Dizzy G Cheraw

Dizzy G Cheraw
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

In answer to the questions; the more recent 2 day challenge and the obvious follow up to my last post.......After a day of scouting 8 smalltowns in the Sandhills of S.C., A 2 day shoot was planned to include volunteer models at each location. With limited models, props and wardrobe, the challenge was to show everyday folk in an identifiable city locale. This was a favorite where the models and locale presented a more than average look at the heritage of smalltown S.C.. ......If you’re in Cheraw, be sure to stop by the Dizzy Gilespie statue, there’s plenty of history to be found at his feet.

Tara

Tara
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

Every photogs dream, girls in bikinis, right? Well for this Towels Etc. catalogue, we did over 50 separate setups in 2 days. Keeping on schedule is paramount on a shoot of this magnitude. This was one of my favorites. Once again using a slow shutter speed as a tool. I had noticed the highlights on the waterfall while scouting the location. Streaking them made an otherwise frozen waterfall into a “different” background. Note also the natural hair light providing just the right amount of separation and shape. Color coordination was also important in making this a possible cover shot. Enjoy!

Uploaded by Michael Slear on 29 Jul 10, 9.47AM EDT.

SeaMist sunrise

SeaMist sunrise
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

This image was done for Sea Mist Resort, a very old client that I still maintain contact with. They wanted a new ambiance shot. Remember the sunrise tip about metering off the area away from the sun.?, Worked well here but flowers were too important to silhouette, so positioning a light off camera and adding a flower or two framed this area nicely and another beautiful Myrtle Beach sunrise gave us the ambience requested. Depth of field also needed to be considered here to keep flowers, chairs and fence sharp. Therefore a small f stop was required which also meant light had to be full and close to flowers. Using a remote trigger allowed this option. Enjoy!
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Uploaded by Michael Slear on 22 Jul 10, 4.17PM

Concord Ad proof

Concord Ad proof
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

This shoot was rather straight forward, follow an established layout that they have used for similar property management companies. When you have two important subjects yet both need to be lighted and need to be in focus, an on camera flash won’t do. So with sunlight as main light, 2 flash heads to the left and one for fill were incorporated to establish a depth of field to keep all in focus. The rest was up to the talent, and composition, keeping in mind the requirements of the layout.

Close to home golf

Close to home golf
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

Simple concept, but we wanted to make it homey looking. By adding strips of tape to to the light source it appears as though this was shot on this guys desk, next to a window. A little soft focus filter and ‘close to home’ .

Blueberry slush

image
Originally uploaded by Michael Slear

I've mentioned selective focus before. Well this new lens for the 35 mm has the capabilities of a 4x5 bellows camera, it that can change the plane of focus in an image, not just from front to back with fstops but from side to side or top to bottom, by angling the plane of the lens with the film plane. Not as precise as with a 4x5 but will give acceptable results, if you like soft focus, for accentuating specific elements within an image.