Lighting and Portraiture II Course

At the weekend, I went on the Lighting and Portraiture II course with Phil Richardson of Melen Studios. Our subject for lighting was firstly inanimate objects and then the lovely Kayleigh who was far more fun - or funny, is a better description!

Phil showed us how to set up our own lighting set up for the product photography, first starting with styrofoam shapes and then moving onto trickier shiny objects. The reasoning behind the round and square styrofoam was for us to play around with moving the lights to create shadows and thereby creating the 3D effect. The coffee tin proved much harder due to the shiny surface but again, we had to move lights around and photograph from a certain angle to get a clean shot without our reflections in.

Then onto Kayleigh who made for some interesting photos. In the first instance we learnt how to create a white background using the lights and a light meter and then we created other shots with a darker background but using a snoot and coloured paper to create a coloured 'halo' effect around her head. Phil was great because instead of setting up the shot and letting us just photograph it, we had full control to move lights and direct the model how we wanted - both of which is not easy but then if you don't do it yourself, you never learn. Kayleigh was great, so professional, which helped when it came to suggesting poses, but she was also very happy for us to direct her as well, no matter how odd it seemed to her! In all, it was a great day, lots of fun and learnt lots. This course is one of many that are incorporated in Melen Studios Diploma course based in Gaddesden Row, near Potten End, Herts. For more info, see Phil's blog (linked to mine) or go to http://www.melencourses.co.uk/

My first ever blog...

Finally I have entered the world of blogging! Through my life, I've often written diaries or little bits about what is going on in my life but the idea of 'blogging' (great word!) is something I have resisted for a good couple of years wondering who on earth would be interested in other people's lives! But actually, I guess it's much like having a camera in your hand recording people and events....only this way you are writing about it. Having started my professional life as a chef, then worked in travel, I am now a photographer and just love that I can capture moments in time that can never be repeated. And so let the blogging begin....... :)