Archive for the ‘Photography Tips & Lighting Setups’ Category

I have always been fascinated with the industrial technologies associated with the arts. Offset printing, darkrooms, chemical baths at film labs, drum-scanning, silk screens—all of it. As we were preparing the upcoming issue of WMB 3D for print, it occurred to me that the rising generation of photographers may never get to experience the sheer awe of large-scale press printing, just as many have never set foot in a darkroom. So I decided to document our latest print venture for our readers.

Over the last decade as a magazine photographer, I’ve witnessed my images printed both wonderfully and horribly—something every artist will experience at some point in their careers—largely dependent on the critical choices of printer, stocks, coatings, and color-profiling, often made by the publishers. So, when it came time to print the first issue of WMB 3D: World’s Most Beautiful in 2011, I already knew which direction I would go with regards to printing.

Last week, I traveled to Ottawa, Canada to press check WMB 3D Issue 3. I spent the day touring the massive press facilities, marveling at the precision with which beautiful art can be made from such massive, outwardly grungy, industrial machines. I will follow up in a few days with a post on the actual press check experience, but here’s a sneak peek for the curious artists.

Order your super-sized Collector’s Print Edition of WMB 3D here!

Everyday, more and more up-and-coming photographers write me asking about PhotoKamp. So I figured, why not let past attendees tell you for themselves?

In this video, you’ll get a first-hand look at a PhotoKamp experience, seen from the eyes of our photographers. I am eternally grateful to these talented artists for sharing their experiences with others, and I am so proud of them for the innovative ways they’ve exploring their artistic visions, both at PhotoKamp and since graduation.

Our next PhotoKamp takes place in Germany on August 23-25. Early signup pricing is in effect until June 1. For more information, as well as a look back at past workshops, visit PhotoKamp.com!

CREDITS:
Edited by Daniel U. Magana
Videography by David Rivera and Jessica Whitehead for SlickforceStudio

Professionals understand that no art is worth risking the safety of their models and crew. This behind-the-scenes image captures the making of a seemingly dangerous shot. What you don’t see are the pre-planning, the permits, the insurance policies, and the strategically positioned lookouts (in both directions) “just in case.” Never attempt a shot like this without taking redundant safety precautions.

(Photo taken at UltimateGraveyard. For location rental information, visit UltimateGraveyard.com.)

Here’s a brand spanking new video taking you behind-the-scenes on the making of Arctic Spy Nazanin’s shoot. Model Nazanin Mandi slipped into the espionage-themed shoot with remarkable ease, making us all wonder if this whole modeling thing is just a cover.

This shoot day was a particularly large production, as we photographed several of the SlickforceGirls in one day. My thanks to the amazing team that helped us pull it off!

CREDITS:
Model: Nazanin Mandi
Photographed & Produced by Nick Saglimbeni
Hair by Al Ingram
Make-up by Therese Williams
Styling by Diana Chan
Vintage Faux Fur: stylist’s own.

Skies are much bluer when they are not overexposed. Close your shutter down as far as it will go (while still allowing strobe exposure), then increase your light power to a key level that keeps the subject and the environmental exposures balanced.

(Photo taken at PhotoKamp 3. For upcoming dates on PhotoKamp workshops, visit PhotoKamp.com)

Get to know your generator. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere and realizing you don’t have ample power to get the shot. Most portable generators cannot run at full or unbalanced loads, so be sure to pad a little extra amperage into your calculations.

Stay tuned each Tuesday for more photography and lighting tips right here at NickSaglimbeni.com, and be sure to join me in Germany this August for PhotoKamp!

Alright guys, this might be my favorite SlickforceGirl video yet. You’ve seen the beautiful Vanessa Veasley in harness training, and she’s walked you through her spaceship set. Now, go backstage with SlickforceGirl Stunt Coordinator Alex Wen as we put it all together and make Vanessa fly. So proud of Vanessa for being a consummate professional and a tough-as-nails trooper on this intense shoot—I can’t even imagine how uncomfortable it is hanging from a string, but she makes it look easy.

This is probably the most fun I’ve ever had on set. My thanks to Alex Wen, the entire SlickforceStudio team, glam squad Gaby Ramos Torell, Al Ingram and Diana Chan, and everyone who made this shoot possible. Up, up and away!

Since 2010, I’ve been helping the Kardashian family create their brand of Christmas magic with their annual holiday card. In 2010 and 2011, the family opted for a more dramatic theme, and so I did my best to create that with the lighting, blocking and pose direction. This year, Kim wanted a much happier vibe, something with lots of energy. She also wanted everyone in white.

As any photographer or cinematographer knows, capturing perfect skin tones with white wardrobe usually comes down to a compromise between skin underexposure and protecting white highlights from clipping. However, after years of experimentation, I finally accepted that I just don’t like the way underexposed skin looks, even with exposure levels corrected in Lightroom. When shooting any of my clients, skin glow is almost always my top goal, above even wardrobe.

The three-day mega-shoot spanned the country, beginning in Miami in October and ending in LA just two weeks ago. For my team, that meant tracking detailed setup parameters to insure family members not photographed in Miami could be seamlessly added to the final image.

Most of you who follow my work know that I rarely talk about my lighting setups. This week, however, UK journalist Jon Severs persuaded me to discuss the lighting of the Christmas card, and I went into a surprising amount of detail, more than I ever have before. You can read the interview here.

I’ve attached my actual lighting diagram below, please take a moment to appreciate the fine chicken scrawl. And enjoy these wonderful behind-the-scenes images taken by photographers Joyce Park, Scot Fortino and Kate Garfield for SlickforceStudio.

My thanks to Kris, Kim and the entire Kardashian/Jenner family for allowing me to capture the card & help create such a festive moment in their lives!

CREDITS: Makeup by Mario Dedivanovic and Rob Scheppy. Hair by Clyde Haygood and Scott Cunha. Photographed at Temple House in Miami and at SlickforceStudio in Los Angeles.

Hot desert temperatures sometimes bring about unwelcome surprises. Have several fire extinguishers on hand in case of unexpected emergencies.

(Photo taken at UltimateGraveyard. For location rental information, visit UltimateGraveyard.com.)

Your model can retreat to cover in between shots, but the crew is often working in intense sunlight for long periods of time. It’s also hard to focus on what your camera sees when you are getting blinded by intense sunlight. Use a solid black flag to shield you from the brightness. You’ll also dramatically reduce your risk of sunburn, and keep the sun from flaring your lens.

Stay tuned each Tuesday for more photography and lighting tips right here at NickSaglimbeni.com, and be sure to join me in Germany this August for PhotoKamp!