Behind-the-scenes Dance photoshoot

Feat the Castelet Prison in Toulouse

This is a first, you will not see my face from now on, I warned you a while back and am finally taking the step. These Behind-the-scenes won’t be that different, usually, it’s the other way around, people tend to show themselves more, and marketing-wise it’s always better to put a face on a company, it eases the connection with the audience blah, blah. I don’t care, I want you to focus on my work, I want to disappear behind my work, and this is the first step.

Will you ever see me talking to the camera again, probably, when I feel it’s necessary. I posted on the blog a few articles and an exclusive BTS video featuring Angelina who is also the dancer model of this video. But the video on the blog is not a longer version of this it’s a completely different session, if you are interested in that you know where to go. 

These were made during my old days using the AD300pro, and that tiny 65cm softbox; I am still using the GFX100s, and the 20-35mm lens was back on my camera. 

We didn't make a lot of pictures this time because these need time even when you work with a small setup. The bare minimum I shoudl say as I usually use a bigger softbox for these a 2nd light and most importantly a much more powerful strobe. But the AD300 pro did a fairly good job even if it wasn't the right tool for it.

Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France)

Fujifilm GFX100s + GF20-35mmF4 R WR

1/400sec f/4 ISO 100 at 20mm

You know the process, I've talked about this in the past. You can see in the video I am using a tripod to secure my framing and save time. It also alows me to take a clean plate and clean my final image if needed. My Flash was in the way a few times so this method speeds up the process of erasing it... even though we all know now that Ai does a really good job at that.

I ended up using different plates and stacked several images together to make these 3 first images work. I am less fan of this third one as a 2nd light could have helped seperating her from the backdrop. Another easier solution would have been choosing a different outfit...

Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France)

Fujifilm GFX100s + GF20-35mmF4 R WR

1/250sec f/4 ISO 50 at 20mm

I missed this look, the feeling of being close to the action. The GF20-35mm definitely didn't deserve staying in my bag.

Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France)

Fujifilm GFX100s + GF20-35mmF4 R WR

1/640sec f/4 ISO 50 at 35mm

And I felt this even more while retouching these photos, as I feel the last 2 are the weakest of this session... I am using the word "weak" for the impact they have on the viewer.

You are less drawn to them, or at least that's how I feel. I remember this was what I was chasing back in the day... that "Wow" effect. It doesn't always work but the choice of your lens is crucial to succeed.

Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France)

Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm F1.7 R WR

1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 100

Obviously, this was the only one that didn't require a flash, the sun was enough to make it work. for the last one we tested a few things, and ended up created my least favorite of the session.,

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Angelina Rakova (Prison du Castelet Toulouse/ France)

Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm F1.7 R WR

1/125sec f/3.2 ISO 100

I was unable to visit the location before the session, and I regret it. We worked there at the wrong time of the day, making it really difficult to create the images I had in mind. The light that morning created shadows that were unpleasant. It almost made the place unusable for the compsitions and scenes I wanted to use. This reminded the importance of location scouting and preparation.

This session is tied to 2024, there is at least 1 other Behind the scenes video from last year in the works and then I will be able to finally fully embrace 2025.