Tag Archive for: Fresnel

Results from one workshop….. probably more than you think

Results from one workshop

We get a lot of questions about what I teach during workshops, but mostly about what you can expect for results. So I thought it would be fun to post all the images I retouched from ONE workshop. Let me show you the results of this workshop.

Before we start

Now to make one thing clear before we start. Some people call shooting images of a model a workshop. I don’t… I strongly feel a workshop should be an intense learning experience with loads of information, tips, questions answered, etc. So in every set, I try to add some things I know people struggle with.

During the workshops, I always try to do at least 3 to 4 totally different sets with their own problems and solutions 😀

The used products are linked to our webshop. If you have any questions, let me know. I am happy to answer them.

In today’s blog post the results from one workshop with our model Claudia.

 

For the first set, we used a box to pose our model in/on. The main idea was to get interesting effects in the background and how you can manipulate these.
Of course, the added element of the box triggers creativity.

I’m using a Geekoto GT400 with the small Geekoto softbox as the main light.
In the back, I’m using a Geekoto GT250 with the Rogue Magnetic Snoot. The main thing I love about this snoot is that you can use it not only in 4 different configurations but also can be used with or without a diffusion panel (this is without) which gives it a multitude of different looks. It’s one of my (many) favorite modifiers.

Now do remember these are WORKSHOP shots, so I shoot them while teaching, meaning they are okay, but far from perfect.

Set 1.

Result of one worshop result of one workshop, adding more props

And of course, there are always more ways to shoot something than just one 😀

 

Motion

For the next set, it was all about styling colors and adding motion to a shot. To make sure you freeze motion it’s important to know on which setting your strobe has the fastest T01 value.  I’m using a Sekonic 858 meter for this, which besides the exposure, also meters the flash duration.

And of course, coaching the model and getting the right moment is vital.

As a backdrop we used the the Rembrandt Brown vinyl 300x244cm 

model in front of a backdrop

And of course, I couldn’t resist throwing in some different angles for a portrait.
It’s always fun to see the responses when I start shooting from “weird” angles and the attendees see the images coming in.results of one workshop: portrait shot from a low angle

 

Clicki

For the next set, we are using the brand-new Clicki system from ClickBackdrops. This is a great solution for photographers shooting on location who are not willing to make any sacrifice in background quality.

I’m using a pro fabric version here. But vinyl is also an option (same price)
It’s great for portraits and 3/4 body. But I thought it would also be fun to use the backgrounds hanging in the back as a backdrop. So we placed the Clicki in between two other backgrounds, to create some more depth.

I mainly focussed on portraits and angles. Here are the results, and remember; this is still from one workshop.

result of one workshop, model claudia in front of a clicki backdrop

What gear did I use to get these results?

 

For these images I’m using a Geekoto GT250 with my all-time favorite modifier, the Frank Doorhof Rogue FlashBender.
And of course, when it carries my name it should be my favorite right?
Yes and no.
The main reason I love the FlashBender so much is that it’s very easy to use a bounce card. You make background effects by bending the FlashBender. You can fold it as a snoot. And that is awesome during events to really make a couple or subject stand out, even if the available lighting is poor ( like on some weddings during the dance). Or use it as a small softbox…. but mostly I use it as you can see here, with the striplight attachment and grid.

The cool thing…. when you buy the Frank Doorhof FlashBender everything is in the box 😀

Results of one workshop; model in front of the clicki, ligted by only the FlashBender XL Pro

 

The next results

 

For the next set, we decided to play with “light in light” where we focused the light in the model. With for example a snoot or in this case a Fresnel, opening up the shadows with a fill-in flash, often with a colored gel. The main light is the Nanlite Fresnel on a Geekoto GT400. and the Rogue magnetic system on a Geekoto GT250 as a fill-in flash. I’m using a blue gel to very slightly open up the shadows.

results of one workshop. model in front of the backdrop with a fesnel and a bleu gel

Of course, we also shot some portraits.

 

a portrait is also one of the results from one workshop

But there are more results

 

After these images, I thought it would be cool to throw in a microphone as a prop. And explain some very powerful techniques where I combine feathering with “fake” reflections by angling the light just correctly around the model. This is a very powerful technique to create stunning almost silhouette-like shots.

In this setup, I’m still using the Nanlite Fresnel on a Geekoto GT400. But the blue gel was now moved to the opposite side. Depending on the effect I wanted (the angle I’m shooting from) we just angled the strobe aiming it toward the camera. Love the results from this technique. When walking around your model you get a lot of different looks.

another result of one workshop. more silhoutte-like portrait with a vintage microphone

By adding the blue gel into the frame the total look and feel of the shots change.

 

Frank Doorhof Workshops

If you like these results and are looking for a workshop that’s totally different from just shooting images (a shooting zoo), make sure to check out fotografie-workshops.nl Here you can find information about the Dutch workshops (and location workshops abroad). Most workshops in our studio are in Dutch, but if you let us know in advance we can switch to English, most Dutch people speak and/or understand English.

1:1 workshops are always possible

 

 

PS: During this workshop, I also tried to shoot some images with the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. Can you spot them?

Love that look, it like old Hollywood revived

In a previous blogpost I already talked about my favourite light shaper, the Fresnel.
Read the blogpost here.

Today some more images shot with the Nanlite Fresnel on our own Geekoto strobes.
LOVE that combination.

Model : Jona
Clothing : Gabe

All shot during a 1:1 workshop with Gabe in our studio in Emmeloord.

Wonder Woman in our studio…. oh yes

Today a few images from Jona in her wonder woman outfit.
Shot during a 3 day 1:1 workshop with Gabe who actually brought all the costumes with him for the workshops.

    

All shot with our Geekoto strobes.
Mainlight is the Nanlite Frensel.
Background : ClickpropsBackdrops
You can get all the gear I use, tutorials and backdrops via frankdoorhof.com/shop

 

And for the best colors 😀

Gold it almost hurt your eyes so much Gold

A background really makes the shot for me.
I recently had a whole discusion with someone about how AI would replace backgrounds and no-one would ever shoot against backdrops anymore. I don’t think I have to tell you guys I did not agree 😀

One of the reasons we sell our ClickPropsBackdrops is not just for the print on a backdrop, but also the material and how it interacts with lighting. Every backdrop I use will respond differently. For example our vinyl backdrops are more harsh and really pop when lit with hard light. Awesome for modern looking images where you really want some content that adds to the scene.

On the other side we have our Pro-Fabric which looks and shoots very like the old canvasses we all love but no-body really can afford. Plus they have huge disadvantages with tear and wear and wrinkles which means you can’t really do a spontaneous shoot unless you prepare your background.

During the workshops I could always shoot with the backdrops we have and never feel bored, but I also love to “freak out” with other materials and building (sometimes over the top) sets.

I always wanted something really eye-catching and we decided to build something with gold as main theme…. in all honesty it turned out WAY better than expected.

Lucky workshop
As soon as I took the first shots with my phone I already saw the quality of the background, this was going to be fun.
The idea was to let the light bounce around the set and just let it reflect where it “wanted” and see what happend. Normally I try to get the reflections out by using the angle of incidence is angle of reflection rule, but in this case I thought it would give a really nice look, and it was impossible to prevent because it’s not a straight wall but there were angles in the material all over the place, so keeping reflections out… impossible, and when something is impossible….. embrace it and make it part of the image, you will be surprised how often problems become awesome parts of a shot 😀

I started with just the fresnel on our model Claudia. And although I loved those shots, I also got a package in that morning with a special new guitar. My first headless guitar actually, and I just loved the look and thought it would look great in this set, so of course I could not resist (I always love shooting my guitars during workshops).

For the guitarists :
This is a Latitude low budget headless guitar.
But I can highly recommend it, it plays like it costs at least 700-800 euros, but is sold for under 300,00

Ok let’s take a look at the first shot.

As you can see the light scatters around very nicely on the set.
But this was a bit too dark for my taste, for this set I really wanted something that gave a lot of power.

So I added a Geekoto small softbox next to the Fresnel and used a yellow gel from the back hitting both the model and the walls which were setup in a 90 degree angle. The result was a lot better. Still attention to the model with the Fresnel, but a nice fill from the small softbox and the backlighting really added the glue to put everything together.

Sorry for the many photos but part of the workshop was also how to find poses with something like a guitar and I ended up liking way too many images.

Hope you guys enjoyed todays blog.
If there is anything you like to see in the blog just let me know.

See frankdoorhof.com/shop for the Fresnel, strobes and light shapers I use.