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.