articles/Fashion/Amazing-Images-on-a-Shoestring-page2

Amazing Images on a Shoestring - part 2 of 1 2

by John Baikie Published 01/02/2014

We decided to start with Natalie in another outfit, just to get everything up and running properly, before we attempted to give her hypothermia; so we did some cool shapes against the backdrop of the old walls. For the main part of the shoot, the idea was to wrap Natalie in the wool, like webbing, so being January we had to be quick. I don't really do studio shoots if I can help it as I prefer the fun of being on location and using more 'real' backdrops. This is also relatively inexpensive providing you can find abandoned buildings! The hardest part was trying to tie it all up reasonably evenly in a short time, but we did okay. This building is great and I chose it because of the great textures on the walls and crumbling plaster.

Once we had Natalie tied up in wool, it was a case of shooting as many images as possible as fast as possible as it was absolutely Baltic. We were happy with the images, so I produced a knife and despite the look of fear on Natalie's face, cut her free, and we headed for the warmth of a nearby cafe (after she had dressed).

The treacle idea was something Natalie had wanted to try. We needed somewhere to shoot so another empty building was chosen, but much closer to civilisation and hot water. What we hadn't reckoned on was that because it was so cold the treacle was not very runny, so it was a bit of a struggle to get it moving. This time I used a second flash to light the background as it was getting darker and we needed a white effect. It was another Speedlight on a stand fired the same way as before. The main flash was moved to a more central position for these and the biggest problem was trying to avoid highlights in the treacle, but we eventually gave up trying and decided it was easy enough to retouch later. Obviously this should have been done in a studio for best lighting control, but the point was to show you didn't need all that kit, so I am more than happy with what we got with the most basic of equipment.

So, keep it simple. This shoot was all about the ideas and shooting with a final image in mind. I would love to say careful planning was a factor but anyone who knows me, knows that is never the case. However, that is the way to do it. Think through what kit you REALLY need for a shoot, and make photography all about the images, not the equipment.

These images also needed very minimal editing as I am so fussy about getting everything right in camera, shooting JPEGs means I have to. I have added some contrast and done minimal skin retouching on them, and obviously some were converted to B&W.

Thanks to Natalie for her hard work on this shoot.

• Amazing Images on a Shoestring page 1
  
• Amazing Images on a Shoestring page 2
  

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