in the dark shadows.

The model was stood and sat where Andy is on this reference photo

                                  F5.6, 1/60 Sec, ISO 400, handheld, unedited.



                                         F5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, handheld, un-edited.

I am really pleased with these initial shots, this is not only the first time i have properly used a studio but the first time i have shot anyone other than my friends for a portrait, so i was nervous at first but got into it very quickly.


Situation 2

The model was then sat facing toward the window and the polystyrene reflector boards were put in a U shape around her so we had privacy when photographing and this also gave a neutral backdrop for the photos. Again we used various reflectors, in this particular set up the reflector was placed under the models face angled slightly toward her and i soon realized that i preferred the gold reflector as this gave a more warm light effect on her face in contrast to the cold light that was coming in through the windows.





F6.3, 1/40, ISO 400, handheld, un-edited.

These are among my favourite images from the session, i think they are typical beauty shots as her skin looks near enough flawless and they are soft high key images.

Situation 3

We then moved into the curve studio and the model was sat underneath the sky light and so the light was coming from the top, the first few photos i took without a reflector.





 F5.6, 1/30 Sec, ISO 400, handheld, unedited.


F5.6, 1/30 Sec, ISO 400, handheld, un-edited. (with reflector)


This setup created a harsh lighting that showed all of the flaws in her skin and i didn't think this was a particularly flattering direction of light, although on the plus side- it accentuated her cheek bones and jaw line and created a whole different feel to the image so would have been appropriate in another style. When i used a reflector to soften the shadows this was much more flattering but still not your typical beauty shot.

Situation 4

The model lied on the curve of the studio looking up at the sky light and with a builders light placed horizontally next to her this made the white background appear to glow and brightened the image.


F5.6, 1/25, ISO 500, handheld, un-edited.

I learned a lot from this session about the direction and quality of light and also the massive difference a reflector makes- i hadn't used one before!

We have been asked to select and edit some images and give them to Andy to pass on to the model for possible use in her Portfolio, i plan to select and edit 10 images then i will upload the finished images onto my blog.



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