Photographing Characters in the Badlands:
Last week I attended a photography workshop in Drumheller, Alberta with Dave Brosha and Wayne Simpson called Character. It was so worthwhile to take my understanding of portraiture and lighting to a higher level with these two inspiring and humble photographers. We worked for three days in the Badlands with a variety of models. The imagery that came from our group of creative photographers was more than inspiring. I’ve come home pumped with new ideas and energy, not to mention some new gear, and can’t wait to get out there and do some more. Here are a few of my favourites from the worskhop.
And, I’d be delighted to hear from you if you or someone you know would be interested in a portrait shoot.










About the Photography
As an experienced photographer, I had a pretty sound understanding of portraiture and lighting before attending the workshop but it’s always so valuable to hear from others about their process, their struggles and their successes. It’s also reaffirming to learn that they do so many things in a similar way. What really struck me the most was how a little thing like adjusting the soft box just a tiny bit makes such a big difference. So, the approach for each of these photos was:
- Choose your background as well as a starting point for your composition.
- Expose for the ambient light and decide if and by how much to under or over expose. This contributes to the mood of the image. In most of the images above, the background is underexposed.
- Add your light. All of these images were lit by just one studio strobe in a 2×3′ soft box. The light is a Strobepro X600II HSS M Battery Powered Wireless Strobe which is a really great unit. No wires, great battery that lasts all day, and light powerful enough to light a subject in full sun. The soft box was a 24×36 Inch Rapid Pro Folding Umbrella Softbox. I mentioned above that I bought some new gear; this is it.
- This is where the fine tuning happens. It takes time and several trials to determine the right amount of light on the subject and this is controlled by the power settings on the light as well as the placement and direction of the soft box. Also, which side of the subject do you want the light coming from? Every decision adds to the message of the photo.
- Once this is worked out, then it’s time to work with the subject to try and bring out the expression you’re after. As Dave says, “Emotion trumps light!”. This might be the hardest part of the process.
Now it’s time to have fun creating character portraits!
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I’ve been anxiously waiting for this particular blog detailing your experiences in AB. I’m so glad that you managed to find the time to go. Your photos are absolutely beautiful. I just love the lighting and the personality that you caught within each model. What an experience!
Thanks, Janet. When we next get together, I’ll share all I learned!
Characters they were and talented you are. Absolutely stunning portraits Dennis. Next I look forward to seeing your characters of Ireland and the Old Country! Happy travels.
I’ll do my best to capture some Irish characters for you, Chris! Thanks.
Great shots D!!!! Looks like a Lord of the Rings casting.
Enjoy the Emerald Isle. Let’s connect when you get back
For sure, Buzz. Thanks for looking.
Ahhh Dennis what a fine job taking photos of these “characters”. You really did capture an expression in each one of them.
Thanks for the “about the photography”.
Keep up the good work!!
Thanks, Bob. I’m serving notice that you’re on my,”Character List”!
This is a great write up… not only was it so wonderful to learn from Dave and Wayne but it was also great to meet you (and all the creative participants) and especially fabulous that us fellow Nikonians could learn a few great tips from you too. It was an absolute pleasure to ‘shoot’ with you Dennis
Thanks so much, Michelle. I feel exactly the same way and look forward to continuing our connection.
Hi Dennis,
Really great photos-combo of many things. Would like to know more about this. For example, watching you in action! I have no lighting equipment but would like to know how to use to see if it would be worth my while to purchase. Thanks for sharing.
Linda
Thanks for your comment, Linda. Let’s keep in touch and perhaps you can come along on a future shoot.