I like doing fantasy/fairytale-themed photoshoots. I just lately did an Aladdin/I dream of Jeannie-inspired portrait session, with harem pants, stomach dancer outfits, Turkish rugs and hookah pipes — the entire bit. A lot enjoyable. I even have this fabulous little picket treasure chest which is ideal for making just a little little bit of magic occur.
The hidden flash
I’ve a small dumb flash, set to slave. It fires if any of my different strobes flash. It’s small and might be hidden in treasure chests, books (pretend and actual) and a lot extra. The trick is to have the room just a little darker and the flash sturdy sufficient to mild your mannequin’s face with out over-exposing it. This flash, whereas small, is kind of near the face. I had my flash set to 1/eighth energy. My different strobe was turned right down to 1/sixty fourth energy in order to not overpower the infant.
My chest shouldn’t be very deep and the little flash simply hides inside (much like within the pretend ebook within the above pictures), if the mannequin is holding the lid open in direction of her it should mild her face. Simply warn your mannequin about wanting immediately into the flash, as it may be blinding and disorienting. I ceaselessly ask them to shut their eyes or take a look at me as an alternative. Warn them when you’re about to take your picture.
Slightly Photoshop magic
I took the RAW file into Photoshop and cleaned it up just a little. Then, I darkened the perimeters of the picture with a vignette and added just a little extra mild and a few sparkles to the sunshine emanating from the treasure chest. You would do the entire mild in Photoshop, however I desire to get it proper within the digital camera after which improve it with a number of sparkles.
Something that may maintain or disguise a small flash may work, I’ve used books, packing containers and light-weight fittings. It’s only a matter of hiding the precise physique of the flash.
Curious to see the remainder of the photographs from this Portrait Session? Test it out right here: “Dreaming of Genie”
