The Lead Mines
June 13, 2011 by gwyncole
A while back Graham and I did a photo shoot with Hannah down at the Lead Mines at Clywedog Dam in Powys, Wales. My goals for the shoot was to create something special with a bit of class about it. An evening gown in the middle of an ancient ruin seemed a good contrast to me…
This frame from the first location needed no post-production treatment and is straight off the camera.
I always take close-up and wide angle frames when on a photo shoot. I particularly like this frame in Black & White.
This shot could have been taken anywhere that has trees or a small woods.
I used a bit of flare from the sun to soften the look of this frame in the woods.
A change of location to the river...
Using the sun again to add a bit of interest into the frame.
I took several frames like this one and it works in colour, Black & White and a warmed up desaturated look (above).
A change of location to another part of the river with this frame from a high vantage point.
Blue's and green's... beautiful complementary colours.
Time for something different and dramatic.
This kind of frame can also work in Black & White.
Perhaps something more fairytale...
Change of location to the old Lead Mine buildings.
Exploring different angles...
I love Hannah's expression in this image.
Colour or Black & White... whatever take your fancy...
The sun was starting to set at this point in the shoot.
This establishing shot shows the Lead Mines and the dam wall in the background.
Time for a few close-up portraits.
I love this frame!
Add a bit of light for this simple photograph.
I then went for a much cooler look...
This image makes you wonder what Hannah is thinking about?
My last frame of the day...
Hi Gwyn, Some lovely images here. I think the balance of colour and contrast in the first frame is really sublime. Is the lighting behind Hannah from a natural source in this frame?
Thanks Paul, we set up 2 flashes in a classic 2-point configuration (180 degrees). One would be the key and the other as a kick light. I exposed for the sun hitting the trees behind Hannah and let flash do the rest. I can’t remember what flash compensation I used. So to answer your question, the source of the light lifting Hannah from the background was the kick light.
Also, we used the Lastolite Softbox which is an awesome bit of kit! A must have! A bit of a pain to setup, but the results are totally worth it! I hope to publish some more great examples using the softbox next. Just going to check with the couple that there happy for me to publish them.
We have to meet up soon, especially since my Film Making training…. Check my twitter feed…
Also… Forgot to mention that the first frame is straight off camera with absolutly no adjustments in post production. I use a 3″ Hoodman Loop to assess exposure and sharpness when out on location.
I may be biased Gwyn, but they are beautiful! 🙂
I don’t think your biased at all 😉 hehehe
[…] our practice sessions can be found on this blog; Industrial Portraits (link) and The Lead Mines (link). Both of these examples demonstrate how we take what we learn and apply the skills in a totally […]