Shots From Last Week’s Bridal Shoot
I did a bridal shoot last week, and here are a few shots from the shoot. I used the same lighting rig used by Wedding photography rock-star David Ziser, for all the photos you see here (I used flash in every shot, but sometimes I balanced flash with natural light). David’s rig is made up of five small parts:
- A Quantum Qflash T5D (with a pocket-sized Quantum Turbo SC battery pack)
- A Quantum QNexus Wireless trigger that lets you control the Qflash from either a Nikon or Canon camera
- A white 39″ translucent shoot-through Umbrella
- A flash adapter bracket
- This is all mounted on top of a monopod (using that adapter I just mentioned) which is held by an assistant (in my case, I was lucky enough to snag RC to help me during the shoot).
I was able to control the power of the flash from the LCD controls on back of my Nikon D700 (it could also be triggered by a D300, D200, etc. or any Nikon as long as you have a Nikon Commander Unit on top).
Although the advantage of the system is that the Qflash is dang powerful, and if you shoot outside and need to overpower the sun; it’ll do it. That being said, the brightest I ever got the flash was 1/4 power, and most of the day indoors it was at 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 power, so I could have easily have used a Nikon SB-900 or SB-800 (ala: David Hobby).
I shot in Manual mode all day, usually at 200 ISO, with a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and I used a slow shutter speed to bring in the ambient room light in the background. Anyway, here are a few shots from that shoot (below).
Scott,
really nice shots. Which lenses have you used ? Just one for the whole day ?
You are right, awesome lighting. It brings out such great detail.
To Tobias:
I added the lens info to the post above; I shot with a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens the entire time.
-Scott
Beautiful images Scott. If you get a chance check out my new site dedicated to photographer interviews.
http://www.interviewsbycrashtaylor.com
Great shots, Scott. I love the mix of natural lighting and flash. It adds warmth. I need to look into a comperable setup for my Canon rig. I love the idea of a single, mobel off camera flash—wonderful flexibility.
Your model is STUNNING, by the by.
Absolutely stunned by the first image Scott! Just amazing work.
Scott these are fantastic pictures. Just how slow was the shutter speed and did you have to use a tripod on any of these?
Also, did you do much with these in Lightroom or Photoshop?
Scott, what picture control did you use for these shots? Were there any adjustments to the control or was it at default? Are the pictures processed or straight from camera. I have got a D300 and I am struggling with the right picture control (and sharpening) for portraits. By the way, I have your 7-steps book and your old book on CS2. I have also borrowed some of your other books from the local library. All great books.
To Tony:
I didn’t change any settings in-camera, so it’s the default settings. I shot in Raw, so any camera control I would have added has been stripped away by Raw anyway.
I didn’t have to adjust the color on these shots (They mostly looked OK right out of the camera), but after basic editing in Lightroom, I jumped over to Photoshop to I do a little skin softening, brightening of the whites of the eyes, and of course, I finished off with a little sharpening. I also added an edge vignette to most of the shots in Lightroom (except the black and whites). I also had a clone away a few wrinkles in Photoshop on the dress, but that’s pretty standard.
Hope that helps.
-Scott
Scott – Those are without question the very best photographs that you have posted on your blog. Some of them are exquisite, certainly in the same league with David Ziser (who sets the standard for wedding photography).
Awesome!!
All lovely photographs. #4 the model’s eyes are exquisitely rendered.
You have produced some stunning shots here Scott, the one for me is the piano shot, i just love the reflections and how the lady pulls you into the shot.
Well done.
Scott,
speaking of the piano shot, how did you control light spill on that shot? The result is really nice. You do so much stuff, I think sometimes the fact that you are a fantastic photographer gets overshadowed, so the praise you see in this comments section is well deserved.
Stunning shots, Scott. Excellent work. And a very beautiful bride.
Two questions: What “light stick” does David Ziser use? Or is that a simple monopod he shoots with? (It looks more elaborate than a simple monopod in his seminars) And secondly, what are some battery pack options to shooting remotely like this? I have a couple of Photogenic lights that I use in my studio a lot and if I take them out on location, what are my options for powering them, aside from a long extension cord? Are there any generic brand battery packs that power standard AC socket-based lights? Or should I just purchase some small generator?
Scott, these are absolutely stunning shots (especially the piano one). I’m impressed…
I too follow Davids advice on shooting with a soft flash on a stick and it works great but these are really stunners.
Great job. Like Nikon says “lifetime of learning”
One question though, were you shooting at the long end of that lense?
Hi Scott,
I am just starting to get into portraits and weddings, thanks for the samples and sharing the “how to’s” with us.
More cool stuff from Mr. Kelby. Great shots Scott!
-Bob
(World Seriesless Boston)
Scott,
Super stunning photography ! I like the blending of natural light and flash, it make for a very rich looking photograph. The model is stunning, is she from your employ at Photoshopuser ? Thanks for the great photos.
I just LOVE the first image. The, position of the subject, the environment, the bokeh, the lighting are just STUNNING! Really great work!
Of course all the other shots are great, as usual.
Where is the *dropped jaw* smiley when you need it?
Fabulous work Scott! I concur that your skillz as a photographer are often overlooked because of your skillz in Photoshop and as a teacher, and as a writer, and as a pastry chef…eerrr…wait, maybe not a pastry chef?
How did you control the amount of light coming from the Qflash? I assume you had an assistant holding the flash stick off to the side. Did you have the assistant stand at exactly 12 feet away from the subject for example? This could make a huge difference between shooting at 1/32 or 1/16.
Thanks,
Tom
Scotty, you are just phenomenal.
Niiiiccce!
Scott, from sports to weddings, wow what can’t you do!!! These shots are amazing. My favorite is the reflection of the bride. Also great job on kelbytraining.com. When I need a quick inspiration; in between photoshop world, I log on and it gets me back on track.
vanelli
Simply stunning shots there Scott .. great job!!!!
Wow. These shots are just incredible. You might just be able to make a living at this.
These photos are just gorgeous. On such an emotional, important day, particularly for a woman who so hopes for pictures that will capture her inner glow and beauty and the love she feels, as well as her outer beauty too, you have more than provided her with both, and more. I agree with another commenter that these photos stand out as some of the best, not merely for the photo quality (which is always so remarkable), but also for that intangible quality you have also brought out in her, something not always easy to do on a day full of so many mixed emotions for a bride. She looks radiant, and your photos are a gift of a lifetime.
I have to ask – is this the best you can do?
If so, you should save them for the customer, because these are awesome. If not, holy crap – how good are the good ones?
OK, I’m just having fun here.
Stunning shots, all. I especially like the piano shot, the lighting is magical.
sexy sexy