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"Simplicity"
By Gary Bernstein
I am a believer that there are no rules when it comes to photography. Yet, there is no question that certain images create impact while others create yawns. Certain images are loved by the subjects we photograph, and others rapidly make their way to the circular file. So I'll try to give you my take on what I believe makes for a successful and exciting photograph. Simplicity is often the key i.e. Less is more.
Image Number 1 was made on the desert with the simplest (and most original) of all single light sources-direct sunlight. This photograph was not staged. It's real. The soldiers were on maneuvers, just as my model and I came up over a ridge in our Jeep. I had one frame left in my camera (you remember film). I asked the beauty sitting next to me "get over there and lay down-quick." The soldier came over without having to be asked (not surprising). I hit the shutter just as his boot was about to hit the ground. In this case timing was critical and probably a bit lucky, but I'd rather be lucky than good as Chick Hearn used to say.
There are all sorts of "traditional rules" that are broken in this photograph. 1-the subjects are in the center of the frame; but it seems to work in this image. 2-it was shot in midday sunlight; but here it gives dramatic contrast to the shot. 3-I didn't crop in around the subjects; but to crop in would have lost the grandeur and majestic expanse of the background. So always let your eye and heart be your guide.
The image was made with a 35mm camera on Kodachrome with a standard lens.
FYI-I am currently making limited edition prints of this shot-up to 20" in length (on paper and canvas) with my new
HP B9180 pigment printer. It's very cool: HP B9180.
You can tell that product photography is my
thing. The shot, by the way was taken with 1 Tensor lamp, 1 50 watt bulb on a small Nikon www.NikonUSA.com,
and recorded on a Lexar Professinal 1GB SD card.
Images Number 2 and 3 take the theory of true simplicity into the studio setting. What is the primary difference between using available light versus artificial light? With available light, you must move your subjects and direct them to the light source so they are lit properly and to your liking. With artificial light, you can move the light source, which is far easier.
Comedian-actor David Allen Grier is the subject of these two images made in my studio against a piece of white paper
for a magazine fashion layout. The photos were made on Ektachrome film (www.kodak.com) rated at 1600 on a 35mm
camera with a standard lens. Obviously these images graphically illustrate the difference between one and two
light photography-using the most basic of all artificial light sources: 100 watt light bulbs. Only the candle
could be more basic!
In people photography, the most flattering light typically comes from above the subject's eyes at about a 45-degree
angle, as illustrated in the single light photograph. The single light source eliminated shadow detail, but it makes
for a dramatic picture. In the double light photograph, David is holding that hot bulb quite low to his right-creating
some tough shadows on his face-but low, angular lighting often works on guys and rarely on women. There's an
intrinsic double standard between photographing men and women.
See you next time.
And for more tips and tricks, please check out my book for Marathon Press
(www.MarathonPress.com) entitled The Glamorous World of People Photography
Bernstein Book.
Editor's note: You can write to Gary Bernstein at info@garybernsteinstudio.com.
Gary Bernstein Bio
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