I’ve said it many times. Rick Iannucci and Nancy DeSantis are amazing people and dear friends. Their program, Horses for Heroes, runs on their ranch near Santa Fe, and does a tremendous amount of good for wounded veterans and those suffering from PTSD. Being cooped up at home made me think of the beautiful wide open spaces out by Rick and Nancy’s ranch, so I ran a couple of portraits of Nancy over on Instagram. Which prompted a few questions about lighting and composition. So, here we go.
The light here is simple. One Profoto B1X through a 1×3 RFi strip softbox, Another flick of light off the rooftop of Rick and Nancy’s ranch house, which was fortuitously painted white. Done. Below is a production shot prior to the addition of the low light. A low bounce is generally a great idea when working with someone who is wearing a cowboy hat!
Compositionally, I was asked about the notion of her on camera right, looking out of the frame. Good and fair question. On the face of it, one could easily see how it might be more logical to put her camera left, looking into the frame. But….what can I say. I put my camera to my eye and my gut told me this works.
The other thing is that I’ve been trained for many years as a magazine photographer. One mandate always to observe: Stay out of the gutter! ( I remember the nuns saying something similar, but with a whole different context.) So, yes, work the rule of thirds, and keep the page layout in your head when your eye is in the camera and you’re working potentially for a print publication. Don’t put vital information in the fold of the magazine.
Also, art directors are always looking for areas to drop type for a lead photograph. So, here, they would use the open sky, camera left. (Could have been open space, camera right, too.) Often though, an editor would like someone looking “off the page” as Nancy is above, as they felt it created a visual impetus for the reader to turn the page and stick with the story.
Lots of reasons to do what you do at camera. Go with your gut is a great mandate. Even if it breaks rules, if the picture speaks immediately to your head and heart, click the shutter. Work the scene, but first impressions, as they say, are often the most powerful.
Above is Nancy on the prairie. Last shot of the day, with wonderful, subtle light in the sky. Again, the 1×3 at play, arrayed vertically, and a soft, soft pop from the light. Here, logistics drive the composition. Putting her camera left would have forced the light to work really hard, full power-ish, and the result would have been shadowy and harder. This is just a whisper from the strobe.
Here’s one of Rick. Same light treatment as above, actually. Vertical strip, but with pop and purposeful emphasis to illuminate details and character. Amazing face for a portrait. Rick has lived life.
Below, Rick tries to calm me down in a moment of creative angst. Fun on the set with friends.
All the finished portraits here are with one camera and one lens. The Nikon Z7 and the 24-70mm f4. Sharpness personified. Versatile.
Apart from all the technique and gear, the absolute best part about photography is the people you meet, and friendships made, and the experience gained.
Stay well and safe everyone! More tk…..
Nice work Joe always love you type of lighting subjects.
Very nice portraits Mr Joe. You are absolutely 100% correct about the people you meet as subjects and photographers, they make a hobby/profession/pass time into a passion.
Satay Safe! its always inspiring to watch you working…Great shots!!!
You are the absolute best with human characterization. I’ve followed your work for many years.
I’m a 73 year old freelance photographer/videographer, thank you for showing us all how it’s done.
As always your gut is what sets you apart, I think it was genius to lay it on the outside of the frame, I would like to think I would have but not sure my gut wield have been shaking to me like that on this day. Thanks for sharing your insight in a Candis way that rocks the story.
Superb stuff as always Joe, love it
Great post. Thanks, Joe!
Love your work as always! Great seeing you at WPPI!
You make your living with your photographs; I don’t. But I’m “paid” through interactions with the people I meet and photograph. Seeing their pleased smiles at the images I make is sufficient for …and, I hope, of long-term value to them through their memories. Thanks, as always.
Beautiful work, as always, and thanks for sharing your techniques!
How’s that new book coming along? Is it still in the works? (Really hoping so, and looking forward to it!)
Stay safe and healthy!
Hi Joe & team – great insight into a fun looking shoot! Thank you for sharing this look at how some awesome images are created with insight into the editorial considerations. Always a pleasure!
Perfect lighting and composition for each subject. Truly inspiring.
What motivated you to use the roof of all things for your stage? “Ha, wouldn’t this be great if we went up on your roof for a few shots” – doesn’t come to my mind ever.
I see that even with the strip light high, the bounce on the face is very bright. One would expect it would look more shadowed, and the hat brim would be brighter?
WoW! Stunning colours on cover pic! Great done!
Thanks for sharing nice photography amazing look.
Hey Valent….good question. I’ve gone back to the BTS pix and there’s nothing conclusive on the positioning or power of the fill bounce off the floor. If you direct it straight down and not skip it at an angle, it does have a tendency to be soft and sort of float generally upwards, without being overmuch or too directional. Good observance….
A low bounce is generally a great idea when working with someone who is wearing a cowboy hat!
Nice Tip. will implement.
These pictures remind of Joel Grimes Working style
Amazing light. Well done.
Great inspiration to see and think outside the box or norm when framing your subject, especially since it make you look at the dramatic sky, I just love these photos. Thanks for sharing them.
Thank you, Jose!
Stunning. Perfect balance. And the strip light is so soft. Love these.
You never fail to inspire Mr Joe.