Wednesday 20 October 2010

Lighting Maitland's Fairytales

Late in 2009 I was engaged by Maitland Tourism to photograph their 2010 Visitor Guide. Based on the phrase 'Step into the story...' it placed fairytale themes in some of the beautiful and historical locations in and around Maitland in the Hunter Valley (Australia).

While this entry is more on the technical side I hope readers will find something of interest here. In the months since the pictures were first published I have had several enquiries about the lighting used on the four pictures here. Most people were surprised to learn that the pictures were made using small Canon flash. They are quick, easy to set up and move and, in most cases, perfectly suited to making great pictures within the often tight budgets and short deadlines we work to today.


Fairytales - Images by Paul Foley

There is much good that has come from the digital age for photographers, particularly in the technical aspects of focus, exposure and lighting. There are also significant time savings in transporting and setting up the more compact lighting systems that digital capture allows us to use.

Over recent years there has been growing use of small camera flash systems in place of the larger systems required by film. Originally designed to be used in the hotshoe on top of the camera these small flashes are now placed on stands away from the camera and fired by radio or infrared controls or linked by cables. For anyone wanting to learn more about this style of lighting then head over to the guru David Hobby at The Strobist.

Taking these flash off the hotshoe usually meant that using the automatic flash/daylight exposure balancing features of modern professional cameras was problematic. This was especially true in bright outdoor light or when line of sight syncing wasn't possible.

During last year I tested and then bought a PocketWizard MiniTT1 transmitter and four FlexTT5 receiver/transmitters. This new technology allowed my camera to 'talk' to my 4 Canon flash and set their output according to the existing ambient light. Of course, I am also able to adjust the individual lights output as well as control them fully manually.

I've been using this system for over a year now and am extremely pleased with it. I often work without an assistant so the flexibility and reliability they provide makes life easier and clients happier.

The photographs in the Gallery (above) were all lit using Canon 580 and 550 flash fitted with various light modifiers. I think they illustrate the capabilities of the technology and how it complements traditional photographic skills and creativity.

Of course a shoot such as this is the result of great ideas, design, styling and teamwork:

Client: Maitland Tourism
Rachel MacLucas, Melanie Hutchinson

Agency: Out of the Square
Martin Adnum, Xanthe Addison, Lauren Bliss

Makeup/Hair: Chic Artistry

Talent: Carly, Andrew, Brian

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