FilmPhotoAcademy.com

Workshop Critique for Ian

Simon — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0000

This is Ian’s submission for his post-workshop critique. We offer this to all attendees as it really adds value to the workshops to have the final results thoroughly analysed.

Perfect. Loads of great definition, detail, highlights, shadows, well held tones. I even like the square crop.

Again lovely. It is slightly murky, maybe a bit of added lightness and contrast?

Can’t tell at this size, but I am a bit concerned about the eyes, it looks like one is closed and the other is open. I know she’s looking down…

On any picture if the eyes are not right the rest of the picture doesn’t matter.

Normally you would get a ticking off from me for the hand squashing the face up – but it works well.

The flesh tones are very dark though, I would be pretty sure they can be brought up with losing the essence of the image.

Looks a bit dark and a bit yellow. That should tweak up fine and will make a lovely portrait.

Like the angle and direction here. Fundamentally it’s too dark, though I’m sure it’s fixable.

This was probably shot as things were happening, rather than being planned. Pre-planned version of this would have been better with more contrasty lighting, more careful light placement, cutting down the white at the base (or swapping for a different background)

Look at the eyes, she looks cross-eyed.

It is too dark, and lacking a bit in punch. I would be tempted to go the other way, bring the lightness up and the softness, reduce the contrast. There might be a really nice pastel image in there.

With this kind of pose the legs always look difficult, try and landscape crop across the face and hands.

Is this a wide angle here !!!!! Actually I don’t object since it has an artistic purpose.

I understand where you are going with this treatment, but it also introduces some problems, look at the feet and particular the fingers – they are almost black. It’s also made the very faint tan lines on Sharon’s hips much stronger.

The elbows also look particularly weird, like the arms are bent the wrong way.

This is one of those shoots were a bit of study, trying to capture the “right” version of this shot would really pay off. There is a really good idea there, the distortion, the pose, the light, but it warrants more exploration and care than the workshop environment allows. Just be sure that you are not shooting too quickly and paying attention to all that you see before you start firing.

OVERALL:

A good set, good variety and I like the ideas you are presenting.

I’m a bit concerned about the relative darkness in all the images, you may want to turn the brightness of your monitor down so you bring up the levels just a bit lighter.

Your control of tone in the monochromes is very good.

Post Workshop Critique–Adrian

Simon — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:42:00 +0000

This is a post workshop critique from our RPS workshop in November.

This is all a bit murky, you need to have an adjust of exposure and contrast, maybe a bit of dodging and burning to bring this to life. It is overall a little dark and a little lacking in contrast and punch.

Pose and all that is good, but the black cloth down the centre is too wide relative to the Sharon. You could have had Sharon posed slightly less head on to camera to help.

Lighting comments as above.

The big problem here is the red cloth which leaves a very unstructured block of red where all shape and poise is lost. Everything in the top half is great, a crop just below the hands would probably look good.

You may be able to adjust the lightness of the lower half to bring more shape into the red cloth.

Nice image, maybe experiment with a little cool toning, see if a chillier image fits with the emotion in the models pose and expression.

Spot on. There is probably a much better image by cropping much tighter on the face and hands.

Nice and happy portrait. Lovely. Just to be picky, watch the high lights on the buttons, they do draw the eye.

Normally I’d be trying to avoid the knee.

Again a really good workman like shot, would be stronger if it had been slightly re-composed to allow a tighter crop with all the elements closer together.

To me this is the wrong moment, the eyes look like they are just about to blink, which ruins it for me.

While it is competently caught, the details really let it down.

The wrinkles on the hand, the bad armpit, the mouth shape, the eyes, the hair fall, the bits of muck on the chaise.

Much better than the previous shot, but the hands are very bunched and could have been more elegant, the eyes are looking too far away.

Both these shots are sort of close, but the details, especially in checking the models pose, could be improved quite a bit.

Whereas for me it all comes together in this shot. Really strong shot of a really strong woman.

Catchlights in the eyes would be good, crop it tighter would make it stronger.

Again this has the same problems, I just wonder if you are shooting while they or you are talking??

Eyes are part closed, lips look tense, crinkles in both armpits, the hand is wrinkly, the crop on the elbow doesn’t work and something has happened to the line of the dress both around the bust and the waist.

Again, its very close, but the details kill it.

Smashing. Could do to be fraction lighter and it’s possibly a bit yellow.

A quick bit of post production and this will really sing out.

Same as above, really good shot.

OVERALL:

You’ve got some good captures, but the devil is in the detail. You want to go over all the images in the shoot looking for the kinds of details that I’ve been pointing out and hopefully you’ll take them in so they become second nature to spot and remove.

I am aware that this is much harder in a workshop setting than if you had time to properly check things over, but I would say that they are symptoms of being in too much of a hurry to shoot,

I would also like you to do some monochrome work on these, Dennis is an obvious mono subject, but I think this applies to a number of the images here.

Lastly, try looking at tighter crops on your images, not only can the possibly cut out the bad stuff but also give you stronger images.

Post Workshop critique for Andrzej

Simon — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:24:10 +0000

After every workshop our attendees can send images from the workshop for a follow-up critique, this is Andrzej’s selection from our November workshop with the RPS Digital Imaging Group

Spot on, only objection is there should be a little catchlight in the eyes, he looks a little dead. You could crop this to 8×10 portrait format for a stronger image.

Brilliant. Nothing I would change about this at all.

On a hi-res image just have a check that there are no strong highlight spots in the top right hand corner.

Still very strong, though I’m not so convinced about the crop here. Dennis is sitting a little low in the frame so he’s looking a bit truncated – I can see the problem – you wanted to get the whole of the baton in – difficult one. Probably you can’t get a decent crop from this pose because everything is too far apart.

It’s quite good, my first impression was very positive, but on a second look I think the big problem is the flatness of the light across the back, a little rotation of the torso in the light would have brought out much more detail in the body structure.

Couple of details, not sure about the wrinkly elbows and the odd bulge on the left hand side by the elbow.

Overall the image makes poor old Sharon look very wide !! Should either be perfectly symmetrical or definitely to one side.

Nice, though maybe slightly dark. I can’t give you a definitive recipe but I think you need to play more with different ways of getting to a monochrome, this looks a little soft and lacking in contrast.

Good composition, lovely curves – personally I like the hand, though others might object.

See comments above regards monochrome conversion.

Everything is “wrong” in standard judging terms about this image but I think it’s great. Crop, hands, eyes, nose, all are technically wrong. But the whole proximity the edge of the frame along with the expression gives a very strong feel. Looks just slightly dark.

This is such a tricky shot, getting just the right amount of face through the arms. Again its strong on first glance, but doesn’t stand up to a long look. The arm separation is awkward, the camera position leaves to a very odd shaped neck being visible and the hair is blocked up yet we have a very bright armpit.

I think the fix would be a vertical light pointing downwards and careful framing and camera position through the arms.

Not sure what’s happened here, it looks oddly flat. Difficult to tell on the smaller images but I think the light was too low down. Shame because it’s good but no cigar.

I really like the treatment on this image and the unusual crop – it all works very well.

Lots of details that add: the rim light on her back, the detail in the hair, the combination of hand and foot, the look on the face, the treatment, the crop, the reflection on the floor.

Close, but compared to your other work this looks like a snap. On it’s own it would be perfectly fine, and one a client would buy. Good light on the sparkly trousers, nice expression. Again hard to tell but I think the problem is in the lighting position and that it is just not quite the “decisive moment”.

Can’t decide about this one, the relative warmth of the colours seems at odds with the rest of the image, see if cooling it down makes the image and the expression more in keeping. Might also go monochrome.

There is a lot of flat, well lit flesh pointing to camera here, for the mood that comes over it would have been better shot into the shadow side.

OVERALL:

Very strong set. Can’t say better than that.

Tuition: One-on-One and Small Group Workshops and Mentoring

Simon — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:13:08 +0000

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham
Full day – upto 3 people: £350
Full day – upto 6 people: £450

A great way of managing costs on your tuition, a group booking can be very cost effective.

1-3 People

Price £350.00

Get together with a couple of like minded friends and have a full shooting and coaching experience together for a very reasonably price.

You spend full time in the studio, setting up lighting and shooting, being coached and taught all the way through.

You tell me what you want to do and learn and we will work on it live in the studio.

You get direct hands-on experience of setting up, posing, framing and capturing the shot.

We can cover almost any kind of lighting setup in a way that you can reproduce in your own shooting space.

We can provide a model to work with you (at cost) or you can bring your own.

The emphasis is always on shooting time, getting great shots and coaching as you go.

This is direct, hands-on, experience driven learning.

About Simon Q. Walden

Simon is an award winning professional photography whose work has been exhibited worldwide and appeared in many UK magazines.

His work for the Royal Photographic Society includes training, publication in the RPS magazine and exhibitions with the RPS.

He has written and been featured in several books and has produced a DVD series of training programmes for photographers.

Tuition: 2-Day Workshop: Fashion, Portraits and Nudes – Nov 10/11th 2011

Simon — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:11:05 +0000

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham
Thursday 10th November 2011
Friday 11th November 2011
10.00am – 4.00pm
Maximum 20 places

Workshop

Price £135.00

In combination with the Royal Photographic Society and back after popular demand an extended version of our April workshop.

With Simon Walden of FilmPhotoAcademy covering the Fashion and Nudes sections and Graham Whistler FRPS covering the portraits and four professional models.

There will be four full, half-day workshops led by Simon and Graham in two studios.

With limits of 10 photographers per workshop there will be much more time for photographers to take images and extend their talents.

The studios are 1 minute from M5, J11 – with free and extensive parking. Lunches available at reasonable cost and a Travelodge next door for easy accomodation.

Evaluation

During each session attendees images will be evaluated on the spot. Those who wish to have them looked at afterwards can submit them for a critique after the workshop.

What you will need to bring

Your camera! You really need a DSLR for this course, compact cameras are not very good at studio work.

Your camera manual

You will NOT need prior studio experience, we will show you how to use the studio lighting and all equipment is provided.

Optional Extras:

A flash unit to attach to your camera. This will be useful for practising lighting setups with your own camera flash unit.

A Tripod. Not really necessary, but you may find it useful while experimenting

A Laptop. For viewing your pictures and instant tips on photoshop correction.

Your own portfolio work for review.

Art Nude studio day on Sunday the 6th March in Cheltenham with two fantastic models.

Simon — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:36:51 +0000

Leah_Axl, a stunning petite brunette with gorgeous features. A very expressive model that works the camera fantastically. She has a fabulous figure and with her unique look can handle any modelling style. From classic poses to funky pin up and sexy back to sweet in the click of a button. She is extremely easy to work with and a pleasure to shoot.

Fires Secret, a beautiful natural red head with long wavy locks of light auburn hair she is definitely unique. She can go from pose to pose without direction but will happily follow your direction too. Fires Secret is full of enthusiasm and is definitely missing from your portfolio! Don’t miss your chance to work with this awesome model, she will bring so much life and colour to your work.

You’ll spend 2 hours, one hour with each of these two top nude models, access to the studio, its equipment, having help on demand (myself Artemis and Russ Freeman, plus studio owner Simon Walden won’t be far away) AND not forgetting tea, coffee and biscuits included for the fantastic price of just £85!

There are only TEN places.

Please email dawsie5@hotmail.co.uk or contact Artemis_D5 on purestorm to book your place and chose a time slot. Sarah will get back to you as soon as possible.

Time slots

9.00-11.00 x2

11.10-1.10 x1. One slot taken already, one left!

Lunch

1.40-3.40 x2

3.45-5.45 x2

6.00-8.00- x0. Both slots sold already!

Thank you and we are very much looking forward to hearing from you. Remember only TEN places; grab yours while they are still available!

Royal Photographic Society – Training Days 30/10/10 & 31/10/10

Simon — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:24:24 +0000

In combination with the Royal Photographic Society and back after popular demand we ran an extended version of our April workshop.

With Simon Walden of FilmPhotoAcademy covering the Fashion and Nudes sections and Graham Whistler FRPS covering the portraits the weekend session proved to be fantastic success.

We had four excellent models posing for us Natasha Babbage, Nikki Pixie, Niki Marie and Hope Proudfoot.

There were four full, half-day workshops led by Simon and Graham in two studios.

Dance Workshop

Simon — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:26:49 +0000

James Rowbotham Dance Photography is offering a further dance photography workshop in Autumn 2010. This will be on Sunday November 7, 2010.

In the main this will take a similar format to the earlier 2009/10 events which proved to be hugely successful and a great deal of fun.

The workshop will be held at Film Photo Studios Cheltenham, just off the A40, not far from GCHQ and within very easy reach of the M5. There are convenient hotels for those wishing to stay overnight.The workshop lasts one day. Participants will be expected to be familiar with digital SLRs and also with basic studio flash photography.

There will be professional dancers with a variety of costumes and props. Only one person will be able to shoot at any one time however each photographer can expect to shoot three times each day and those not shooting will be expected to support the workshop as required and to prepare for their next session. The aim is to give participants the maximum amount of shooting time. For this workshop Melody Squire’s Sol Dans (a Jazz oriented contemporary dance company) has agreed to provide the dancers.

Light refreshments will be provided during the day.

In the interests of time it is preferable that you use the equipment provided rather than your own….however please feel free to bring along any interesting props that you might find useful. Whilst the equipment provided will be Nikon/Bowen based the knowledge you will acquire is generic and not manufacturer specific. You will receive a DVD of your captures as NEF files. The dancers will be entitled to copies of a reasonable (small) number of your properly processed images from each set and a small number of images will be required to promote further workshops.

8 participants are required each day for the course to run however there has been substantial amount of interest expressed in these workshops and I anticipate that each day will be fully subscribed. I also expect that there will be future workshops in the event that you are unable to attend this one for any reason.

The workshops will commence at 8.30am each day and will finish at 6pm.

The main aim is to show you how to capture the moment and how to freeze motion using high speed flash …much higher speed than used in normal portrait photography …and how to work with dancers. You will be your own "artistic director." Although you can expect to come back with images for your portfolios the main intent is to give you hands on experience …and a platform to build on for the future. ..the take away will be an enjoyable day, new knowledge and hopefully lots of inspiration. There will be opportunities to explore other approaches to freezing motion and to discuss the photography of dance in wider contexts. You can expect to find that some of the learnings are applicable elsewhere eg sport or high fashion.

The cost of the workshop is £160 per person per day. In order to secure a place a deposit of £80 per person per day is required. This will be returnable in full if for any reason the workshop does not run.

Please email your commitment to attending the workshop, stating clearly which days you wish to attend (please state either if applicable), to jim.rowbotham@gmail.com following which you will receive payment instructions.

Weekend Workshop: Portraits, Fashion and Nudes, 30/31 October 2010

Simon — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 06:34:41 +0000

Portraits, Fashion and Nudes: Weekend Workshop – Saturday & Sunday 30/31 October

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham
Saturday 30th October
Sunday 31st October
10.00am – 4.00pm
Maximum 20 places

Cost only £135

In combination with the Royal Photographic Society and back after popular demand an extended version of our April workshop.

With Simon Walden of FilmPhotoAcademy covering the Fashion and Nudes sections and Graham Whistler FRPS covering the portraits and four professional models.

There will be four full, half-day workshops led by Simon and Graham in two studios.

With limits of 10 photographers per workshop there will be much more time for photographers to take images and extend their talents.

The studios are 1 minute from M5, J11 – with free and extensive parking.
Lunches available at reasonable cost and a Travelodge next door for easy accomodation.

Evaluation

During each session attendees images will be evaluated on the spot. Those who wish to have them looked at afterwards can submit them for a critique after the workshop.

Book online now:

Summer Photography Courses

Simon — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:23:09 +0000

Saturday 3rd July: Making Money Shooting People

Starting out in the photography business? Thinking about it?

An intensive day for freelancers, part-timers and full-timers

o Opportunities
o Marketing
o Accounting
o Pricing
o Getting Work

A wide ranging day covering all sorts of aspects of running a photography business.

Saturday 24th July: Creative Nudes Workshop

Lots of shooting time and plenty of coaching.

You decide on the creativity (and we can be very creative!)

Build your portfolio, constant coach throughout, ALWAYS FUN 

= Limited to 6 places only

Wednesdays 30th June – 11th August: Studio Evening Class

Alternating between shooting and discussion.

You will learn how to work in a studio and each shoot is followed by a review of your work so you can get rid of mistakes and build on your technique

Great portfolio build opportunity.

= Limited to 8 places only

All the details are on the website at www.FilmPhotoAcademy.com

FilmPhotoAcademy.com

Workshop Critique for Ian

Post Workshop Critique–Adrian

Post Workshop critique for Andrzej

Tuition: One-on-One and Small Group Workshops and Mentoring

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham Full day – upto 3 people: £350 Full day – upto 6 people: £450

1-3 People

Price £350.00

About Simon Q. Walden

Tuition: 2-Day Workshop: Fashion, Portraits and Nudes – Nov 10/11th 2011

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham Thursday 10th November 2011 Friday 11th November 2011 10.00am – 4.00pm Maximum 20 places

Workshop

Price £135.00

Evaluation

What you will need to bring

Art Nude studio day on Sunday the 6th March in Cheltenham with two fantastic models.

Royal Photographic Society – Training Days 30/10/10 & 31/10/10

Dance Workshop

Weekend Workshop: Portraits, Fashion and Nudes, 30/31 October 2010

Portraits, Fashion and Nudes: Weekend Workshop – Saturday & Sunday 30/31 October

Cost only £135

Evaluation

Summer Photography Courses

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham
Full day – upto 3 people: £350
Full day – upto 6 people: £450

Film Photo Studios Cheltenham
Thursday 10th November 2011
Friday 11th November 2011
10.00am – 4.00pm
Maximum 20 places