Self Portrait

I was just randomly playing about with my camera. I have black curtains in my bedroom and I pulled one back to allow some light through. I did originally experiment with myself sat next to the window looking straight at the camera but obviously, only one side of my face would be lit. To make things a bit more interesting, I turned my head towards the window and pulled some facial expressions knowing that I'd only get the light hitting just the very front of my face with everything else in darkness as there was no other available light.

I wanted to try something a bit more emotive so I pulled a screamy type face. I did a few variations of this with my eyes open and closed. I prefer the eyes open shot as my eyes are quite blue in real life anyway and the light in the picture really emphasizes this and makes them look kind of creepy looking! I cannot help but think this would be a suitable lighting set up for a vampire photoshoot. Perhaps I could edit in some fangs later on...

I do like my face in this one but it does lack freaky eyes!

New challenge I am setting myself is children photography/portraiture as it is a service I'd like to offer professionally in the future. I'm really taking advantage of this decent weather while it still lasts!

I'm very pleased with this picture:

And I love silver reflectors. They make all the difference and really help bring a picture to life by adding light to the subjects face.

This was shot at Parkhurst Forest on the Isle of Wight back in March! I've only gotten round to editing these. These were shot with just natural day light.

I've realised my editing style seems to be either desaturated or oversaturated.

Importance of using reflectors

Occasionally I do get asked how I have shot something. I am not one of them photographers who try to keep everything secret and I am more than happy to give advice should someone wants it.

While shooting outdoors, I cannot stress how important and useful reflectors are! Cheap piece of equipment. If you really want to go low budget, a sheet on tin foil acts as a reflector.

So what does a reflector do in an outdoor shoot with a model? What it does is that it acts as a light. In a studio setting, if you put one light to the left of a model, only her left side will be illuninated and the right side will be shadows. If you want her face all evenly lit, you add another light to the right hand side. Same applies for outdoor shooting. The sun was lighting the left of Sharons face however, the rest of her face was left dark/in shadow.

When you introduce a reflector to the right of Sharon, this is what you get:

Left = Without reflector.
Right = With reflector.

Here you will see the difference a cheap piece of equipment makes to your photography! Sharon is now evenly lit now I added the reflector. Reflectors only work if you point them the right way. Shine it on the models face and you'll see the difference in light.

There is only so much Photoshop can do. But it cannot polish turds. So aim to get your lighting correct before post production.

Another day out on the beach with Sharon

This is a continuation of my promotional material for my Beach Deal (check out http://www.lucialice.co.uk/ for more details) as I would like this to appeal to a wide range of people. Sharon kindly volunteered.

We were after something slightly pin-uppy but not strictly so.

I was so happy that there were clouds in the sky. I really believe they add interest to the image in combination with the vivid colours. We shot this about 7.30pm and I had to hold a big silver reflector with my legs trying to bounce some light back on to Sharons face whilst laid on my back trying to look through the camera at the same time. I think people were looking at my weird yoga position rather than Sharon!

Boosted the colours, clarity and sharpened the picture and this is what we get. I am so pleased with this and I am loving the angle it is at.

You can book me for your own beach photoshoot and get pictures like this one! Please visit www.lucialice.co.uk for more details and book your slot.

Day at the Beach

Shock horror! The British summer this year has actually been warm! I decided to take full advantage of the hot weather and hit the beach with my two models, Amber and Kirsty.

It was very windy however and Amber had to battle with the reflector!

These were shot between 6-7.30pm as the light is less harsh this time of the day and there is less likely to be any wandering gormless tourists in the background :p

Boosted the saturation in Photoshop. Over saturated images aren't to everybody's taste but I love vivid colours. Tilted horizon lines are a bit hit and miss with some people but I think they help make the image look a bit more dynamic. In my opinion of course! Here are some of the results:

I love how the reflection acts like an extension of Ambers legs making her look taller.