Graveyard Fashion Photography

fra-zzr · 10-15-2009, 01:09 PM

Hi, have been asked to do a fashion shoot with a Halloween theme. I have also been asked to decide the timing myself depending on light.

My only lighting option is a flashgun.

The graveyard is part of a larger ruin so may be able to get some bounce from walls etc.

What are you opinions/experiences on this topic?

I was thinking that early evening would be a good start and give me a range of lighting conditions right up to full darkness.

I have a couple of manuel primes but was going to use the kit 17-55mm as with ttl monitoring from the flash it would be easiest.

Please get back to me as soon as possible.

Thankyou

Fraser

*Ash* · 10-15-2009, 01:27 PM

No experience with such a shoot, although given the eerie mood you would consider creating to set the scene, a more subdued lighting approach would be suitable.

I would think to use an umbrella/softbox to soften the light from one flash coming from one direction and have another flash creating a backlit highlight surrounding the subject - there are a number of permutations and combinations you could use, although if you only have one flash, perhaps just that one softened somehow directed mainly on your subject without lighting too much of the surroundings would be appropriate.

Have a think about your approach yourself before the day - and practice it if you can.

*ramair455* · 10-15-2009, 02:07 PM

I have done a few "cemetery fashion" stories in my time, back in the day. Used 400 ISO BW film and available light, overcast days. All, which resulted in moody, macabe images. You have to let the "fashion" (clothes, hair & makeup) guide you. That determines the mood, which determines your lighting. And with today's digital cameras the task is much easier.

This may not be explicit guidance, but its fashion - be creative, take some risks, break some rules. Many great fashion photos are just by chance...it will be a good experience.

fra-zzr · 10-15-2009, 02:33 PM

Thanks guys, really helpful.

Please keep them coming

flyer · 10-15-2009, 04:37 PM

Maybe you should do it around full moon. It is surprising how much light you can get out of it. If you have models who can hold a pose for a second or so, you might be able to do it with available light. If you can include the moon in your shots, it's even better, especially if you can get the "vampire" or werewolf look.

Overall, it seems like an interesting project.

seacapt · 10-15-2009, 04:41 PM

This may be an unfashionable comment but I believe that grave sites are places that deserve respect. I personally don't believe this is a place for a model shoot. If I was visiting a departed family member and found models dancing on the grave and flashes popping I assure you bad things would happen. Most cemetaries are private property so you should proably check the legality of shooting there. Sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear but you did ask for opinions.

*StevenVH* · 10-15-2009, 06:49 PM

I like shooting in graveyards, but I never step on the graves

The above suggestions are good and think about early morning, especially with fog.
If it's a private graveyard, much better to have permission and even an appointment.

gl

c.r.brown · 10-16-2009, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by fra-zzr

My only lighting option is a flashgun.

What about flashlights, candles, a cars headlamps, make up some reflectors with alu. foil or use some laminate?

You can use some colored, trnasluscent paper sheet protectors for gels.

*Steve Beswick* · 10-16-2009, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by seacapt

This may be an unfashionable comment but I believe that grave sites are places that deserve respect. I personally don't believe this is a place for a model shoot. If I was visiting a departed family member and found models dancing on the grave and flashes popping I assure you bad things would happen. Most cemetaries are private property so you should proably check the legality of shooting there. Sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear but you did ask for opinions.

While I agree that grave sites deserve respect the OP did say "The graveyard is part of a larger ruin", so I'm guessing that there probably won't be any family dropping by. I also doubt that anyone will be dancing.

*Steve Beswick* · 10-16-2009, 01:22 PM

Here is an idea - get to know the model's schedule and go to the cemetary on a heavily overcast day, preferably early evening. You will probably want to shoot some heavy grain B&W, maybe some color, but keep it subdued. If the model is a woman have her carry a black rose and wear heavy, dark makeup. Some large dark sunglasses couldn't hurt for a few shots. I can almost see the shots now!

EDIT: Do make sure that everyone involved is respectful of the location.

kenyee · 10-16-2009, 01:56 PM

and don't get photos w/ visible names on the headstones (or at least photoshop them out)...

*ramair455* · 10-16-2009, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by c.r.brown

What about flashlights, candles, a cars headlamps, make up some reflectors with alu. foil or use some laminate?

You can use some colored, trnasluscent paper sheet protectors for gels.

That's what I like to hear...using a farrago of available light sources. Back in the day - with film - you would end up getting film you couldn't use. But in this digital day go for!!

Hey Elwood · 10-18-2009, 11:29 AM

If you are going to be shooting during the day you might want to try exposing for the sky and shoot with the flash off-camera. The easiest way to do this is set your camera to shutter proity or manual mode, focus on the sky (or brightest part of the sky) with spot metering and lock it in with AE-L. Then refocus on the model and dial down 1 to 2 stop on the exposure comp (+/_ button). Make sure your flash is off-camera and shoot it in full TTL mode (on the flash). Photos should come out pretty nice. It could work in the evening as well but I'm not sure.

Mike Cash · 10-19-2009, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Beswick

While I agree that grave sites deserve respect the OP did say "The graveyard is part of a larger ruin", so I'm guessing that there probably won't be any family dropping by. I also doubt that anyone will be dancing.

I do quite a bit of shooting in cemeteries, albeit it without models....something I would never even consider doing. The bulk of what I shoot is tombs which obviously have not been visited for a while, as evidenced though signs of neglect. These being Buddhist cemeteries, I always carry with me in a belt pouch a box of incense and a special lighter made for lighting it outdoors and I always burn a few sticks in the incense holder of tombs I shoot, plus in those of any I have to encroach upon to get the shot I'm after. I will also quite often do a bit of clean-up, removing debris, cleaning away weeds and any undergrowth which may be overrunning the tomb. Sometimes I even right some toppled stones. Most of the time I have the entire place to myself, but those times when others have been around I have never drawn a complaint or even a disapproving look.

What I'm working up to here is to suggest that if you're going to go ahead and do a model shoot on some stranger's grave then show the dead at least the same level of consideration you'd show a living participant of your shoot: Take along a small bunch of flowers to leave after the shoot, for example, and perhaps do a bit of minor clean-up or maintenance as well. That way there is at least the appearance of consideration for their "cooperation" and "participation" in making your shoot a success and it feels a bit less like crass one-way exploitation.

*Ash* · 10-19-2009, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Beswick

While I agree that grave sites deserve respect the OP did say "The graveyard is part of a larger ruin", so I'm guessing that there probably won't be any family dropping by. I also doubt that anyone will be dancing.

Unless you're in a society with an indifference to grave sites...

A cemetary in Kenya is just another walkway...