View Full Version : Studio - learn together E. Sussex 5th September ?
Would anyone be interested in a similar meet in E. Sussex to the one that is being arranged for Essex ?
I have a couple of halls locally that I could see if they are available and some studio equipment ?
List of those who can make 5th September (see post 19 for venue)
TDodd (Tim)
Starrider (Dave)
Kerioak (Christine)
Rouget (Paul)
Cyprino (Chris)
Costs, donation to the hire of the hall would be appreciated plus if we get models then prints/CD's for them.
Depending where in East Sussex (For me it would need to be in the bit vaguely near the Dartford Crossing rather than the south coast), and if the Essex meet goes well (or possibly even if not) I'd be interested.
I was thinking a few miles off the A21 near Hurst Green (about 20 miles north of Hastings )
Well the Essex meet went very well, if not exactly to Plan A. I certainly enjoyed the day so I'd definitely be interested in another meeting for a studio learning experience, so put me down as interested.
Willenium
01-08-2010, 19:56
Stick me down as a 'Maybe' depending on location and date.
westley byford
02-08-2010, 09:52
yep, me as a maybe too :thumbs:
STARRIDER
02-08-2010, 10:19
I fancy this Christine..put me down..:thumbs:
Well so far that's four of us interested from the Essex meet, so it looks like it's a successful formula. :thumbs:
Oh Good, you can give me tips on how we can organise it then now you all have experience :)
I'll try to sort some words out later, but for now, take a look at the photos by Stuart from Digital Depot, which give an idea of how we were set up....
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=241020&id=22619655859
What I would say is that while we did start out with a sort of schedule/plan, that rapidly fell by the wayside and we ended up just making it up as we went along. Fortunately everyone got on really well and we all pitched in to find our way in a very egoless fashion, so if things didn't work out quite as expected there were certainly no signs of anyone getting the hump, which helped no end. :)
I'll have to speak from my own perspective, as we had four studio setups in the room and I spent most of my time on only one set, with a quick dabble on one other. I think figuring out how to approach such a day is going to have to be driven in part by what kit turns up. Quite honestly I had no idea what would be coming on the day, and I don't think anyone else did. It might be useful to figure out in advance who can bring what, so that plans can then be drawn up based on knowing the resoures available.
We did have a brief flirtation with natural light and reflectors outside, but really it was a limited diversion from the studio stuff, which is where I think we should have focused our attention. I think perhaps leaving natural light shooting until the end of the day for anyone who wants to carry on would be the better option.
We did struggle somewhat in the absence of models. We thought we were getting a couple of experienced models and a couple of volunteers but in the end only one turned up and she did a great job for us, despite almost no experience. Speaking for myself, having no experience of directing a shoot or posing people I did flounder a bit trying to "work" my model, when she herself was inexperienced. It was like the blind leading the blind, and I don't mean that nastily, but creative thinking for poses was a bit limited.
We had no apparent structure to using the studio gear, or none that I could see. Maybe on other sets it was different, but we decided to try starting small, with a single light, and then adding a reflector, then a second light and so on. My internet research meant I knew a couple of standard lighting setups, but I had no personal hands on experience so it was a bit of a guessing game figuring things out. I think that a max of four photographers and one (or two) models is the most one should have per "studio". That way you get a tog, a couple of assistants to move stuff, and an observer and ideas man/woman to help with suggestions, or to stand in as a model if none show up. More than that just risks tripping over each other, or equipment.
One thing that worked really well on the set I used was to have tethered shooting and a laptop showing results as they were shot. This allowed the model, the photographer and the "team" to see how things were turning out, boosting confidence for everyone involved as the improvements began to show. The original plan (long forgotten) was to be shooting for about 90 minutes and then for everyone to gather for an overall review before returning to shoot some more. I think the instant feedback we ended up with, using the laptop, was far more beneficial to speeding progress and providing instant gratification.
Apart from gear, I think it would be nice to know what skills people are bringing to the party. As the session is to learn then having no experience is fine, but it would be great if each "studio" had someone with at least some experience, to act as a bit of a mentor to others and offer advice/suggestions etc..
Regarding a schedule/approach for the day, I can think of two ways to approach things with a bit of structure, and this might be influenced by the kit available...
1. Each studio setup starts small, with a single light, then one light plus reflector, then a couple of lights, three lights, four lights, running through some standard lighting patterns such as Rembrandt, butterfly, clamshell, cross lighting, short/broad etc. and then adding kickers, hair lights, background lights and seeing how the lighting develops. That would need each "studio" to have similar amounts of kit available to take them through to the end of the day, whether full studio lighting or Strobist stuff.
2. Have one studio set up with some modest lighting, and the other studios each having progressively more complex lighting set ups. The teams (although maybe not the "mentors") could then revolve around the sets and gain experience of not only different lighting setups but also different types of equipment. Models could stay with one set, or move with the teams, or move around so they got a mixture of teams and sets, which would probably be best for everyone. It would be a shame if mentors had to stay with their own kit all day, but obvioulsy each team would need someone with enough knowledge to be able to move from set to set and operate the gear without too much difficulty.
There's also consideration of headshots vs 1/2, 3/4 and full length shots, and perhaps even group shots.
So, all in all it's a bit chicken and egg. Normally you would have a plan first and then procure resources to achieve the plan. In this situation it's more a case of finding what resources you have (people, skills, equipment, and space in the hall itself) and working out a plan to make the most effective use of the resources available. There also needs to be the flexibility to adjust if people don't show. Not much to deal with then. :)
Another chicken and egg - you need to know which hall you will use in order to know how much space is on offer, how many studios can be set up, and how many people you can fit in. But you need to know how many people are interested and how many studios you can put together before knowing how big a hall you need. Definitely you need a nice bit of length to a set so you can shoot with a tight FOV so that you can contain the background within the composition. We squeezed in four sets, but it was on the cramped side on occasion, with the odd bump and sometimes difficulty achieving the ideal shooting position.
I reckon 3-4 sets with 12-16 togs and 3-4 models would be a nice, manageable number. And it's definitely better to have too much space than not enough!
Hopefully others from the Essex shoot will chip in and offer their own opinion, as they may well have a different perspective on things.
Hi Christine, please put me down for this am very interested as long as I have nothing else planned on the date you are organising it :thumbs:
Stick me down as a 'Maybe' depending on location and date.
yep, me as a maybe too :thumbs:
I fancy this Christine..put me down..:thumbs:
Anybody else got any input following the Essex meet? If you disagree with anything I've said then please feel free, and if you have more to add then please do so. If you agree with everything I've said, as jumbled as it is, then it would be nice to know. At least then Christine won't think I'm simply a babbling nutter.
STARRIDER
04-08-2010, 12:07
Anybody else got any input following the Essex meet? If you disagree with anything I've said then please feel free, and if you have more to add then please do so. If you agree with everything I've said, as jumbled as it is, then it would be nice to know. At least then Christine won't think I'm simply a babbling nutter.
'Babbling Nutter'..perish the thought..:)
Willenium
04-08-2010, 12:18
I agree with what you've said Tim. The only thing that was a bit of a downer for the Essex meet last weekend was being let down by the models and having to rely solely on Nikki to carry the burden. As there was only one of her, she was in high demand and everyone was fighting to get hold of her even if it was kept very civil.
I'm looking into purchasing some kit although I don't know when that will happen as I do still need to raise some more money. Thanks to a couple of kind local members I now have a filter holder and a reflector to play with so will be using them at the next one :)
Thanks Tim, that was very useful and no, definitely not a babbling nutter.
As there is interest for this I am trying to sort out the hall for a Sunday in September, it will have to be on a weekend the cricket club are playing away, now waiting to hear back. If we have it from 11 am to 4pm this would count as one session instead of a morning and afternoon (this will be £40 so any donations would be gratefully received).
Models might again be a problem - unless you want a dog and then I will have to find a different hall :)
I'm definitely up for this. It is an hour away so that's fine for me!
By the way - it would need to be on the weekend of the 17th or 24th for me to be able to come. If that's possible then that would be fab!
I have some strobist gear I would be happy to bring including a large collapsible back or white backdrop, a reflector, two lightstands, a speedlight softbox and a shoothrough/reflector convertible umbrella.
Cheers,
Dub
Well I don't have any equipment (apart from a camera) and have only ever done one studio shoot, so very little experience. But I would be more than happy to contribute towards the cost of the hall.
Happy to chip in on costs. My only "studio" gear is a pair of 580EX flash guns with stands and brollies, a large 5-in-1 reflector with boom stand and some RF-602 wireless flash triggers. I don't have any sort of backdrop.
How does the 5th September suit the majority of you ?
Venue: Sports Pavilion, Burwash (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=swan+meadow+burwash+map&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=swan+meadow&hnear=Burwash,+Etchingham,+East+Sussex,+United+Kin gdom&ll=50.998484,0.386313&spn=0.002009,0.005681&t=h&z=18) (the L shaped building on edge of playing field)
What will the start and end times be?
STARRIDER
06-08-2010, 09:35
In me diary Christine..:thumbs:..Happy to chip in for costs too..;)
STARRIDER
06-08-2010, 09:50
Happy to chip in on costs. My only "studio" gear is a pair of 580EX flash guns with stands and brollies, a large 5-in-1 reflector with boom stand and some RF-602 wireless flash triggers. I don't have any sort of backdrop.
Got some old 'Pants' knockin about,they are big enough for a backdrop..i'll bring em :lol:
What will the start and end times be?
Approx: 11am till 4pm although if no one else wants the hall we can probably stay a bit longer
Dave, I think we can probably manage without your backdrop (!!) :D
I have black and white paper and fabric backdrops, one background support system, studio lights and a couple of speedlites
I'm good for the 5th and flexible on hours. The more we can get from the day the better. :thumbs:
p.s. if the 5th turns out not to work too well for many people I'm currently free on any Sunday throughout September so another date would be OK with me.
STARRIDER
06-08-2010, 12:19
I'm good for the 5th and flexible on hours. The more we can get from the day the better. :thumbs:
:agree:..:thumbs:
Willenium
06-08-2010, 12:25
Can't do the 5th unfortunately, I'm going to be at Silverstone for a car show that I've already paid for.
Hi Christine, 5th September is good for me :thumbs:
Zande UK
07-08-2010, 14:53
How does the 5th September suit the majority of you
Sorry, South Eastern Hound is that day and I have to be there with gazebo, food, tables, chairs, cameras etc. Weekends through September are a bit hit and miss. Try to find a Plan B ?
I also could bring lights, back-drop etc - but on a different day
spw
Will speak to she who must be obeyed in the AM :)
Yes, you are welcome - oh you mean you were not referring to me ?
Yes, you are welcome - oh you mean you were not referring to me ?
Lol :) Women! :bonk:
I have asked in the village to see if we can get a/some models for at least part of the day, I have said no pay but they will get some pictures. Hope this is okay with you all and hope we get some volunteers
Hi Christine, this is fine with me, we all have to start somewhere and fingers crossed we get some volunteers :thumbs:
I'm happy with that too. It would be nice if the "models" aspire to become models, or at least have some basic knowledge of posing, because I'm afraid I don't. I don't think it matters about age, sex, shape, size or colouring, so long as the model(s) are happy to join in, while we are learning, and are not camera shy.
There was talk prior to the Essex meet about having people bring props, which is a nice idea, but didn't result in much that I saw. Personally I think it makes sense for the model(s) to perhaps bring a couple of outfits and some props to set them off, whether that is a hat, tennis racket, mobile phone, feather boa, cuddly toy or whatever. Glam, casual, office, sports, lots of options.
Not having a lot of luck with volunteers from the village so have put a note on one of the modelling sites to see if anyone would do it on a TFP basis.
If anyone has anyone that would like to volunteer for us and can drag bring them along it would be good
I did ask my S.O. the other day and she said she'd rather stick pins in her eyes and be run over by a steam roller. I'm not confident we can rely on her to make an appearance.
Hi Christine, How are things progressing have you had any luck on the model front, I have asked around but not managed to talk anybody in to it :(.
I assume we will still go ahead with or without a model as there will be 5 photographers who i'm sure need a new profile picture.... :D
Well, maybe four anyway as one of us at least has an allergy to being on the wrong side of a camera.
I have not had any luck, as well as asking in the village, have put messages on a couple of modelling sites and my FB page but no luck so far Is anyone interested in food, that can be challenging to light as well and we could do a few set-ups with that and then eat the props?
STARRIDER
31-08-2010, 13:12
I did suggest this to my daughter(21) the other day,told her of our dilemma..
She has never done this before and is a little shy..but if she does decide to say yes i'm sure after a little while she will settle down and get into it..Hopefully:)
Fingers crossed..
STARRIDER
01-09-2010, 05:59
Got some old 'Pants' knockin about,they are big enough for a backdrop..i'll bring em :lol:
Have recently aquired a REAL backdrop..(Lastolite)..which i'll bring..:thumbs:
Lets get this show on the road..:banana:
Sounds great Dave, lets hope your daughter also finds her confidence and agrees to pose for the shoot :thumbs:
If not I hope you all have your cameras insured, as you may damage them taking pictures of me :D. Not only that as with many togs I hate having my picture taken....
How did I not know about this? :thinking:
If I'm free I'd be happy to come along and learn some stuff! I have no studio gear as such except for a flash + stand + wireless triggers
I would probably also require a lift from somewhere as I don't drive! I'm in Bexhill but can travel to somewhere if needed. What are trains like to Burwash?
I might be out in Hastings doing some location shots for a young local band, depends if their bass player can make it
STARRIDER
02-09-2010, 15:09
I did suggest this to my daughter(21) the other day,told her of our dilemma..
She has never done this before and is a little shy..but if she does decide to say yes i'm sure after a little while she will settle down and get into it..Hopefully:)
Fingers crossed..
Just had a quick chat with my daughter (Kayleigh)..looks like she'll be coming..:thumbs:
Just had a quick chat with my daughter (Kayleigh)..looks like she'll be coming..:thumbs:
Great news, Dave. I hope we can do her justice. :wave:
That is great news Dave, I have also heard just had a response from one of the modelling sites - is everyone happy to send anyone who models for us either prints and/or images for their online portfolios?
Chris, I don't know about buses but there is a railway station at Etchingham where I am sure someone could pick you up from
I will PM you all with my mobile and over the next day or two take a picture of the entrance to the lane which leads to the sports pavilion as it is somewhat hidden in the trees lining the high street at the moment
I don't print, even for my own use, but I am happy to share any worthwhile image files from the day for an online portfolio or printing.
I guess that strictly speaking we should each have some sort of contract/agreement for use of the photos by both photographer and model. Having never shot with a model before I don't have any such document. I'm sure a pro forma could be found online, but if anyone has something suitable, or knows where to find just the thing, I'd be grateful for a copy.
Do we have a firm start time for Sunday?
Ok, my band thing is now happening next weekend, so i'm definitely free and would be very grateful of a pick up from Etchingham if anyone's passing :p
Hi Tim
The one I use when I do shoots for my stock portfolio is on my website at http://www.kerioak.com/?page_id=23 but I am not sure if this will be suitable in this instance - Dave would Kayleigh be happy with it for instance - near the bottom of the page.
If this model/dancer does come back to me I will ask her about it as well
Officially we have the hall from 11am but I fully intend to get there at least half an hour earlier so can set up and hopefully be started by 11 ? I will be collecting the key on Saturday.
I think everyone is likely to pass the station except me - and I can go down to if, if you check the train times to see when you can get there I am sure we can sort something out
Okie doke, checked trains and they arrive in Etchingham at 46 mins past each hour, so I can be there for 10:46 if that's cool with people.
With regards to the models and TFP/CD, I'm happy to post a CD to them or something.
I understand the possible need to use release forms etc, but I'd rather do it on a more casual basis as I've done with some people in the past - ie a verbal sort of agreement: "I'll upload lo-res edited pics with a watermark of sorts to flickr (and/or facebook for my friends) and you can use them for whatever you want, such as facebook profile pics"
They won't be able to get a massive prints done if they download the images because I usually resize to 900px on the long edge
Hi Chris, I can pick you up if you make it 9.46, by 10.46 I should be at the hall
~~
A few pictures to make it easier to find as the lane is somewhat hidden in the trees until you have gone past it
Start of High Street, Church behind trees on left, irrelevant but just so you know where you are :)
http://www.Kerioak.com/TP/IMG_4847.jpg
http://www.Kerioak.com/TP/IMG_4848.jpg
Turn here - you didn't guess did you ;)
http://www.Kerioak.com/TP/IMG_4850.jpg
Lane is wider than it looks, until recently the fire station was up there. The hall/playing field is just after the buildings on the right .
http://www.Kerioak.com/TP/IMG_4851.jpg
STARRIDER
03-09-2010, 08:24
Looks now like Kayleigh is a maybe and not a definite..:0( :shake:
Sorry folks..i'm sure we'll be ok with what or who we have on the day :thumbs:
Thanks Christine for the directions ;)
Shame about Kayleigh, was looking forward to a definite yes from her :)
The model I have been communicating with has asked if I would like her to bring anyone else so I have said yes.
I have asked what is required by her/them in the way of renumeration as it will be on a TF basis.
If she/they want prints I am quite happy to order these and forward them on for those who do not want to do it themselves. If you send me your edited files, within say, a week (along with payment either in advance or via Paypal) then this will save you the additional cost of two lots of postage but means you will not see the actual prints. I will then delete the files from my computer.
To give an idea, I usually supply at least 9 x 6 as this is native to my camera or sometimes slightly larger or smaller if the models want something specific and a few from each outfit
~~~~
Equipment - probably a good idea to have some idea of who is bringing what - on the list so far:
TDodd - pair of 580EX flash guns with stands and brollies, a large 5-in-1 reflector with boom stand and some RF-602 wireless flash triggers.
Starrider - Lastolite
Me - black and white paper and fabric backdrops, one background support system, studio lights and a couple of speedlites, bits and pieces, laptop, tea, coffee
Costs: The hall is going to cost £35 so donations would be appreciated plus the cost of prints for any models who turn up
TDodd - pair of 580EX flash guns with stands and brollies, a large 5-in-1 reflector with boom stand and some RF-602 wireless flash triggers.
Yep. I'm bringing that lot and, if I remember, a 17" laptop with Lightroom 3 and a USB extension cable to allow tethered shooting and instant review.
Sounds like it is all coming together nicely :thumbs:
Thanks for the pictures of the location Christine, know exactly where it is now, used to go in the pub on the left many years ago that is just down the lane, have several friends in and around Burwash, Stonegate, Ticehurst Area :)
No Problem with TFP and am more than happy with this and any associated costs, great work Christine :clap:
Look forward to meeting you all on Sunday.
It looks as if we have a model and she is going to try and find another dancer/model to come as well if she can so fingers crossed. A few props might be useful though just in case
A cheeky request - if anyone has a Canon 100mm macro (or any other macro) lens could I try it please, I don't actually need one of those but think I might like one but would like to try it first
I've got the non L version so you can try that as well, then will be able to see if the new one is worth the extra money :)
My apologies, I'm going to have to miss this one... There's some cracking easterly winds at the moment and tomorrow appears to be the last day of them. It's also my first day off that's coincided with proper wind, so I'm off to Greatstone for the day :cool:
Christine, thank you for the offer of the pick up anyway!
I look forward to meeting you all at some point at a future meet - when good wind strength, direction, beach condition and my day off don't all fall on the same day... It's too good to miss out on!
I would just like to say a very big Thank-you to Christine for organising such a great studio shoot, had a great time but have a lot to learn :thumbs:.
It was also good to meet another couple of members of Talk Photography Tdodd and Starrider, really nice guys and everybody is just so friendly and helpful.
Hopefully got some great photos from the day and Pip the model worked like a trooper and pulled some fantastic poses :thumbs:
I'd like to echo Paul's sentiments. It was a great day and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I certainly did. :)
STARRIDER
05-09-2010, 20:07
I would just like to say a very big Thank-you to Christine for organising such a great studio shoot, had a great time but have a lot to learn :thumbs:.
It was also good to meet another couple of members of Talk Photography Tdodd and Starrider, really nice guys and everybody is just so friendly and helpful.
Hopefully got some great photos from the day and Pip the model worked like a trooper and pulled some fantastic poses :thumbs:
I'd like to echo Paul's sentiments. It was a great day and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I certainly did. :)
Yeah great day..thanks for organising this Christine..
I thoroughly enjoyed myself,and Pip was a real trooper..she worked so hard for us..:thumbs:
Thank you all, but it was a group effort and we were so lucky to get Pip. I strayed from my "comfort zone" in studio work and learned from you all.
westley byford
06-09-2010, 12:50
looking forward to the pictures... :D
I've processed my pictures and popped a few in a thread here - http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=257815
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