I Love "How-To" Videos: I had to laugh this morning when I ran across a video tutorial called "How to Shoot Dramatic Portraits in Dark Locations". I thought to myself: Perfect! Then I...

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

I had to laugh this morning when I ran across a video tutorial called "How to Shoot Dramatic Portraits in Dark Locations". I thought to myself: Perfect!

Then I watched in awe how it was done, the equipment that was used, and the support staff (6 or more people) needed to pull it off. I laughed at the end because I'm just an amateur photographer looking to pick-up a few tips.

Then I wondered... is it even possible to create "dramatic portraits in dark locations" with just one moderately priced camera, a flash and maybe one or two props? :-)

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

Sure it is. You just have to be a mutant with six arms that can reach 12-16 feet in all directions. I love "how to" videos too. I do learn something from each one. Sometimes what I learn is to "not do that"!

gmc3101 Loc: Burien, WA

I also consider myself an amateur. I really like watching free training videos by Anthony Morganti. I started with Lightroom training and now have downloaded almost 200 of his photo critiques. I put them on a thumb drive and watch them on TV. They look great. His stuff is available on youtube or his website.

http://www.anthonymorganti.com/

Let me know if this is helpful.

Thanks

George

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

mdorn wrote:

Then I wondered... is it even possible to create "dramatic portraits in dark locations" with just one moderately priced camera, a flash and maybe one or two props? :-)

Yes, but it may require some experimentation and ingenuity to pull it off. For example, utilizing a few high-powered flashlights to get the light to fall on the subject just right. Or a strategically placed mirror to bounce the light from the on-camera flash unit. Studying the old film noir techniques can be helpful; there are a few insightful books on the methods and set ups they used to achieve that dramatic look. Ultimately, it's all about controlling light and shadow.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

gmc3101 wrote:

I also consider myself an amateur. I really like watching free training videos by Anthony Morganti. I started with Lightroom training and now have downloaded almost 200 of his photo critiques. I put them on a thumb drive and watch them on TV. They look great. His stuff is available on youtube or his website.

http://www.anthonymorganti.com/

Let me know if this is helpful.

Thanks

George

Great link George! Thanks.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

rook2c4 wrote:

Yes, but it may require some experimentation and ingenuity to pull it off. For example, utilizing a few high-powered flashlights to get the light to fall on the subject just right. Or a strategically placed mirror to bounce the light from the on-camera flash unit. Studying the old film noir techniques can be helpful; there are a few insightful books on the methods and set ups they used to achieve that dramatic look. Ultimately, it's all about controlling light and shadow.

Indeed. It is about controlling light. High-powered flashlights, mirrors and maybe a little dry ice for smoke? I guess that's why I'm an amateur. :-)

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

mdorn wrote:

I had to laugh this morning when I ran across a vi... (show quote)

I don't know. Ask Yousuf Karsh!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

mdorn wrote:

Indeed. It is about controlling light. High-powered flashlights, mirrors and maybe a little dry ice for smoke? I guess that's why I'm an amateur. :-)

Dry ice??
Mark, next time, rent an American DJ smoke machine!! :lol:
SS

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Mogul wrote:

I don't know. Ask Yousuf Karsh!

"Ask Yousuf Karsh"

Not sure what "Karsh" means, but the question was a rhetorical one. If I had an unlimited budget and a half dozen people to help, I think I could come up with something dramatic---maybe not?

dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)

Standard pro portrait lighting kit: Main light, fill light, hair light, background light (or backlight, depending on your subject and preference). All with suitable umbrellas and modifiers. Probably most important tool (excluding camera and lens) is a good flash meter!

But it doesn't need to be all that complicated! Sit your subject in front of a north facing window and start playing. Set up a reflector and play some more.

Have fun.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

dickwilber wrote:

Standard pro portrait lighting kit: Main light, fill light, hair light, background light (or backlight, depending on your subject and preference). All with suitable umbrellas and modifiers. Probably most important tool (excluding camera and lens) is a good flash meter!

But it doesn't need to be all that complicated! Sit your subject in front of a north facing window and start playing. Set up a reflector and play some more.

Have fun.

Thanks. I guess a north facing window can be considered a dark location.

Again, I just thought the video was more for advertising than a "how-to". I guess it might be considered a how-to for those who have the budget for all the necessary equipment? But then again... Will someone with these resources at their disposal NEED a how-to video?

billybob40

You want to learn try this one it helps me.
http://www.picturesocial.com/photo/jaxx-baseball-2-43#aolmail_5

Pepsiman Loc: New York City

billybob40 wrote:

You want to learn try this one it helps me.
http://www.picturesocial.com/photo/jaxx-baseball-2-43#aolmail_5

How did it help you :?:

billybob40

Video and text on PHOTOGRAPHY something every day by email, LOOK AROUNT THE LINK.

dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)

mdorn wrote:

Thanks. I guess a north facing window can be considered a dark location.

Depending on how you set up the shot and your equipment, YES! With six assistants and all that equipment you mentioned in your initial post, that was no longer a "dark location".