Pre-Production: "Music"

While brainstorming for this first production assignment with the theme using "Music," that will have to incorporate two things in the process. One is the musical element in the design and secondly apply one of the five shooting methods (Sun in/Daylight/Mixed sources, Overpowering Daylight, Dusk/Dark inside view, Analog/Silver Film, and Make-it/Construct) as mentioned in class.

Alex Aguilar playing with the guitar. (Photo Credit: David J. Hawkins © 2015)

The idea of the shoot will be done on location using this concept of using instruments creating sound that is identified in color as the viewer would perceive sound interpreted in color patterns or shapes. As one who is deaf is unable to hear sounds thus creating a visual element of making sound visible as color through black and white images.

The set location would either be in a band garage, stage, bedroom, or a music appropriate environment that would represent a visually interesting background.

The model would be the same person as the previous session using the same vibrant guitar and will have him be more animated as he was playing in a Rock and Roll band or in a concert.

Window lighting showing the sun setting or evening sky lighting the interior with Speedlites. 

I will be using a Nikon D700 with a 35mm 1.2 lens with 3-4 Speedlites lighting up the subject and the background highlighting elements that are music related. One or two modifiers will be used such as a Octabank or Brollyboxes depending on the amount of light needed on the subject. Post production will desaturate the fore image and the base image will contain color for the visual image phasing process.

Producing the Hero Shot

After shooting a series of self portraits using a tripod and timer I was forced to narrow down the selection to one Hero photograph. Below is the collection of photographs leading to the final "Hero" selection shot.

 I used a tripod to mount the camera with a timer that was triggered when pressing the shutter release button on the camera. The arrangement of boxes and cylinders provided different levels for the camera items to be displayed as rolls of developed film provided a unique feel. Modifiers ranging from Soft Boxes with Grids to Beauty Dishes were used in different moments adjusting the amount of light on the cameras and my self in the photographs. I used both the painted and black seamless for my photo session to provide more dramatic feelings or more of a photo studio feel. 

The set up in the studio using 3-5 lights, modifiers on each lights, and 2 flags illuminating the photography items.

Originally I wanted to pose for the camera looking directly at the camera hiding partially behind the coffee mug designed like the actual Canon lens. However after reviewing the images I had felt like they were not as strong as I had envisioned so decided to experiment with using film cameras, film, stainless steel kettles, and layout arrangements of the items to create a feel of a photography studio. Adding and subtracting objects was the most difficult part of the whole shoot knowing the concept of "less is better" while having too much can be distracting but at the same time an actual studio has a variety of items that create the overall studio look or feel. 

Collection of self-portraits by David J. Hawkins/2016

After a long tedious process of elimination has provided the top 5 favorites making the selection of the "Hero" shot more practical. Arranging the studio set up with several photographers tools, equipments, and cameras allowed me to effectively create an avatar that shows my love and passion for photography. Also including a funny notion that I do enjoy a hot cup of tea during my day.

As you can see in the two photographs pictured above the changes made between the original and the post production image using adjustments in Camera Raw. 

HawkinStudios avatar photograph "HERO" by David J. Hawkins / 2016

After completing this assignment I was able to review the images and think on other applications of which I can apply the other images to such as profile images for my portfolio or other blog entries of my self discussing my passion for photography. 

Pre-Project Proposal

For the first assignment the avatar will be needed for the blog in which I will like to use for my website and branding for a profile picture.

Inspiration for the assignment 

The idea and concept was compiled after a few ideas based on other photographers using a camera identifying the profession they are in. Most photographers use burred out backgrounds or solids which seems like an over used practice however I was thinking more along of the lines showing some visual elements in the background such as a studio or landscape that best suits for photography like the downtown Los Angeles skyline or a University campus roof top.

My Selfie using a Samsung galaxy Note 3 in San Francisco, Calif. 

Here is one of my favorite images of me looking through a camera lens showing my love for photography and travel. The new concept I was thinking of along the lines of having me in a studio with different types of cameras hanging in the background with my self drinking a cup of tea or coffee in a mug that resembles a camera lens.

Should be on a white or grey backdrop with 2-3 cameras hanging from C-stands behind me in juxtaposed positions to draw a nice image around my head as I have a coffee mug in my hand drinking from it. Another pose with me having it close to my face then hiding playfully behind the mug.

Proper Introductions

David James Hawkins (DJ) is a photographer that has been working for California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 2 years. David has completed an AA degree in Graphic Design at Santa Monica College in 2013 and is currently Majoring in Photojournalism with a Minor in Sustainability. DJ has been awarded 5 Journalism Association of Community Colleges Awards for Photography before attending CSUN. Overcoming several obstacles in life as a Deaf Student that will graduate in May 2016 with plans to attend Graduate school in photography to complete his goals in being a Professor teaching photography.