Shooting
steps
1
The sketch Draw your frame on
a piece of paper and begin to fill
it with the general elements you
will need for your image. Start by
thinking about overall composition,
and then get more specific by
inserting the subject, props and
even notes about colour.4
The subject Think about how
your subject will convey the
emotion of the image. How are they
feeling, and can their pose better
convey that to the viewer? Think
about if your subject is in a moment
of tension, and let that guide the pose.2
Lighting The type of lighting you
use for this edit is not important,
but the consistency of that lighting
is vital. It doesn’t matter if you use
natural overcast light (open shade)
like I have here, or harsh, direct or
artificial light, it is important that the
colour, direction and brightness of
the light do not change from shot
to shot.5
The background You can shoot
on location if it’s accessible
to you. If not, then you’ll need a
background image. Make sure the
light on the background is the same
as on your subject and props to
ensure cohesion and easier editing.
Shoot the background from all
angles (low, middle and high) for
maximum options.3
The setup Photograph all the
props and objects you will need
for your final composite. Think about
what angle each object needs to be
photographed from if they will be
moved around in the final frame. If in
doubt, photograph each object from
five locations; middle-straight, above,
below, left and right.6
The checklist Reference the
sketch and list you made earlier.
Make sure you have photographed
each object, subject and background
from multiple angles, and ensure
that each image is entirely in focus
for easier blending later. Some
extras you might want to capture
include flowing fabric on the
costume, moving hair and clouds.1
3 4
(^56)
2
ShooTIng SkILLS
Shooting
steps
1
The sketch Draw your frame on
a piece of paper and begin to fill
it with the general elements you
will need for your image. Start by
thinking about overall composition,
and then get more specific by
inserting the subject, props and
evennotesaboutcolour.
4
ThesubjectThinkabouthow
yoursubjectwillconveythe
emotionoftheimage.Howarethey
feeling,andcantheirposebetter
conveythattotheviewer?Think
aboutifyoursubjectisinamoment
oftension,andletthatguidethepose.
2
LightingThe type of lighting you
use for this edit is not important,
but the consistency of that lighting
is vital. It doesn’t matter if you use
natural overcast light (open shade)
like I have here, or harsh, direct or
artificial light, it is important that the
colour, direction and brightness of
the light do not change from shot
toshot.
5
ThebackgroundYou can shoot
on location if it’s accessible
to you. If not, then you’ll need a
background image. Make sure the
light on the background is the same
as on your subject and props to
ensure cohesion and easier editing.
Shoot the background from all
angles (low, middle and high) for
maximumoptions.
3
The setup Photograph all the
props and objects you will need
for your final composite. Think about
what angle each object needs to be
photographed from if they will be
moved around in the final frame. If in
doubt, photograph each object from
five locations; middle-straight, above,
below, left and right.
6
ThechecklistReference the
sketch and list you made earlier.
Make sure you have photographed
each object, subject and background
from multiple angles, and ensure
that each image is entirely in focus
for easier blending later. Some
extras you might want to capture
include flowing fabric on the
costume, moving hair and clouds.
1
3 4
(^56)
2
ShooTIngSkILLS