Archive for October, 2008
DPS Contest
I’ve entered in a photocontest held over at Digital Photography School. The assignment was quite simple and yet so hard: ‘Portrait’.
I’ve entered this photo of Walter and now I need your help. The winner of the contest is determined by both the score given by a professional jury and a public voting. As of now the voting has been opened and I need YOU to vote, please.
So if you can spare a minute and want to help me out a little, go here to vote. You have to register in order to vote, but if you uncheck the box with “I would like to receive newsletters and information from Photrade” they won’t bother you again afterwards.
You have my eternal gratitude!
Canon EOS Discovery Days
Next month Canon organizes the EOS Discovery Days for everyone who is interested in the EOS range. There will be plenty of camera’s and lenses to try out for the eager photographer. Even the new 50D and the 5D mkII will make an appearance.
As an added bonus, Bert Stephani will be giving workshops throughout the entire event. I’ve already signed up, and I hope to see you all there.
Classic Portrait?
This weekend I had a photoshoot over at my sister in-law to get some shots for their annual Christmas card. This is the second time they invite me to do this and I’m thrilled that their still placing their trust in me.
This time I came prepared with all, mild exageration, my gear stuffed in the car (black backdrop, flashes, triggers, …). They wanted to do a shot where their little boy, Robbe, would wear a Christmas hat and a big smile 
. The only problem was that he really, really doesn NOT like to wear that hat…
Apart from the hat problem you have to realise that I’m trying to do a professional photoshoot with semi-professional gear, a semi-professional assistant and a not-so-very-professional 2-year old model, who just got out of bed. To keep him sitting quiet during the shoot we fed him with loads of gummy bears and potato chips, which works, well, at least for a short while.
While going through the post-shoot selection process I found this beautiful shot at the end of the session. Isn’t my nephew just adorable? ^^
RAW
Another shot of Walter during the “Meet the make-up artist” – shoot. This time with heavy post-processing to get a very dark and raw effect. (click for larger view)
Hope you like it.
Snake Eyes
Here’s another shot from the series, with different post-processing obviously.
This is also my entry for the Digital Photography School contest on portraits.
Technical
Model: Walter
Make-up: Martin
- Single Vivitar 285H in umbrella far camera right at 1/8 power
- Silver reflector camera left for fill
Meet the make-up artist – Part 2
One of the things I wanted to try out was a kind of raw, metal, industrial look. I kindly asked my make-up artists husband, Walter, if he was willing to let his wife turn him into a zombie and pose for me, and he was happy to help.
I figure I might have to use a bigger DOF next time, one of my weaknesses, but I think it turned out pretty good after all.
Behind the scenes
Technical
- Speedlight 430 EXII in brolly at 1/8 power far to camera right
Model: Walter
Make-up Artist: Martine
Vandenbussche Photography
I finally decided how I’m gonna name my services to the outside world. After putting in a lot of thought and juggling with ideas I decided to keep it short and simple: Vandenbussche Photography
In celebration of this tough-decision-making I cooked up what is to be the symbol of my work, behold, the ‘Vandenbussche Photography’ – Logo:
Autumn Portrait
My wonderfull wife in a forest near home. I really wanted to do a forest shoot for a while now and finally we found time to go in and grab some shots.
Technical
One bare Speedlight 430EX on camera left at 1/16 power. Positioned at about 2,5m from the subject.
Meet the make-up artist – Part 1
Last weekend we had a ‘date’ with a friend of Sofie who happens to be a skilled make-up artist. What an exquisite chance to try out some new things. This was a very educative experience for both me, as a photographer, and for Martine, the make-up artist, who got to release her wildest fantasies on Sofie’s face.
I set up my basic gear in their living room while Martine was working on our first project: “The kitchen princess”. Armed with some kitchen utilities and a suit-case of brushes and color patches she went to work to transform Sofie into a regular kitchen princess.
When she was finished we quickly tested the light and ripped off a few dozen shots.
After which we had the crazy idea to rap our beautiful model up in silver wrapping paper.. It has a strange, alien-like look to it, but me likes
Behind the scenes
Technical Setup
Make-Up: Martine
Model: Sofie
