Dynamic and Elegant

Last week a took a photography workshop in Prague and today I am presenting one of the portraits that I like quite a bit. It is a simple one light setting with a reflector to camera right and a background light. What I think works well is the direct, confident yet soft look of the model with a less usual off-centered composition which breaks the overall softness and adds some dynamics. Camera spec: Canon 5D mark ii with Canon 70-200 4L at 149mm, F10 @ 1/160, ISO 100.

Everything in Harmony

Here comes another portrait. There are three things I like about this photo. First, it is the lighting which provides a very soft light quality with no shadows on the walls behind. It was achieved by Speedlite 580EXII on a stand to camera left with Walimex Magic Square Softbox 60x60cm as the key light. The fill was provided by my on-camera flash bouncing off the wall and ceiling to the right. Second, I think that the overall composition is quite pleasing. There are many leading lines pointing towards my subject who is placed pretty much in the center. Then I tried to fill each corner of the photo with something to create a balanced atmosphere. The lamps, sofa, table with a flowerpot and the hint of a picture frame create this overall harmony which is enhanced by the relaxed look of the lady. Third, the blue colors on her dress nicely complement the other overall warm colors. I was very happy about this photo. Enjoy! Camera spec: Canon 5D mark ii with Canon 24-105 4L at 35mm, F8 @ 1/60, ISO 200.