A photoshoot in the theatre with K-3 II and various lenses.

Stagnant · 01-10-2018, 03:33 PM - **8 Likes**

A friend of mine had an idea to do a photoshoot in one of the theatre's rooms. At first after seeing some pictures of that place, I was hesitant to accept the offer : the room is dimly lit and the lights are not particularly suitable for portrait photography. Finally I decided to take a risk.

Equipment used : Pentax K-3 II, SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM, Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) and a tripod.

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 18mm F4.0, 1/25, ISO 800. Handheld.

- - -

FA 50mm F1.4 @ F2.8 1/100, ISO 1600. Handheld.

- - -

DA* 60-250mm F4 @ 75mm, F4, 1/80, ISO 800. Tripod.

- - -

DA* 60-250mm F4 @ 60mm, F4, 1/125, ISO 800. Tripod.

- - -

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 28mm F1.8, 1/80, ISO 1600. Handheld.

* I had no control over the light. I could only ask model to change the pose or location, hence some shadows on the face. In certain cases it can be treated as a defect, but in this case, I would say that it adds volume to the shots.
* I tried to keep ISO as low as possible. Even with proper post processing, shots taken with ISO higher than 1600 do not look right to my eye. All images were underexposed to prevent blown out highlights and to keep shutter speeds reasonably "high".

Comments and criticism are welcome !

**UncleVanya** · 01-10-2018, 04:55 PM

Couldn't use fill flash? Not a critique, just a question.

aleonx3 · 01-10-2018, 05:48 PM

Agree with UncleVanya, is there any reason that you are not using fill flash? or is it by design a style you choose to get the high-contrast effect?

Stagnant · 01-10-2018, 09:45 PM

I did not have a diffuser, so that would cause high contrast shadows. Otherwise a flash would be a good idea.

mnhoj · 01-10-2018, 11:00 PM

Well done!

btnapa · 01-11-2018, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by Stagnant

Comments and criticism are welcome !

When I saw the images, my first reaction was that you had used strobes. They have the clarity that comes from using a strobe. You have done a great job both technically and the poses. I like them all. I saw a comment about cropping differently. I think it is an artistic decision. If you are happy with the crops and they are what you intended, then let them be. I still can't believe they were shot with available light. Great job.

**microlight** · 01-11-2018, 01:48 AM

I agree, great job with the contrast and rendition.

**Madaboutpix** · 01-11-2018, 09:03 AM

These are beautiful shots, Roman.

I think the stage-like kind of lighting enhances your images, rather than distracting from them. It is far from "studio-perfect", but this is environmental portraiture, to which it adds a tangible sense that we are at the theatre.

Compliments to both model and photographer.

panonski · 01-11-2018, 11:42 AM

the shots are fine overall, except last one. And perhaps the third one. Model on these ones have very nasty shadows covering her face, and last one is actually lacking everything. The fourth one is in my opinion the best. 2nd place goes to 1st one in a row.
--
Second picture have very charming "straight and tight legs pose", but it need better framing.

Good job overall, and yes - I understand concern about using fill in flash.
It's hard to get the light to seems natural, and to not spoil atmosphere....
..
lightning need much practice... You could use just a reflector filler to bounce some light on her face, and you'll be good.
--
but as i said, not so bad job here

I'm glad you post it, and you're not afraid of critique. Every one of us need it, to become better photographer.

Thumbs up

kjphilippona · 01-11-2018, 12:15 PM

Nicely done! Roman

**LaurenOE** · 01-11-2018, 12:35 PM

These are actually very nice.
They remind me of the old Kodak pictures in their books.
Nothing wrong with these!
The lighting works fine.

Stagnant · 01-14-2018, 03:49 PM

Thank you for the feedback ! Before this set, I had zero experience in shooting portraits in such conditions. To my eye the current crops look fine, but again it is a matter of tastes. One of my friends, who does more portrait work than I asked if she could retouch on of the photos for the fun of it. The retouch was very well executed, but the image ended up looking flat and lifeless. I think that some might prefer that style, but it is completely against my principles as a photographer.

btnapa · 01-15-2018, 02:54 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Stagnant

The retouch was very well executed, but the image ended up looking flat and lifeless.

I do some portrait work. You are right it is easy to overdo it when it comes to retouching. I think they are perfect the way you have them. They convey the mood accurately. You did a masterful job for a first time effort in this environment. I have tried stage shots a few times and they are nowhere nearly as good as the stuff you got.

---------- Post added 01-15-18 at 01:56 AM ----------

Originally posted by LaurenOE

They remind me of the old Kodak pictures in their books.

You nailed it. I remember the books you are talking about. I may even have one.

---------- Post added 01-15-18 at 01:56 AM ----------

Originally posted by LaurenOE

They remind me of the old Kodak pictures in their books.

You nailed it. I remember the books you are talking about. I may even have one.

awaldram · 01-16-2018, 10:04 AM

Originally posted by Stagnant

A friend of mine had an idea to do a photoshoot in one of the theatre's rooms. At first after seeing some pictures of that place, I was hesitant to accept the offer : the room is dimly lit and the lights are not particularly suitable for portrait photography. Finally I decided to take a risk.

Equipment used : Pentax K-3 II, SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM, Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) and a tripod.

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 18mm F4.0, 1/25, ISO 800. Handheld.

- - -

FA 50mm F1.4 @ F2.8 1/100, ISO 1600. Handheld.

- - -
DA* 60-250mm F4 @ 75mm, F4, 1/80, ISO 800. Tripod.

- - -
DA* 60-250mm F4 @ 60mm, F4, 1/125, ISO 800. Tripod.

- - -

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 28mm F1.8, 1/80, ISO 1600. Handheld.

* I had no control over the light. I could only ask model to change the pose or location, hence some shadows on the face. In certain cases it can be treated as a defect, but in this case, I would say that it adds volume to the shots.
* I tried to keep ISO as low as possible. Even with proper post processing, shots taken with ISO higher than 1600 do not look right to my eye. All images were underexposed to prevent blown out highlights and to keep shutter speeds reasonably "high".

Comments and criticism are welcome !

Credit to your model but quite a few of your images are soft - I suspect due to subject movement.

As static shot, shutter is usually recommended to be >= 1/125 she did really well.

Never forget though image stabilisation may allow really low shutter - subject movement is not effected not even a tripod will save you there.

Stagnant · 01-16-2018, 03:21 PM

I do know, that some of the images are soft because of the slow shutter speeds. I did have IS turned on for most of the shots. I did not want to push ISO further, because it noticeably degrades the image quality. Faster apertures would result in a depth of field too shallow. If the ISO1600 and above were more usable for this kind of shots, I would not even bother with a tripod.
Thanks for the feedback !

01-10-2018, 03:33 PM - 8 Likes	#1
Stagnant Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 603	A photoshoot in the theatre with K-3 II and various lenses. A friend of mine had an idea to do a photoshoot in one of the theatre's rooms. At first after seeing some pictures of that place, I was hesitant to accept the offer : the room is dimly lit and the lights are not particularly suitable for portrait photography. Finally I decided to take a risk. Equipment used : Pentax K-3 II, SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM, Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) and a tripod. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 18mm F4.0, 1/25, ISO 800. Handheld. - - - FA 50mm F1.4 @ F2.8 1/100, ISO 1600. Handheld. - - - *DA 60-250mm F4 @ 75mm, F4, 1/80, ISO 800. Tripod. - - - DA* 60-250mm F4 @ 60mm, F4, 1/125, ISO 800. Tripod. - - - Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 28mm F1.8, 1/80, ISO 1600. Handheld.** * I had no control over the light. I could only ask model to change the pose or location, hence some shadows on the face. In certain cases it can be treated as a defect, but in this case, I would say that it adds volume to the shots. * I tried to keep ISO as low as possible. Even with proper post processing, shots taken with ISO higher than 1600 do not look right to my eye. All images were underexposed to prevent blown out highlights and to keep shutter speeds reasonably "high". Comments and criticism are welcome !

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01-10-2018, 04:55 PM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,407	Couldn't use fill flash? Not a critique, just a question.

01-10-2018, 05:48 PM	#3
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Agree with UncleVanya, is there any reason that you are not using fill flash? or is it by design a style you choose to get the high-contrast effect?

01-10-2018, 09:45 PM	#4
Stagnant Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 603 Original Poster	I did not have a diffuser, so that would cause high contrast shadows. Otherwise a flash would be a good idea.

01-10-2018, 11:00 PM	#5
mnhoj Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 132	Well done!

01-11-2018, 01:20 AM	#6
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by Stagnant Comments and criticism are welcome ! When I saw the images, my first reaction was that you had used strobes. They have the clarity that comes from using a strobe. You have done a great job both technically and the poses. I like them all. I saw a comment about cropping differently. I think it is an artistic decision. If you are happy with the crops and they are what you intended, then let them be. I still can't believe they were shot with available light. Great job.

01-11-2018, 01:48 AM	#7
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	I agree, great job with the contrast and rendition.

01-11-2018, 09:03 AM	#8
Madaboutpix Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North Rhine-Westphalia Posts: 1,440	These are beautiful shots, Roman. I think the stage-like kind of lighting enhances your images, rather than distracting from them. It is far from "studio-perfect", but this is environmental portraiture, to which it adds a tangible sense that we are at the theatre. Compliments to both model and photographer.

01-11-2018, 11:42 AM	#9
panonski Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Zagreb Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 624	the shots are fine overall, except last one. And perhaps the third one. Model on these ones have very nasty shadows covering her face, and last one is actually lacking everything. The fourth one is in my opinion the best. 2nd place goes to 1st one in a row. -- Second picture have very charming "straight and tight legs pose", but it need better framing. Good job overall, and yes - I understand concern about using fill in flash. It's hard to get the light to seems natural, and to not spoil atmosphere.... .. lightning need much practice... You could use just a reflector filler to bounce some light on her face, and you'll be good. -- but as i said, not so bad job here I'm glad you post it, and you're not afraid of critique. Every one of us need it, to become better photographer. Thumbs up

01-11-2018, 12:15 PM	#10
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	Nicely done! Roman

01-11-2018, 12:35 PM	#11
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	These are actually very nice. They remind me of the old Kodak pictures in their books. Nothing wrong with these! The lighting works fine.

01-14-2018, 03:49 PM	#12
Stagnant Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 603 Original Poster	Thank you for the feedback ! Before this set, I had zero experience in shooting portraits in such conditions. To my eye the current crops look fine, but again it is a matter of tastes. One of my friends, who does more portrait work than I asked if she could retouch on of the photos for the fun of it. The retouch was very well executed, but the image ended up looking flat and lifeless. I think that some might prefer that style, but it is completely against my principles as a photographer.

01-15-2018, 02:54 AM - 1 Like	#13
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by Stagnant The retouch was very well executed, but the image ended up looking flat and lifeless. I do some portrait work. You are right it is easy to overdo it when it comes to retouching. I think they are perfect the way you have them. They convey the mood accurately. You did a masterful job for a first time effort in this environment. I have tried stage shots a few times and they are nowhere nearly as good as the stuff you got. ---------- Post added 01-15-18 at 01:56 AM ---------- Originally posted by LaurenOE They remind me of the old Kodak pictures in their books. You nailed it. I remember the books you are talking about. I may even have one. ---------- Post added 01-15-18 at 01:56 AM ---------- Originally posted by LaurenOE They remind me of the old Kodak pictures in their books. You nailed it. I remember the books you are talking about. I may even have one.

01-16-2018, 10:04 AM	#14
awaldram Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 732	Originally posted by Stagnant A friend of mine had an idea to do a photoshoot in one of the theatre's rooms. At first after seeing some pictures of that place, I was hesitant to accept the offer : the room is dimly lit and the lights are not particularly suitable for portrait photography. Finally I decided to take a risk. Equipment used : Pentax K-3 II, SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM, Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) and a tripod. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 18mm F4.0, 1/25, ISO 800. Handheld. - - - FA 50mm F1.4 @ F2.8 1/100, ISO 1600. Handheld. - - - *DA 60-250mm F4 @ 75mm, F4, 1/80, ISO 800. Tripod. - - - DA* 60-250mm F4 @ 60mm, F4, 1/125, ISO 800. Tripod. - - - Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 @ 28mm F1.8, 1/80, ISO 1600. Handheld.** * I had no control over the light. I could only ask model to change the pose or location, hence some shadows on the face. In certain cases it can be treated as a defect, but in this case, I would say that it adds volume to the shots. * I tried to keep ISO as low as possible. Even with proper post processing, shots taken with ISO higher than 1600 do not look right to my eye. All images were underexposed to prevent blown out highlights and to keep shutter speeds reasonably "high". Comments and criticism are welcome ! Credit to your model but quite a few of your images are soft - I suspect due to subject movement. As static shot, shutter is usually recommended to be >= 1/125 she did really well. Never forget though image stabilisation may allow really low shutter - subject movement is not effected not even a tripod will save you there.

01-16-2018, 03:21 PM	#15
Stagnant Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 603 Original Poster	I do know, that some of the images are soft because of the slow shutter speeds. I did have IS turned on for most of the shots. I did not want to push ISO further, because it noticeably degrades the image quality. Faster apertures would result in a depth of field too shallow. If the ISO1600 and above were more usable for this kind of shots, I would not even bother with a tripod. Thanks for the feedback !