RWM elect Jim Mackaskill

RWM elect Jim Mackaskill, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

Been a while but here is a new post.
The formal portrait of my mother lodges master elect . Jim will take the chair on Dec 1st . Hope you all enjoy !

Mofft Sheep Races

Victor, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

As you will no doubt be aware I can be a bit lax at updating my blog page! So to kick start the page again here is a fun pic from Moffat sheep races.
This sheep was the winner of its particular race that day a regular sheep version of Usain Bolt !

Robert Burns cottage

Robert Burns cottage front, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

I had the honor of visiting Robert Burns Cottage in Alloway Scotland.
Many people sing his songs , many read his poetry, But to see the bed where he was born gives you a greater connection to the man rather than the legend.

Most like to skirt over his failings as a man , but I like to think that it is these very failing that made him great.

A slaver for a short period, a revenue man for the customs, womaniser, drinker, FreeMason. Most importantly a poet, songwriter.

A man whose very existance still echoes down the halls of eternity.

And after all the fuss about the new D800 from Nikon , My D700 is in no danger of being retired just yet!

All the shots from the day can be found on my usual Flickr pages

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scrlt_pimpernel/sets/72157629784326011/

Road Closed

Road Closed, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

Well It's been a while since I had a rant, But while trying to come up with a personal projsct for my self I revisited My own phot stream on flckr and came across this image



As you can see from the post date It was in 2008. So does Edinburgh have a shining new Tram system? Fit for purpose and a joy to use? well I let my photo set of March 2012 speak for its self

www.flickr.com/photos/scrlt_pimpernel/6892649870

And my answer would be absolutley not!

Second Ioncell shoot

_DSC8080a, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

For the second Ioncell shoot I had a model called Gemma, Here is one of the shots from the day some of the rest can be seen on flickr or my facebook page!!

Same model , very diferent results

 This image was lit using a soft box up high above the model and a reflector placed under her to reduce the shadow under her chin with a kicker light off to the left and down low.
As you can see this produces a beautiful light and is great for giving a very even and soft result. I've never photographed a woman and she didn't like this type of shot as it is very flattering and makes almost anyone beautiful. 

 This shot is taken using just one light a Lowel ID video light shot on a Nikon 85mm prime at F1.8, and a reflector. You can see its the same model but by just changing the light you change the whole mood and look of the shot almost changing the whole face. The light is harder and set directly in front of the model and raised up until you get the butterfly shadow under the models nose.
This type of light simulates the hay days of Hollywood and actresses such as Garbo and Audrey Hepburn. It creates a very classic look which can give you very stunning and very timeless looks.  

For this final shot it is good old 45 degree with a big soft box , This again shows you how you can adjust and sculpt and create very different results for the same face.


I'm sure you will agree that although its the same model the 3 portraits are very different in feel and mood. With a good looking model you will get away with lighting with any of these methods. However as I'm sure a few of you have noticed not all people you are asked to photograph will be as easy.
Just remember,  that everyone can take a good pic its up to you as the photographer to find that persons inner light and use the correct lighting to illuminate it.

B&W beauty

_DSC8005, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

A shot from last weeks ioncell shoot. I got a little side tracked fromt eh product shoot and decided to try a differnet approach on lighitng and got this very sensual B&W shot and fell in love with it .
I love the way the figure slides in and out of the light. The way the light sculpts her body .
Even in the middle of a job I think it can be important to just take an image just for the sheer pleasure , As long as the job is in the bag that is!