Improvising using the one-way sign - Nikon D300 Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D @ f/5.6 ISO 400 1/100th Strobist: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight with diffuser cap 1/2 power on light stand above and to frame left Nikon SB-600 Speedlight 1/4 power with diffuser cap on tripod eye level to frame right
Back in May I had an engagement shoot with Mary and Jason at the often used University of Tampa campus. They were wanting to add a few unique, urban shots to their engagement package so I had them meet me in downtown St. Petersburg one evening. I had a few spots in mind to use, but as often happens, my favorite shot of the day came via improvisation and just happening upon something. We were finished with one location and walking toward a corner and I thought a lone one-way sign could be a great prop. I set up my two strobes and shared my vision with Jason and Mary. After several tries they both performed their roles just as I had envisioned and the result was one of my favorite shots of the summer.
Improvising using the one-way sign - Nikon D300 Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D @ f/5.6 ISO 400 1/100th Strobist: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight with diffuser cap 1/2 power on light stand above and to frame left Nikon SB-600 Speedlight 1/4 power with diffuser cap on tripod behind and belowThe experimentation continued with adding more urban elements into the shot like a fire hydrant and traffic light. I further pushed things by using a filter in Topaz Adjust 3 to achieve the vivid, painted look. This was also one of the first times to use one strobe for backlighting/hair lighting (seen in the glowing edge around Mary). This is a technique I will definitely be repeating.
Nikon D300 Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D @ f/3.5 ISO 200 1/100th Strobist: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight with diffuser cap 1/2 power on light stand above and to frame left Nikon SB-600 Speedlight 1/4 power with diffuser cap on tripod eye level to frame rightThe engagement shoot was a very fun and creative experience for me and I got to know Mary and Jason a little bit better before their upcoming September wedding. I am looking forward to photographing their big day!