Ok I give up how do you do this? I hope this isn't bad form to just be blunt and simply ask "how'd he do this" This is a photo by Mark seliger who is my hero and a shooter I would most...

Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

I hope this isn't bad form to just be blunt and simply ask "how'd he do this" This is a photo by Mark seliger who is my hero and a shooter I would most like to emulate. Yes I know he's probably using a $50,000 med format camera. Can any of ya'll tell if that key light is a shoot thru umbrella, beauty dish w/ sock I'm stumped thank you in advance

Shutter Bugger

My opinion is; it's a good question and not bad form.

To emulate that photo I would
use natural light coming in through a window.

Keep in mind I'm not a professional, even though
a couple of hundred of my snaps have been sold.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Light is light is light. This is relatively soft light to camera left and above. Could be window light or a similar size softbox, could be an umbrella. The shadow under the nose and under the collar gives you a good idea of light placement.

Note there is a subtle light on his left ear and right along his jaw line.

Had there been a catchlight in the eye(s), that could give hints, but no such luck.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Don't emulate anyone, be your own creation.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Loudbri wrote:

I hope this isn't bad form to just be blunt and simply ask "how'd he do this" This is a photo by Mark seliger who is my hero and a shooter I would most like to emulate. Yes I know he's probably using a $50,000 med format camera. Can any of ya'll tell if that key light is a shoot thru umbrella, beauty dish w/ sock I'm stumped thank you in advance

email him and ask

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Racmanaz wrote:

Don't emulate anyone, be your own creation.

Well...actually, copying someone else when starting out is a great way to learn. As you get better, you will develop your own style.

One of the best groups to copy is the old masters - study the paintings and try to copy their lighting.

Copy lighting from tutorials or books to learn the basics. Just "being your own creation" without an understanding of the basics is just flailing around. Once you understand the principles of basic lighting and get an idea of what makes pleasing light ratios and understand what short/broad/split lighting is and why you would use which one, THEN deviate from the "rules" but now you know what you are deviating from and why.

mikeyatc Loc: Reno,NV/Folsom,CA

Loudbri wrote:

I hope this isn't bad form to just be blunt and simply ask "how'd he do this" This is a photo by Mark seliger who is my hero and a shooter I would most like to emulate. Yes I know he's probably using a $50,000 med format camera. Can any of ya'll tell if that key light is a shoot thru umbrella, beauty dish w/ sock I'm stumped thank you in advance

What makes you think he's using a $50K medium format camera?

Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

thanks everyone I never thought to simply ask the man. It's definitely above and left. It seems slightly more concentrated than a softbox because the light isn't wrapping around the face, soft box w/grid maybe???

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

CaptainC wrote:

quote=Racmanaz Don't emulate anyone, be your own ... (show quote)

Yes I agree, what I was trying to convey which I failed to do is yes, learn all you can from others techniques and talents but create your own style and techniques after wards. I guess I took the word "Emulate" as to be exactly like someone else. :)

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Loudbri wrote:

thanks everyone I never thought to simply ask the man. It's definitely above and left. It seems slightly more concentrated than a softbox because the light isn't wrapping around the face, soft box w/grid maybe???

The so-called wrapping is a function of both size and the position of the light - move it farther around to camera left and less will find its way to his left side. So, yes, it could be a grid or just position.

mikeyatc Loc: Reno,NV/Folsom,CA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ORNmn0wwYI

Nikon D3

saycheese Loc: By the Big Lake in West Michigan

Loudbri wrote:

I hope this isn't bad form to just be blunt and simply ask "how'd he do this" This is a photo by Mark seliger who is my hero and a shooter I would most like to emulate. Yes I know he's probably using a $50,000 med format camera. Can any of ya'll tell if that key light is a shoot thru umbrella, beauty dish w/ sock I'm stumped thank you in advance

Who is the subject??

Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

What makes you think he's using a $50K medium format camera?[/quote]

I've read he uses Sinar, mamiya, and pentax, I see the super detail and just assume it's a monster camera, I'm not pro enough to truly tell

Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

Who is the subject??[/quote]

Jeff Bridges

Shutter Bugger

Here in Australia in the 60s I remember rushing
home from school to watch his fathers underwater
adventures "Sea Hunt" on TV.

Our 4th grade teacher usked us to write
the title of our favourite TV show on the
blackboard. One of the kids wrote "c unt". ROFL