Behind the scenes video Feat. Manon Vergé
This was actually my last photoshoot of last Year. A fitness photoshoot in a unique location, what could go wrong? I kinda liked my previous post where I explained how 5 of my images were made. So I decided to do the same on this one. So let’s start with the concept, nothing crazy, really simple, I wanted to use my experience with dancers and my love of shooting performers in unique locations but on a fitness photoshoot.
So that’s what we did! We got access, to the Pavillon Joséphine in Strasbourg and it was easier this time because I’ve worked there already a couple of years ago. The model that worked with me on this special session is an amazing athlete. I thought this would never happen, as we've been trying to meet for so long. Her name is Manon, and I am super happy we finally made it happen.
Gear wise, I had the Canon EOS R with me. Yes, you read it right, the good old EOSR. I said old because you guys are already fantasizing about canon’s latest announcement, the R5 that will make the EOSR obsolete in a couple of months. I gave my opinion about this camera already, and although a lot of you out there love to hate it, I believe it’s a very capable camera.
With the EOSR I brought with me the 24-70mm, the 16-35mm and 70 - 200mm f/2.8 L EF lenses and of course my 2 Broncolor SirosL 800ws.
So lest jump right in and look closely at the images from this session:
Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)
Canon EOSR + 24-70 mm EF f2.8L
2X Broncolor SirosL
1/200 f5 ISO 640 at 24mm
We started by the most difficult of the series, which in the end is not that difficult to make. All you need is a tripod… You decide how you want to frame your image first and lock your camera. Then you discuss with your model and try to find 3 poses that would work together. I’ve done this multiple times in the past, I choose 3 different poses with 3 different outfits. I usually start with the first shot in the center and then deal with the two others on the side. I used tape on the floor to help Manon know where exactly she had to stand. One light with a silver Umbrella was used as a rim light and the 90x120 Broncolor Softbox was my main placed camera right.
Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)
Canon EOSR + 70-200 mm EF f2.8L
2X Broncolor SirosL
1/200 f2.8 ISO 250 at 100mm
All the photos made close to the Pillar were done with only one light. The light is facing her to have those deep shadows facing me. Hanging from the pillar on the 2nd image wasn't easy. I asked her if she could possibly climb up there, and let herself hang. It was hard for her to have a grip so my lovely assistant came to the rescue and stepped on a chair to hold her hand.
Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)
Canon EOSR + 24-70 mm EF f2.8L
2X Broncolor SirosL
1/200 f2.8 ISO 250 at 105mm
I wanted another version of the first photograph we made. An almost identical composition but without the clones…I took this one from the ground for a different perspective, which also elongates her legs.
Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)
Canon EOSR + 16-35mm EF f2.8L
2X Broncolor SirosL
1/200 f2.8 ISO 250 at 24mm
The back shot was the easiest one to make. Since we were almost at the end of the shoot, I felt she would be comfortable enough to improvise a bit more on this one. The 2 lights are facing each other on both sides but are placed between be and her for a more even exposure and less shadow compared to the first images we made.
Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)
Canon EOSR + 70-200mm EF f2.8L
2X Broncolor SirosL
1/200 f2.8 ISO 250 at 75mm
I warned you in my photoshoot mixing boudoir and Gymnastics, I decided to bring the edge mask with me and ended the session with this image. If you are not familiar with this tool, it makes silhouette portrait images on a black backdrop easy. No additional backdrop, only one light and voilà, you have it. Captured with the 70-200mm, I guess I will use this thing a bit more often from now on.
Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)
Canon EOSR + 70-200mm EF f2.8L
2X Broncolor SirosL
1/200 f4 ISO 200 at 100mm
So which one is your favorite shot? I hope you found a bit of inspiration in all of this! I read your comments from last week, don’t worry I haven’t planned in changing anything. I believe I have said this before, I film a lot of my photoshoots, not all of them but a good amount. I was just asking which one you’d prefer me to share on my YouTube channel that’s all. So I decided to keep them going and keep the content diversified so that we don’t get bored. Sounds good?