Abstract Portraiture

Whilst browsing on a well known social media site, I came across a picture that a friend had shared and I found the image fascinating. I had come across images such as this before but this time I felt inspired to try and create my own. My attempt is feeble but this has inspired me to experiment more and create a better image in the future. My image looks a little more abstract and instead of using two images to create the final, I only worked with one. The images are supposed to show a side portrait and a face on portrait within the same image, some work better than others.

I look forward to experimenting with this type of imagery further sometime in the near future.

My Image (& First Attempt)

Fréd – Front & Side
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Image I Was Inspired By.

© Baíki Bk

“Respeite o ponto de vista das pessoas, as vezes estamos vendo a mesma coisa porém de forma diferente…”

“Please respect other people’s point of view, sometimes we see the same thing but differently …”

Bk, B. 2013. Respect Other People’s Point of View. [image online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=492152107560114&set=pb.100002959864531.-2207520000.1388501166.&type=3&theater [Accessed: 31 Dec 2013].

Other Examples:

Source: Unknown Artist

Unknown. 2012. Front or Side Face?. [image online] Available at: http://9bytz.com/front-or-side-face/ [Accessed: 31 Dec 2013].

A Portrait of a Profile
© Mick Nasty

Nasty, M. 2011. A Portrait of a Profile. [image online] Available at: http://twistedsifter.com/2011/05/picture-of-the-day-a-portrait-of-a-profile/ [Accessed: 31 Dec 2013].

Creepy Double Face Illusion
© Coaleu

Coaleau. 2011. Creepy Double Face Illusion. [image online] Available at: http://www.instructables.com/id/Creepy-Double-Face-Illusion/ [Accessed: 31 Dec 2013].

The one thing that put me off of the above image is; that because it is made from a composite of two images, the eye does not look right for a face on (looking straight on) portrait and the side profile has two nostrils. My favourite out of all the images is the black and white image by Baíki Bk, it is well thought out and works spectacularly, I found it quite a challenge trying to create such an image. More practice is required.

Brochu-Williams PHOTOGRAPHY Website Updated

Website has now been updated and is all ready for 2014. Happy New Year!

 

Brochu-Williams PHOTOGRAPHY

35mm Film Scanner

I have recently added this useful device to my collection of photographic equipment. I enjoy taking pictures on film but not so keen on the amount of time that I have to spend in the darkroom doing test strips and such. As much as I like the solitude of the darkroom, it is not always practical because of the amount of time that it requires. This is a handy shortcut (obviously I will have to develop the film myself) and allows me to scan the images onto my computer and from here I can assess which ones I would like to develop further in the darkroom or work with them directly from the computer and create a mixed media image.

Portable High Resolution 35mm Film & Slide Scanner

It can be used as a stand-alone unit or connected to your PC / Laptop with a USB cable and scans all 35mm negative film and also slide / transparency film. It works with either colour or black & white film and can be scanned in strips or you can use the other included tray for mounted 35mm slides.The 5MP CMOS sensor scans at 1824 x 2736 pixels (10MP interpolated scan at 2588 x 3888 pixels). The average scanning time is around 4 seconds and the scans are saved as JPEG files to an SD / SDHC Card. There is a real-time colour preview on the LCD screen (2.4 Inch). Supports NTSC/PAL TV out interface through a 3.5mm video jack – Images can be seen on your TV.

35mm Film Scanner
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

35mm Film Scanner
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

35mm Film Scanner Mounted Tray
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

I have used the scanner for scanning the negatives of my last film shoot at Rutland Water and was very happy with the results that I got. This has encouraged me to take more pictures with film and possibly experiment with mixed media format.

7dayshop.com. 2013. 7dayshop Portable High Resolution 35mm Film & Slide Scanner. Colour LCD Screen with 8GB SDHC Card. [online] Available at: http://www.7dayshop.com/photo-video-supplies/film-scanners/7dayshop-portable-high-resolution-35mm-film-slide-scanner-colour-lcd-screen-with-8gb-sdhc-card?backUrl=L3Bob3RvLXZpZGVvLXN1cHBsaWVzL2ZpbG0tc2Nhbm5lcnM= [Accessed: 30 Dec 2013].

Portraiture – 160 LED Modelling Light

I am always on the lookout for ways to take portraiture shots outside of the studio and looking for ways to limit the amount of equipment that I need to carry around with me. I was constantly being asked what I wanted for Christmas and took to the internet for some ideas. My first port of call was to a site named 7dayshop.com, a site that offers competitive prices on a wide range of photo accessories, ink, memory and much more. Here I found an item that was of interest to me & Santa was kind enough to deliver it to me on Christmas morning.

Modelling and Video Light – 160 x LED

7dayshop DS-008 160 LED Modelling Light
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

7dayshop DS-008 160 LED Modelling Light
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

Colour Diffusers
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

Studio Light Adapter / Hot Shoe Adapter / Manual Handle
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

Protective Carry Pouch
Image: Richard Brochu-Williams

This modelling light features: The ‘barn door’ style reflective flaps which aid light direction and with 16 exact light output levels ensure precision shooting is achievable. Once the flaps are fully closed they also provide extra protection to the LED’s. The kit includes 4 different colour interchangeable light diffusers: standard clear, cooling blue, warm-up orange and red offering further scope for creativity.

Given the power of light, the unit is still not too hefty and could easily be kept in a larger kit bag. The unit measures in at 150mm by 115mm and when loaded with 6 AA batteries still comes in at under 500g.

The light is powered by either 6 AA sized batteries (standard alkaline or rechargeable) or by utilising the supplied slot in Li-ion camcorder battery plate that will accept; Sony F, FM, FH or Panasonic SD Series batteries. The power level is determined by + and – buttons on the rear of the unit, where you will also find the ON button, the power TEST button along with the LED display.

There are multiple mounting options available, such as straight on the camera using the standard Hot-shoe connector with tightening wheel or utilise the supplied ‘off camera’ handle for more awkward hand held lighting tasks, additionally simply use the desk stand for static close range work (desk mount also has standard Tripod thread mount underneath). This light could alternatively be converted for use as a main studio light by simply slotting the ‘off camera’ handle on to a standard studio light stand.

I am pleased to have this new piece of photographic equipment added to my existing kit.

For more information on this product you can follow the link below:

7dayshop.com. 2013. 7dayshop LED Modelling and Video Light for DSLR, Video and Camcorder Uses – 160 x LED Model. [online] Available at: http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-led-modelling-and-video-light-for-dslr-video-and-camcorder-uses-160-x-led-model [Accessed: 29 Dec 2013].

Nature, Wildlife & Landscape Photography – Sri Lanka

Today I received a very kind and generous offer; to visit Sri Lanka and have the opportunity to photograph the Sri Lankan nature, wildlife and landscape. I enjoy taking pictures of animals but most of the time this is within the setting of a zoo and it would be nice to capture wildlife within it’s own natural habitat. Of course I will have to fit this in around my university studies and commitments but I don’t see this being too much of a problem as an opportunity like this does not come by often and the experience would be invaluable and I’m sure that the university and my tutors would support me.

I have been invited by a long time family friend Don Hapuarachchi (also family) whose nephew Nadika Hapuarachchi is South East Asia’s number one wild life photographer. He published his first book which is sponsored by Sri Lankas leading bank earlier this year at the Lionel Wendt theatre in Colombo where over a thousand dignitaries attended and his work can be seen at www.chaya.lk

Nadika Hapuarachchi & The Prince of Wales

Invite to Sri Lanka

Many Thanks to Don Hapuarachchi 🙂

Chaya Online Image Gallery. 2013. Chaya Online Image Gallery. [online] Available at: http://www.chaya.lk [Accessed: 28 Dec 2013].

Portraiture (Pet)

Whilst looking at the theme of portraiture I decided to attempt some pet portraiture images. The images have not been taken in a studio setting, as this is something I am not too keen on. I like to capture the subject in its own surroundings where it feels more comfortable and at ease. I did not have a great deal of time taking these pictures as they were taken on Boxing Day and the dogs that I photographed were very excitable and very hard to capture but nevertheless I managed to capture a few images. 🙂

Mia
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Tigger
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Mia
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Tigger “Too Much Mulled Wine!”
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Dexter
© Richard Brochu-Williams

All Images © Richard Brochu-Williams, 2013

Portraiture (Cont…)

I have always liked to do portraiture photography outside of the studio setting but have often been put off by the thought of having to carry lots of equipment around with me, but then I came across this article about Interfit Strobies. These are great modifiers for your flashgun and do not take up a lot of room, so if you enjoy using your flashgun out on location these could be the ideal solution.

The modifiers include:

• Barndoors
• Honeycomb
• Snoot
• Beauty Dish

The price is a reasonable £90 and I think that this is a bit of equipment that I would be interested in acquiring.

Digital Photo Magazine | Issue 141

Interfit Strobies

I found an umbrella for the flashgun also.

Westcott Umbella Kit

Interfit Photographic. 2013. Strobies by Interfit. [online] Available at: http://www.interfitphotographic.com/Strobies/Strobies%20index.html [Accessed: 24 Dec 2013].

Westcott Lighting. 2013. Westcott Lighting – Speedlite ProGrip Umbrella Kit. [online] Available at: http://fjwestcott.com/product/speedlite-progrip-umbrella-kit [Accessed: 24 Dec 2013].

Portrait Accessories. 2011. Digital Photo, Iss. 141 pp. 99-100.

I would like to wish my followers a very Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for the New Year 🙂

Merry Christmas
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Portraiture

I chose to look at portraiture again today and to see what I could do with an image to make it a little different from a straightforward portraiture picture. I played around with a couple of techniques to see what I could achieve.

My Images

Fréd
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Fréd 2
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Fréd “Pop”
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Fréd “Pop” Collage
© Richard Brochu-Williams

The “Pop” images are of course inspired by Andy Warhol’s work and relate back to my blog about “intertextuality” within art. The link to this can be found below.

https://brochuwilliams.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/intertextuality-2/

I found a guide to achieving the effect in Digital Photo Magazine.

Adams, J. 2011. Creative Portrait Effects. Digital Photo, Iss. 141 pp. 42-47.

Still Life (Patterns & Textures)

Today I decided to try something a little different and focused in on patterns and textures within my images. I like to find patterns in things, whether they be man made objects or in nature, as I believe that you can create an image of interest. Here are some images that I experimented with:

 

My Images

 

© Richard Brochu-Williams

© Richard Brochu-Williams

© Richard Brochu-Williams

© Richard Brochu-Williams

© Richard Brochu-Williams

 

Potraiture (Holga Effect)

Yesterday, whilst on my travels to Lowestoft, Suffolk, I decided that I would look at portraiture photography as I had not done this in a while. I’m not one for creating portraiture images within the confines of a studio space, rather I prefer to capture my subject in natural surroundings where they feel most comfortable. I like portraiture in the style of reportage, as the subjects feel more at ease and therefore creating an image that looks more “real” than forced.

I decided to create the portraiture images with a “Holga” effect. This kind of effect is currently en vogue and is popular alongside with lomography and the effects that you can achieve with Instagram.

Holga

The Holga camera was designed by T. M. Lee in 1981 and it first appeared outside China in 1982 in Hong Kong. The Holga is a medium format 120 film camera, made in Hong Kong, known for its low-fidelity aesthetic.

The Holga’s low-cost construction and simple meniscus lens often yields pictures that display vignetting, blur, light leaks, and other distortions. The camera’s limitations have brought it a cult following among some photographers, and Holga photos have won awards and competitions in art and news photography.

Holga Camera
Image: Mark Wheeler

Wikipedia. 2013. Holga. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holga [Accessed: 21 Dec 2013].

Wheeler, M. 2013. Holga 120. [image online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Holga_120_GCFN.jpg [Accessed: 21 Dec 2013].

Creating My Images

To achieve the Holga effect I used Photoshop CS5 and a plug-in from OnOne called PhotoTools 2.6 that contained the Holga Black & White filter.

Step 1
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Step 2
© Richard Brochu-Williams

Step 3
© Richard Brochu-Williams

As well as applying the filter, I also made adjustments to it, so that the effect would compliment the images. I have noticed that some of my highlights are blown out, this is due to the filter that has been applied and not the images that I captured at the time. I know this, because when I shoot I use the “Highlights” display on my  Nikon D90 to make sure that my highlights are not blown out. At this stage I am not too concerned as these images are just in the experimental stage.

Highlights Display Mode – Nikon

Imaging Resource. 2013. Nikon: Playback Mode. [image online] Available at: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D300S/D300SA3.HTM [Accessed: 21 Dec 2013].

My Images

All images © Richard Brochu-Williams, 2013. All rights reserved.

Anyone with a keen interest in photography (especially analogue) and the Holga effect can find information on the following link.

Holga Inspire. 2013. HOLGA. [online] Available at: http://holgainspire.com/ [Accessed: 21 Dec 2013].