This was my third time speaking at the DWF convention, which, by the way is made up of the most progressive wedding and portrait photographers in the world. To be asked to appear and speak to this group just once is such an overwhelming honor, but for a third time…. it just leaves me speechless with gratitude. A big thank you to those that attended the night time shooting demonstration, below are the images that we shot.
Melissa and René were so generous to model for us, if the images are beautiful it is more because they are such a gorgeous couple and not because of our special techniques. The above image and two below images were shot with two cheap video lights.
I’ve have been a fan of old “film noir” since I was a child – watching old movies on weekends with my Mom. All of that influence is paying off.. I love, love shadow rich images.
Need soft light? The image below was from a 4′x6′ improvised soft box from a table cloth or bed sheet. Camera all auto, flash ttl, no special math.
The image below was shot with a pocket flashlight borrowed from the audience.
Above, a group shot (wedding party) using a single flash over multiple frames. Not everyone was in the frame at the same time.
Below, some good old fashion painting with light using a video light snooted with a glove.
A special thanks to those helping me put. Above from left to right, Christina Smith, which I teased a little bit about being my flower girl, the ultra talented “McLellans“, Mel and Sean, the very hip “Fullers“, Erin and Chad, and the stars of the show – Melissa and René, the blob in the middle is myself, and playing the drunk groomsman at the very right is Jeff who’s wife and my long, long time friend, Rochelle was behind the scenes operating my camera. Also, an extra big thanks to Ray Prevost for his photoshop mastery during my demonstration…
below, more painting with light.
-jmc
15 Comments
Stop showing off, ya big show off.
Magic as always.
Once again sweet lighting man, real sweet!
gosh, wish somebody overhere in Holland would teach me how to do this!
i was trippin out when you whipped those paks out! you gave one of the best presentations at DWF this year! thanks for paying if forward!
I went to the DWFC for the business classes, but this demonstration absolutely floored me. Thanks for sharing these techniques—your work (and generosity) is amazing.
c
Did you run an action to make it look that painterly or is that just from the painting with light?
no action on the painting with light just thats what it ends up looking like… there is however some some contrast adjustment and a little skin smoothing but thats all.
Oh I am so sad I missed it. It was the one thing I was really looking forward to. Looks like it was a hit John – congrats for the zillionth time! Love ya!
Thank you for a great demonstration, JMC! It was great hearing you speak and meeting you!
Congratulations on speaking AGAIN! Believe me, everyone could learn something from you.
Absolutely beautiful… Thanks for sharing not only the pictures, but your talent at the Convention.
jmc, you never cease to amaze me and the rest of the photo world!
Oh My God!
The last image is amazing! What rocking work.
Thank you for sharing!
Ok, yes you are showing off… but with talent such as yours, how can you not! Thanks for sharing your skills with the world… the honor is ours!!!
I’ve had a couple of those sunpaks for a year now and never realized what cool stuff I could do with them! Your presentation was amazing!