Critique Tonicha - [Stranger #213] OCF

blakester

blakester

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Iain
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As is often the case, I was having a wander looking around for suitable backgrounds to make a stranger portrait. I thought this archway in Cambridge the perfect location where I would be able to set up my off camera flash (OCF) and wait for someone to come along.

I didn't have to wait long when I noticed Tonicha and her wonderful colourful hat who I thought would suit the background colour tones perfectly.

Tonicha is originally from Leeds but is studying at university in Cambridge. Tonicha is in her third year but is intending to complete her Masters after this year.

"Tea, hats and a good book make me happy!"

Thank you Tonicha, and good luck!

Technical notes: Yongnuo OCF set on 1/64 power fired through a 20" square softbox just off axis.

As always, comments and critique most welcome.


213 - Tonicha by Iain Blake, on Flickr
 
Niiiiiiiiice. Framing is superb as is the lighting imo. I like the way you're lighting them without making it blindingly obvious that they're lit. Perhaps that kinda defeats the object of using it but perhaps that's the whole point!

Anyway, enough waffle. Back to your high standard as usual.
 
minnnt said:
Niiiiiiiiice. Framing is superb as is the lighting imo. I like the way you're lighting them without making it blindingly obvious that they're lit. Perhaps that kinda defeats the object of using it but perhaps that's the whole point!

Anyway, enough waffle. Back to your high standard as usual.
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Thanks David :)
I would say in most of the portraits in this round I could have got away with using a reflector as opposed to OCF to achieve the same results but the whole point is to learn new lighting skills. I'm glad it's not blindingly obvious that flash is used thanks David.

Cheers!
 
A very nice portrait, well framed and you did well not to get light reflected back from the spectacles.
 
huffy said:
A very nice portrait, well framed and you did well not to get light reflected back from the spectacles.
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Thanks Mark, I asked Tonicha to tilt her head a little which counteracts the reflection in her glasses.

gramps said:
Excellent shot Iain and good use of the archway :)
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Thanks Roger, I would have liked the whole arch in but unfortunately it never worked out where I asked Tonicha to stand.
 
•

I appreciate very much the glare free glasses…
and her smily eyes!

Cool take Lain! (y)
 
Kodiak Qc said:
•

I appreciate very much the glare free glasses…
and her smily eyes!

Cool take Lain! (y)
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Thanks Daniel,
Shooting people with glasses takes a little more thought on my part but with a bit of consideration i find that I can eliminate the glare/reflections!
 
minnnt said:
I like the way you're lighting them without making it blindingly obvious that they're lit.
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This is exactly what I was thinking. Another super portrait Iain.
 
Harlequin565 said:
This is exactly what I was thinking. Another super portrait Iain.
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Thanks Ian!
The whole process has made me stop and think am I making things too complicated in that I could achieve the same with using a reflector but I remind myself that that is the whole point. Getting proficient in the use of OCF.
 
Great composition yet again.

Depth of field matches my individual taste for this particular style of portrait.

Nice :)
 
PeteMo said:
Great composition yet again.

Depth of field matches my individual taste for this particular style of portrait.

Nice :)
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Thanks Pete,
I know the composition isn't to everyone's taste but I do like a centre of frame subject (or near central in Tonicha's case)
I also like a shallow depth of field to concentrate the viewer on the subject.

Thanks again :)
 
PaulButler said:
Superb!
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Thanks Paul (y)

Livin The Dream said:
Super framing as always Iain. Loving those tones and DOF.
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Thanks Kris, I thought Tonicha and her hat were just a perfect match for the background colour tones.

Bobsyeruncle said:
I really like that.
What softbox do you use if you don't mind me asking?
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Thanks Robert.
The softbox is some no name thing I got from the Photography show a few years back.
It's 20" square, a small internal diffusion panel and of course the outer panel too. It is specifically designed for speedlights.
 
minnnt said:
I like the way you're lighting them without making it blindingly obvious that they're lit. Perhaps that kinda defeats the object of using it but perhaps that's the whole point!
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Personally, I feel that is when OCF outdoors is the done the best. When it doesn't immediately make you think of how it has been lit and just focus on the image itself. McNally does this best (IMO).

This is brilliant, Iain. Love the subject, location and composition. Love the series,.
 
gazmorton2000 said:
Personally, I feel that is when OCF outdoors is the done the best. When it doesn't immediately make you think of how it has been lit and just focus on the image itself. McNally does this best (IMO).

This is brilliant, Iain. Love the subject, location and composition. Love the series,.
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Thanks Gaz!
That is certainly my intention, the subtle use of flash. I'm still on a learning curve with it but only 13 portraits into 100 I feel I've learned a lot already.
 
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