Reflections
by AllenP

Comment by PenelopeK:
Wow, that's ornate! Lovely reflections.

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by daisydavid:
Great toning, congrats on the place.

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by AllenP:

Originally posted by adigitalromance: I do love the processing and lighting in this. It's almost impossible to imagine doing this without a softbox. Is it possible?? (I don't own one.) I had a similar idea, but didn't do it for lack of time. I wanted a heavier sharpened look, close up and intimate like yours, and a lot more gritty. Therefore, I'm curious as to the post-processing of this.

Yes, definitely possible doing this without a softbox however the light needs to be super soft, maybe on a cloudy day or standing far enough from a window (and facing it) to use that soft, diffused light coming in through the window. You will not have this kind of catchlights without the softbox however (perhaps windowed shape catchlights if you are using the window light) and achieving a pitch black background with only ambient lighting might be challenging but certainly doable (if that is important to you). Having a monster-size softbox like the 74" Octa will give you a consistently super-soft light with tons of details on the face while maintaining a low ISO on the camera which is the advantage it may have over say when you do it through window light indoors. If you want virtually noise-free and sharp image specially in the eyes, it may be a little difficult to achieve it through a diffused, soft window light but should be a lot easier on a cloudy day outdoors with enough day light. The 74" Elinchrom Octa will give you one of the most incredibly soft artificial (but natural looking) lights in the world. Doing an effective dodge and burn in post is very important too.

Message edited by author 2012-01-09 12:08:37.

Reflections
by AllenP

Comment by DelRioPhoto:
Oooh, Hearst Castle. I like it. It's tough to shoot in there. Nice shot.

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by adigitalromance:
I do love the processing and lighting in this. It's almost impossible to imagine doing this without a softbox. Is it possible?? (I don't own one.) I had a similar idea, but didn't do it for lack of time. I wanted a heavier sharpened look, close up and intimate like yours, and a lot more gritty. Therefore, I'm curious as to the post-processing of this.

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by tanguera:
Really terrific. LOVE the crop

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by hotpasta:
Fantastic image Allen...congrats on the HM

The Untold Story
by AllenP

Comment by bcenu:
Puts paid to the phrase "every picture tells a story..."
Great work!

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by caba:
Well done, I can feel his skin

It's in the catchlights
by AllenP

Comment by bmartuch:
Excellent job. Great detail and sharpness.