Low-key Photography

Low-key lighting is my favorite look for portraits. It is a style of lighting in photography that uses dark tones and shadows to create a dramatic looking image. It is similar to high-key lighting in that it produces atmospheric moody images. But they have important differences.

Comparison Between High-key and Low-key Lighting
High-Key Lighting	Low-Key Lighting
Light and airy	Dramatic and mysterious
Over lighting reduces contrast	Reduced light intensifies contrast
Lighting ratio as low as 1:1	Lighting ratio of about 8:1

The most common lighting setup is three point lighting—a key light, a back light, and a fill light—for even illumination without harsh shadows.  But low-key lighting usually only uses a single key light, creating deep shadows that define the mood of the photograph which are an essential element of the composition. Manipulating the position of the lighting and lighting selectively are essential to ensure that only specific parts of your subject are lit and the shadows fall where you want.

Lighting Setup for Low-key

Even illumination is not the goal with low-key lighting—You want a lightly colored subject to stand out in front of a dark background.

You will need a large black backdrop. You can light it any way you like, as long as you avoid light spilling onto the backdrop and showing texture, wrinkles, etc. If the light is spilling onto the background, change the direction of the light or move your subject further away from the background.

When shooting on black, I like to add a hairlight, too. The hairlight or backlight is usually a snooted flash behind the subject on the opposite side of the key light and aimed at the back of the subject's head. This halo effect separates your subject from the background.

Example of light falling on the background and distracting the eye. See how it shows the texture of the backdrop?

Positioning and Styling

 

Position your subject away from the backdrop and use a single flash on one side. A good place to start is setting up your key light slightly above your subject's head at a 45 degree angle. This should give you a dramatic-looking image as the lighting is concentrated towards one side of the image.

The goal of low-key lighting is to emphasize your subject's face or a body part, so the clothing is not important and can often be distracting. Dark clothing works best. 

Camera Settings

For low-key shots, when the exposure is correct for the subject, the background should still be black. Camera settings will vary.

I suggest:

·         Set your ISO to 100, as noise will be apparent on the black surface.

·         Set your shutter speed at the maximum sync speed allowed by your camera, as this will make it easier to keep the background dark.

• Start with a wide open aperture wide open and bring it up until there is no ambient light in the frame.

在鏡頭前美美之快速又簡單的小方法

模特兒們常常問我要怎麼讓自己在鏡頭前看起來更好。這裡有一些由專業模特兒和化妝師提供之快速又簡單的小方法。

簡單處理頭髮毛燥

塗一點點的護手雙在髮尾，然後梳一梳，難控制的髮尾搞定。

豐潤的嘴唇

為使嘴唇看起來更豐潤，要選擇和嘴色類似的唇筆。描繪出一點唇線。再塗上一點唇蜜。折射的光線將會使嘴唇更加豐潤。

煙燻妝

輕塗一些粉底霜在眼皮上，加上淺灰色的眼線筆（？），輕輕地將顏色揉開（？）創造出煙燻的效果，再用睫毛膏做最後的裝飾（？）。

性感紅唇

先上一點遮瑕膏（蛤？），接著用紅色的唇線筆描繪出輪廓，塗上深紅色口紅，再加上一點亮紅色口紅於嘴唇的中間。使用唇彩刷會有更好的效果唷。

毫不費力的完美臉龐

為了有完美臉龐，模特兒們常常使用兩種遮瑕膏，淺色的遮瑕膏用於眼睛周圍，較深色的遮瑕膏則用於其餘需要塗抹的地方，再用手指輕輕地將其柔開（？）。

在照片中看起來驚艷

模特兒們常常使用裸裝配上紅唇，或使用一點點的遮瑕膏（？）。

讓眼睛更立體

眼影搭配濕濕的眼刷（？）會讓你的眼睛更立體。

 

 

模特兒申請

你對於當模特兒有興趣嗎？我們很歡迎拍照的新面孔唷。沒有經驗也很歡迎喔。我們還會針對不同的年齡做不同的主題搭配，所以年齡也沒有限制喔。時薪會視拍照的主題和模特兒本身的經驗而定。

必要條件:

• 在鏡頭前很自然                
• 能夠自理出自然風的髮型和妝（女性）
•  願意簽署肖像使用同意權書（未滿二十歲須有家長或監護人簽名）
•  可靠                               
• 很棒的笑容

如想要申請拍照請按這裡：申請表格

Quick and Easy Fixes to Look Good for the Camera

Models often ask me how to make themselves look better for the camera. Here are some quick and easy tips from professional models and make-up artists.

Taking the frizz out your hair the easy way

Fix unmanageable ends of your hair by rubbing a tiny blob of hand cream onto the ends of your hair, and then brush it. You will have a quick and easy fix.

Fuller looking lips

To make lips look fuller, fill them in with the pencil of similar color. Trace a little bit outside the lip line. Then apply a lip gloss on top. This reflects light and gives the illusion of fuller looking lips.

Smoky eyes

For a simple and easy smoky eyes effect, dab a little bit of foundation on your lids and then apply a soft grey pencil on top. Blend it gently to create the smudged and smoky effect. Add some mascara for a final touch.

High-drama red lips

Apply concealer all over your lips before applying lipstick. Then trace the contour of your lips with red pencil. Finish it all up by applying two red lipsticks–one darker and another lighter. Use darker red all over your lips and apply the lighter red in the middle of your lips. For more precise result use a lip brush.

Perfect face with no effort

To create “perfect face” models often use two concealers – one lighter (for around eyes area) and another slightly darker color for the areas of the face where they need it. Blend concealer with fingers.

Look fresh and amazing in pictures

Models often wear bright red lipstick leaving the rest of the face bare (or they use just a little bit of concealer to cover spots).

Make your eyes “pop”

To get bright eyes, apply your eyeshadow with a damp brush, like this the color of your eyeshadow will really pop.

 

 

Apply to be a model

Are you interested in modeling?  We are always looking for fresh new faces for pictures of people in a variety of settings and doing a variety of activities.  Normal people in natural settings are often required, so modeling experience is helpful but not necessary. We have themes for people of all ages, so people of any age can apply. The hourly wage will depend on the theme and your experience.
Requirements:

• Be  comfortable in front of a camera
• Be able to do your own hair and makeup in a simple natural style (women)
• Be willing to sign a model release (if under 20, a parent/guardian needs to sign)     
• Be reliable
• Have a great smile

To apply for a shoot please click here: Model application form

前進模特兒界的六個撇步

1.  凸顯自己的特色

強烈的個人特質及特性可以幫助你吸引代理商。有時候性格還能讓你在徵選中脫穎而出。

2. 別侷限自己的可能性

模特兒的範圍很廣，並非只是高級時尚以及走秀而已，同時也包含了許多其他的領域，比方說美容、健身或是商業廣告。有些待遇甚至比一般的時尚模特兒或是走秀還好呢。

3. 不要怕被拒絕

成功的模特兒要能堅持到最後，而且不怕被人家拒絕。不要覺得人家拒絕你就是針對你，很多世界名模在成名之前也碰過好幾次壁。

4. 保持專業度

隨時保持自己的水準，確定自己在每件工作之前都有充分的準備好了。檢查一下衣服跟指甲是不是都很乾淨，衣服有沒有符合拍照需求，並且看看有沒有什麼東西是你需要事前準備的。記得要準時，千萬別在最後一刻突然說自己不能來了，不然那些被你放鴿子的代理商、藝術指導以及攝影師們下回可不會想再跟你合作了。

5. 熟能生巧，在家也別忘記做功課

從雜誌、時尚目錄、以及廣告上觀摩，並試著學習上面的姿勢及表情。你可以在鏡子前面練習自己的動作跟臉部表情。對自己嚴厲一點，在鏡頭前面擺出自然美麗的動作就不會是夢想啦。

練習也可以增加自己的自信心，這樣可以幫助你在鏡頭前面更有自信的移動和表現自己。表現出自己的自信心會讓你的工作表現好上加好唷。

6. 注意身體健康

維持身材當然是成為一個模特兒的重要因素，但是不良習慣會影響你的皮膚、頭髮還有你的膚況等。堅持健康飲食以及健康的生活型態，記得要有適當的睡眠時間，這樣你的客戶才能看見你最好的一面J

模特兒申請

你對於當模特兒有興趣嗎？我們很歡迎拍照的新面孔唷。沒有經驗也很歡迎喔。我們還會針對不同的年齡做不同的主題搭配，所以年齡也沒有限制喔。時薪會視拍照的主題和模特兒本身的經驗而定。
必要條件:

• 在鏡頭前很自然                
• 能夠自理出自然風的髮型和妝（女性）
•  願意簽署肖像使用同意權書（未滿二十歲須有家長或監護人簽名）
•  可靠                               
• 很棒的笑容

如想要申請拍照請按這裡：申請表格

Six Tips for New Models Breaking into the Industry

1: Allow Your Personality to Stand Out

A strong character and personality will help attract an agent. Your personality might be the factor that makes you stand out from the crowd at castings.

2: Keep Your Options Open

There is more to the modeling industry than just high-fashion and runway work. You can make a career doing niche modeling, such as beauty, fitness, and commercial work. Often these actually pay more than editorial fashion and runway work.

3: Prepare to be Rejected

The models who succeed are the ones who are persistent and determined enough to handle continuous rejection. Don't take rejection personally. Many top models got rejected again and again before they made it in the modeling world.

4: Be Professional

Always be professional. Make sure you are sufficiently prepared for shoots. Ensure your clothing and fingernails are clean, dress appropriately for the shoot, and find out if there is anything you need to prepare. Always be punctual and do not cancel at the last minute—the agents, art directors, or photographers you dropped will not want to work with you again.

A lot of work of modeling work will come from regular clients. Always keep a good positive attitude, so clients and photographers will want to work with you again. Finally, be a joy to shoot and work with. A professional work ethic will help you to succeed.

5: Practice Your Poses

Learn from magazines, fashion catalogs, and advertisements and use them as references for poses and expressions. Practice facial expressions and poses in front of a mirror. Critiquing yourself works wonders Posing will soon become second nature when you need to do it on camera.

Practicing often will increase your confidence, which will allow you to pose, move, and express yourself with confidence in front of the camera. Being confident and secure will take you from good to great.

6: Take Care of Your Health

Keeping in shape and healthy is an important part of being a model. Bad health habits affect your skin, hair, complexion, etc. Stick to a healthy diet, lifestyle, and proper sleep, so your clients always see you at your best.  

Apply to be a model

Are you interested in being a model?  We are always looking for new faces for pictures of people in a variety of settings and doing a variety of activities.  Normal people in natural settings are often required, so modeling experience is helpful but not necessary. We have themes for people of all ages, so people of any age can apply.

Requirements:

• Be  comfortable in front of a camera
• Be able to do your own hair and makeup in a simple natural style (women)
• Be willing to sign a model release (if under 20, a parent/guardian needs to sign)     
• Be reliable
• Have a great smile

To apply for a shoot please click here: Model application form 

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

My first DSLR was the Canon 450D with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Which was adequate to learn on. As my photography progressed I upgraded to a Canon 50D and a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. The 17-85mm is a good lens, but after I got the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 L, I found that it wasn't in the same league as the L lens, so I wanted a wide angle zoom that could match it.

While researching and looking for a replacement, this is the criteria I used:

1. A lens which could match the 70-200 in image quality.

2. A practical zoom range to use as a walkabout lens.

3. Constant F2.8 max aperture. I do a lot of flash photography, so needing to change flash settings every time I changed the zoom was a nuisance.

 

After reading many reviews I settled on the EF-S 17-55m f/2.8 USM IS. The specifications and review are below.

 
 

Introduced	2006
Lens Type	Zoom lens
Maximum Sensor Size Compatibility	APS-C
Maximum Aperture Range	F2.8
Minimum Aperture	22
Diaphragm	7 blades
Filter Thread Size	77 mm
Optics	19 elements, 12 groups (three aspherical elements and two of UD glass)
Minimum Focus Distance	35 cm (14")
Weight	1.4 pounds
Dimensions	84.0 x 111.0 x 3.0 inches
Hood	EW-83J (Not included)

 

Pros:

• Sharp even at F/2.8.
• Great zoom ring location and size.
• Good bokeh.
• Auto focus is fast and quiet.
• Less distortion than other midrange zooms.
• f/2.8 for use in low light.
• Three-stop Image Stabilization.
• USM (Ultra-Sonic Motor) for silent focusing.
• UD glass that reduces color fringing.

Cons:

• Cheap plastic construction.
• Not well sealed.
• Some Chromatic Aberration at 17mm.
• Lens hood not included.
• Front of lens extends inward and outward when zooming in and out.
• Expensive.

The Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is Canon's most expensive EF-S mount midrange zoom and one of the best general purpose lenses available. Since it is an EF-S mount, it only works on crop frame cameras, such as the Canon T5i, 70D, and 7D. On a crop-frame camera (1.6x crop factor) the 17–55mm focal length is equivalent to a 28–89mm lens on a full-frame camera.

 

It has a fast, fixed f/2.8 aperture, great image quality, three-stop Image Stabilization, a USM motor for smooth and quiet and fast auto-focusing, and a useful focal length range.

Focusing  

The 17-55mm focus is excellent. Auto-focusing speed is almost instantaneous when mounted on my Canon 7D due to the USM motor. The lens doesn't spend too much time hunting for focus, except in really dark environments. It is also incredibly quiet when focusing. I did have some issues with back-focusing at first, but that is relatively common and not a problem specific to this lens.

A great feature of USM lenses like this is that you can use manual focus and at any time without switching to MF.

The 77mm filter thread is on a non-rotating front element, so it doesn't rotate on focus or focal length changes, which is great for when you are using polarizers or graduated ND filters.

Bokeh  

Wide open, the 17-55 produces very pleasing bokeh. It has an iris diaphragm with a 7-blade aperture barrel which helps produce the a great background blur even when stopped down. Note that since this is a wide-angle lens, you need to be close to your subject to create a good blurred background.

Chromatic Aberration

The lens has quite severe chromatic aberration at its widest focal length of 17mm, but decreases at longer focal lengths. There is still a mild degree of CA from 28mm to 55mm, but it is not too bad. The CA is most apparent in the edges and corners of the frame. Overall, it is much better than my previous Canon 17-85mm IS lens.

Vignetting

Wide aperture, wide angle lens are generally prone to vignetting. The 17-55 does have vignetting, but it is acceptable and easily fixed in Lightroom.

Construction Quality

The exterior is made mainly of plastic with a metal mount and both plastic and metal internals. It's a solid-feeling, quality lens, but this is the one thing about it that isn't quite the same as Canon's L glass. Having had another three EF-S lenses which were all small, lightweight, and rather cheap feeling, the size, weight, and overall solid feeling of the 17-55 was quite surprising.

Sharpness 

The 17-55 is pretty sharp wide open and gets incredibly sharp once stopped down to f/4 and beyond.

IS (Image Stabilization)

The IS is wonderful. It allows me to get sharp images at two stops lower than I usually could.

The image stabilizer provides an equivalent effect of a 3 f-stops gain in shutter speed for hand-held photography (at cost of slower shutter speeds). The IS mechanism can detect the lack of motion so it can remain activated on a tripod.

Zoom Ring Scale

The zoom range is reasonably well distributed. The wide end is much easier to use than the very-cramped-together wide end of the Canon 17-85mm IS. This is important: this cramping is the biggest reason I dislike the 17-85mm IS.

Zoom Creep

My pet hate with this lens is the zoom creep. It happens often at angles over 45 degrees, which becomes a hassle.

Constant Aperture

My favorite feature is the fixed fast f/2.8 aperture means that the widest aperture,f/2.8 , can be used throughout the entire focal length range, so exposure settings do not change when zooming. F/2.8 is fast enough to stop most action.

Competition

The 17–55mm focal length is probably the most useful range for a general purpose lens. It can be used for everything from landscapes to portraits. There are many other lenses that include this focal length. The most common are:

• Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

• Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

• Canon 17-40mm f/4L

• Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC

• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC

• Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II

The closest in focal length is the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, the standard Rebel series kit lens. These two should not be confused. They are completely different lenses. I had an 18-55 that came with my first camera, the Canon 450D. The 18-55 is OK for a starter lens, but it doesn't come close to the construction and optical quality of the 17-55. It also lacks the IS and USM features.

A step up from the 18-55 is the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. I owned one for a few years and it wasn't a bad lens. It has a better build, image quality, and features (USM and IS) than the 18-55. When I decided I wanted to get a better quality lens, I went for the 17-55, which gave me even better image quality, a fixed f/2.8 aperture, and L-Series grade UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion glass) lens elements. The extra weight and reduced focal range were definitely a worthy tradeoff for the improved image quality and sharpness, fast (and constant) aperture, and lower barrel distortion.

The EF-S 17-55m f/2.8 USM IS is on par with L series lenses in many ways. The main differences are the build quality and the lack of weather sealing (although I have shot with this lens in typhoons without any hassles.)

I highly recommend the 17-55.  It has excellent features, specs, and image quality, that will be suitable for both amateurs and professionals. This is the lens I shoot the most with on my crop sensor Canon 7D.