Here is a portrait I did of Football player Robert Woods a few months back. I couldn’t post it until it was printed.
I was very happy with how the shots turned out on this shoot. Robert was a real class act to work with and even told me about Sand Dune Park! Where he works out…along with a bunch of other athletes including Kobe Bryant. You might remember that guy from the NBA Championship he just won. Alas, I did not take a portraits (or even see him) on this shoot.
The first photo was at Sand Dune Park in Manhattan Beach CA. When you first step up to it, it looks simple but I was surely winded after just walking (at a fast pace) up the hill to a little over the half way point and I was training for a marathon!
I used one light with an octabank (held by my assistant Jake) with a battery pack. It was on full power to over power the ambient and make the clouds look dark and stormy.
My assistant Kicked sand in the front and I throw it to the back. We only did a few before it turned out like this. He is actually standing still and posing.
Model: NIKON D700
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Macintosh
Lens (mm): 15
ISO: 200
Aperture: 5.6
Shutter: 1/250
This is what the hill looked like. Had tons of people on it and It was VERY sandy as you would expect. My assistant Jake looks very displeased with the amount of sand in his shoes.
I also dump out enough sand to fill a childs sandbox after getting done with the shoot.
This shot was naturally lit! GASP! I used the light coming through the upper windows and set my white balance to 10k.
Model: NIKON D700
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Macintosh
Lens (mm): 48
ISO: 250
Aperture: 4
Shutter: 1/640
Two side lights with strip boxes and large octobank in the front.
Model: NIKON D700
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Macintosh
Lens (mm): 70
ISO: 125
Aperture: 11
Shutter: 1/200
Two lights with strip boxes pointed in towards him for each side. I shot this on a dark grey background with no light hitting it. So it turned black.
Model: NIKON D700
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Macintosh
Lens (mm): 70
ISO: 125
Aperture: 9
Shutter: 1/250
A set up shot. Dark Grey back ground.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Dustin,
Awesome work! What time of day did you shoot the Dune Park shots?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Bruce
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When you use the 2 strips and an octi do you meter them all at the same value or are the side lights stronger (brighter).
Nice work
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Incredible photo! So expressive! It’s one of the best ever
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fantastic photo, you are very good
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o my god. Ty
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I like the picture, especially the sand effects. It’s an awesome shot!
Thanks for sharing this photo with us.
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Dustin, the first time I ever noticed your work I was blown away…and it keeps getting better than ever!
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Just noticed you use Alien Bee’s…I love everything PCB makes. The next time someone puts them down, I’ll direct them to your site…goes to show that talent and vision are what’s important!
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That is an interesting shot the way the sand effect in front of the focus happened. I need more variety when it comes to my lenses.
Great Shot!
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This is an amazing shot Dustin. The lighting is simply gorgeous! I particularly love how the sand is blowing in the air, it gives the entire image a mystical feeling. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent, it’s extremely intriguing!
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Im a big fan of Robert Woods. This picture is spellbinding i absolutely love it. The different contrasts in the picture are amazing. I could sit there for hours looking at it LOL. Superb Work
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Beautiful work. Sand looks great! Love it.
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I like this one better than the baseball shots. Mainly, because of the little sci-fi-ish fantasy-like lighting and color/light effects. It shows lots of artistic talent… lots…
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that’s really awesome. I wish I can do that. still, your work really inspire me. will be back for more.
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Hello, very impressive I think your desire to teach others your techniques, I know that not all athletes do that, they usually keep their techniques for themselves, and I am glad to see your samples and not only that but also excellent blogs. Congratulations!
Thanks.
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Amazing portrait, thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing more art from you and your site.
Kristin
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