Sophie Traynor Workshop

This workshop took place in the photography studios on campus at university. We were given two short demonstrations by Sophie Traynor on how to professionally light products and models. She also shared a few tips and tricks that shepicked up in her years of working in the photography industry. I think one of the most important tips was "Try to do a bit of everything" to create a larger market appeal which would make me more employable.

Product Photography

Using a tripod is essential to product photography as it allows you to view any changes made with lighting, props orlocation without having to worry about frame positioning. Sophie's camera choice was a Canon 5D Mk IV with a 100mmmacro lens, starting with her aperture at f/11, ISO 100 and shutter speed 1/125 while in a studio environment. She alsoadapts her photographic style to fit with trends. For instance, capturing an image on a 3/4 angle is commercially fashionable at the moment. Traynor advised us to experiment with shadows, reflectors and flags to make images moreinteresting after building the lighting up. Mirrored products are always the trickiest so start with a single light and reflect light around the product before combing the images together to create the final perfectly lit image.

Portrait Photography

A tripod is not essential for this method of photography because it is easier to hold the camera and move around themodel to find the best angles. Start with an octobox, positioned above to the side of the model's face to create Rembrandt lighting. Then use a poly board on the opposite side of the model to bounce light back onto them and angle a light towards the backdrop for a cleaner finish. After the lighting is setup start to direct the model. Make them feel comfortable and confident in the environment. Get them to use their arms for more peculiar framing and positions.

Group Exercise

After both demonstrations we experimented with our own objects in small groups, reflecting and discussing further development with Sophie. Me and my peers decided to create an Apple product shot using the Phase One medium format camera to capture all the details. Sophie quickly identified the conventions Apple uses such as the reflective line down mirror surfaces, collage layout and overall clean aesthetic. However, she suggested downsizing the computer somehow so the image isn't top heavy.