SHOOTING STEPS
1
POSITION CAMERA
Set up your camera on a tripod with a flash transmitter on. I am setting the tripod very low because I don’t want my subject to have the horizon line behind his head, so that he really stands out. Having the horizon below the shoulders is best.
2
FIND THE RIGHT COMPOSITION
Now to find the right overall composition. You can position your model and take a photo to see what the final result will look like. Make sure you are using the rule of thirds and to not put your model too close or too far from the camera.
3
SHOOT HDR
Now shoot the scene in HDR; first a ‘normal’ or base exposure, then +2 stops overexposed, and finally -2 stops underexposed, before placing your model. Always shoot in manual and for the existing light. The settings here were ISO 100, 1/100sec and f8.0. Try to shoot around sunrise or sunset to avoid harsh light.
4
PLACE YOUR MODEL
Don’t move the tripod, just place your model into the scene. Do not use the default focus where all the AF points attempt to automatically focus on the scene, instead choose to use one square to focus on your model. Move your model until you have a nice composition that’s well balanced.
5
SET UP YOUR FLASHES
Position your key light on one side of the model so that it lights one part of the body and the other half is in shadow. The other light is set on the other side, a bit behind your subject to create a rim light. Your key light should be stronger than the rim light, and you’ll need to tweak it until you are satisfied with the result.
6
SHOOT THE MODEL
Once you are happy with the setup, zoom in on your model to check the lighting and to make sure you are in focus. Ask your model to vary his or her expression so you have different options depending on the mood or emotional impact you want to create.