Here we go again… this is it, the start of my third 50 day project with the 50mm lens. From here until the 20th October I am going to be losing my mind enjoying doing a photoshoot of some description every day with my nifty fifty. If you followed the project last years project you’ll know that I like a challenge & have a need to try top myself with every project. So, lucky for you, this self destructive characteristic of mine has lead me to wanting to thoroughly document how I achieve every single photo. This should hopefully include a lighting diagram, equipment list, description & setup video every day. Yup — this should kill me nicely, not enough hours in the day, oh god what have I done! etc… Sleep is for suckers anyway.
Hope you enjoy the project as it unfolds, feel free to give me some words of encouragement/criticism, make fun of my accent, root for me to fail… whatever you like.
Lighting Diagram
Equipment List
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Camera: Canon 5D MkII
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Lens: Canon 50mm F/1.4
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Flashes: Canon 580ex & 430ex
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Accessories: 4 light stands, 2 light brackets, 2 Westcott Apollo Softbox, a tripod & my mums fucking mirror!
2 of the stands were used to hold the mirror in place.
Camera Settings
Shutter Speed — 1/40th, Aperture — F/1.4, ISO — 200.
I knew I wanted to do a selfy for photo #01, my mind jumped to a mirror shot straight away & I’ve always found them really interesting. I wanted to make this one a little different so I snuck into my parents house when they weren’t there (’cause I’m a fucking ninja), stole my mothers favourite mirror & took it on location. It was kinda strange having to consider the background in both directions but I worked out a nice spot on the waterfront pretty quickly.
It was stupid windy which made everything 10 times harder & the composition was tricky to say the least — getting the mirror angled right was not fun. But after some playing around, moving a bit & moving the lights around 30 or 40 times I got something I was happy with. Also balancing an ambiant light source in 2 different directions at the same time makes me wanna uppercut myself.
So 1 down, 49 to go. I’m shooting in Leeds at Inspirations Tattoo studio during a 7–8 hour tattoo session on my left arm #multitaskingFTW! So keep your eyes pealed for that!
Watch Me
You can check this shot on my flickr too (go favourite & comment yeah?), uploaded at super size so you can see all the fine details.
If you want to keep up with this project (hint: you totally do) then you should follow me on twitter & add me as a contact on flickr. #fact!
Comments
JohnONolan
“COME AT ME BRO!” – EPIC. Swan didn’t stand a chance. That’ll learn him!
Can’t wait for 49 more days of
deathawesomeness!helmut
nice start!
James
Awesome!, looking forward to the next 49 :-)
Shane
Good work !! Really nice shot Rick
Guy
Should have pulled some ninja moves and stolen the swan.
Didn’t you get any odd looks with all that gear setup on the waterfront?
Risky Rich
Great start. Thanks so much for taking the time to explain the set ups. As a keen amateur photographer, just about to buy my first remote lighting set up, it is so helpful seeing the set ups.
David Weir
Awesome start to the project Rick. I seriously don’t think your going to be sleeping for the next 50days but it’ll be worth seeing the results of it all from our point of view :) I really commend you for putting such great detail into the project for everyone to learn from. The website looks great man!
Gabe
Great tutorial!
PS – I am watching this video at a coffee shop and when he said “Come at me bro” I lol’ed. My girlfriend who is sitting across from me gave me a weird look, to which I replied Come at me bro! She wasn’t amused.
RickNunn
Thanks everyone.
Guy , I get a lot of odd looks & comments when I’m taking my photos. Just gotta roll with it though. Doesn’t bother you once you get used to it.
David Weir Sleep is for the weak!
Gabe LOL! You clearly scared her so much that she wouldn’t dare.
KennyMiller
Yo. I like what you’re doing here with the lighting diagram. Just started shooting this year and I don’t know Sh.. about how to set up lighting and softboxes and all that… I just know a little, so the lighting diagram is GREAT. Thanks!
Debbi
How big are the Apollos? I wish I had the courage to stick with a project like this! I’ ll be following you! Nice image !
Kirth
So i viewed project in the reverse order 50 to 1 and wow!! its kicked ass- like a ninja-who stole his mum’s mirror. Brilliant effort and its definitely hard work to do each day a shot+diagram+video+not sleep. Keep up the good work.Im a follower and an inspireree