Sunday, 17 February 2019
Thursday, 25 September 2014
The 1950’s Shoot at Elle Jé Studio
As
a commercial photographer it is all too easy to get engrossed in your
commissioned work and not allocate enough time for your own creative work. It is also very easy to discuss the need to
be creative but not put into action.
With all this in mind it was time that I allocated some quality time to add images to my own portfolio and equally as important find the time to
work on a project with two of my dear photographer friends, Rob Inglis and John
Perring. Between us we decided upon two
themes, the 1950’s and glamour Hollywood style.
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| by Lesley Saunders |
The shoot was to take place in my studio, Elle Je Photography Studio based in Whatton-in-the-Vale.
The
fun began with collecting items that were vintage 50’s, charity shops and car boots
were visited and needless to say own wardrobes ransacked. We used pinterest as a communal “mood board”
to throw ideas together.
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| by Lesley Saunders |
On
the Sunday the models, Polly Wilkinson, Rachel Draper, Emma Dalby and Samantha
Stanbridge arrived along with Amy Wilkinson the make-up artist. The studio was a buzz as we set to work
preparing the lighting, costumes and overall look.
The
infinity cove was a huge success with the full-length shots and the black backdrop
enabled moody and dramatic looks to be created.
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| by Lesley Saunders |
The
studio is perfectly equipped to set-up a minimum of 3 backdrops at one time
with the hi-glide system covering all of the “shooting” space. The lights and softboxes used in this shoot
were 2 x 500watt Bowens with reflectors lighting the back of the infinity cove
and two strip softboxes with 500watt lights for the subject. A softbox was used as the key light for the
black backdrop with a backlight bouncing onto the models hair.
The
laughter and chatter was an indication of the fun all were having, what a great
way to spend a Sunday.
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| Image by Lesley Saunders Elle Je Photography Studio |
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| Image by Lesley Saunders Elle Je Photography Studio |
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| Image by Lesley Saunders Elle Je Photography Studio |
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| Image by John Perring |
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| Image by Rob Inglis |
If you are looking for a studio to hire then contact Lesley on 07790016535
Would you like your portrait taking for that special gift or special occasion? contact Lesley on 07790016535 or email lesley@elleje.com
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
Adon Blanc use Elle Je Studios
Elle Jé Photography Studio hired by Adon Blanc Boutique
All though it
may appear Elle Je Studios have been quiet recently, well that certainly isn’t
the case. Since moving to the new studio
beginning of July we have not stopped and last week was no exception. A bubbly week with the studio hired out to
Adon Blanc, a company that provides stunning clothes. The studio was alive with groups of models,
photographer and his assistants, make-up artist, hair stylist and general
helpers. Nicolle, the proprietor of
Nicolle’s Boutique who sells a selection of luxury hair extensions, directed
the shoot. The studio was a buzz with
costume changing, music playing, laughter and banter. The infinity cove was the favorite backdrop
as the majority of the images will be used for the website. While talking about favorites as you can see
from the images the strip softboxes were a hit. Elle Jé Studios offer a large
selection of softboxes and reflectors, a boom stand for product and overhead lighting
plus an abundance of backdrops to choose from.
Check out our
website for more information www.ellejestudio.com
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Elle Je Photography Studio
Elle Jé Photography Studio Moves to
Whatton in the Vale
The new studio is now set-up and
functional…………hooray!!
What a busy first week at the studio with
family shoots, product shoot and musicians.
A great start to a new venue with the
wonderful singer Campbell Bass and the amazing saxophonist Alan Walker photo shoot. What a way of inaugurating the studio!
The studio was put through its pace and
like anything different or indeed new there are compromises to be made and
challenges to overcome. The new infinity
cove worked a treat enabling me to get the clean shots that I required for this
shoot. A broad selection of images was
required and to achieve the results we were looking for, a good selection of
soft boxes were used.
For the infinity cove I used auto poles to
support high spots to light the backdrop bleaching the background to create high key lighting. Than the subject
strobes were introduced. The key
and support light were accompanied with square soft boxes for a softer light. For
the subtler look the background lights were reduced to enable a softer backdrop. I find auto poles to be such an asset in the
studio environment, how did we manage without them! Superb for supporting
lights and also backdrops yet taking up so little room, flexibility in an
aluminium pole……….
Having fun in the studio..........the experience!
We used props in the cove including high
stools, chaise lounge, funky chairs and ladders, but hey it helps when you have
a great model who is patient. So
infinity cove tried and tested with excellent results and great shots that Campbell Bass can use for his promotional and marketing collateral, now to try the
black background…….. Good job we have a blackout
blind to darken the room but what a pleasure to also have the use of ambiance
light as an option. The strip soft boxes
were used to capture the Oxford Bags that Campbell Bass was wearing for this section
and the use of the snoot for the more moody look.Next we moved over to the stairwell
backdrop to create those traditional looking shots with Alan and Campbell Bass. Great so plenty of room to have 3 backdrops
on the go at one time, spoilt yet again!Like any change we have to adapt or get out and wow I was so pleased with the ease of the new studio and look forward to the Camera Clubs first meet in the new studio, yet again another test especially with such creative individuals in the club.
Using an Infinity Cove
Many photographers select to use an infinity cove when creating portraits, however using a white backdrop is not as easy as it may appear and indeed a black backdrop is much easier to work with. Light bounces throughout the cove but if it is not lit correctly you can be disappointed with the results. Of course you can tweak the image in one of the editing software packages but we should be getting it right in camera.
To create a successful image we have to first light the subject and meter. Once we have the subject in place the next task is to light the background evenly. If we do not light the background, although the cove is white, we will create an image that has a grey background. Depending where you place the key light in relation to your subject and backdrop it will either be grey or dark grey.
The background when metered should read one stop brighter than the subject. If we were to make the backdrop very bright then the result often is light from the background reflecting and spilling onto the back of the subject.
If my subject is measuring F11 then the backdrop should meter F16. Once you have achieved this then measure how much light is spilling from the background onto the back of the subject, you are looking for this to read F11 thus preventing flash back and spillage.
For further information about Elle Je Studios visit www.ellejestudio.com or contact us on 07790016535, email:Lesley@elleje.com
Riverbank Business Park, Old Grantham Road, Whatton, Nottingham, NG13 9FR
Monday, 24 February 2014
Majestic India
A Breathtaking Experience.........Majestic India
Although there
are many wonderful places throughout the world, there are few places that are
so humbling and yet so majestic that they take your breath away. Throughout my travels I have visited many
awe-inspiring places but a few stand out above the rest. One of those memorable journeys is Petra in
Jordan, such a stunning experience which is very hard to describe. As you drink
in the amazing structures an emotion overwhelms you that create tingles throughout
your whole body. I couldn't believe my
luck when I came across such a similar encounter in India. As you walk around the corner you are met with
the most amazing topography, lustrous temples standing proud, rock formations
commanding attention. For those of you
that have had the opportunity to visit this marvellous place you will know I am
talking about Hampi in Northern
Karnataka. The tranquillity that engulfed
this wonderful World Heritage Site was such a contrast to some of the
astonishing Indian cities that I have had the pleasure to visit.
As I walked around the monuments and sites I couldn't help but smile,
although a serene mystic place, the cheerfulness of the people was still as
infectious as I have found throughout all my travels within India. From vendors
to tourists I couldn't help but get lost in the emotions of these individuals.
I was in awe of the precision to which the young men handled the
magnificent elephants as they bathed them in the river. The tourists watching
this everyday occurrence were amazed at the exercise, the local’s didn’t appear
to notice what was occurring, they just continued with their daily chores. It’s on occasions like this that I stop and
realize just how much we take for granted. When had I last observed a tradition in the
city I come from acknowledging the uniqueness? I really do not remember!
There were groups of men and women that had travelled specifically to visit
Hampi. The striking colours of their
attire projected a three dimensional visual against the surreal background of
the stunning scenery. Here I was amidst
this amazing World Heritage Site and still the vibrant colours of India that I had
become so familiar with engulfed me. The
jewellery worn by the women glistened in the bright sunlight adding extra
richness to a location already rich in history.
I watched the children playing totally oblivious to their surroundings, the
usual joy on their faces as they became engrossed in their games. Hopefully they would grow up to appreciate
this magical place and not become complacent about it as we so often do. The young boy masquerading in his precious possession
his sunglasses amused me. He was so
proud when he viewed the photograph I had taken and before I knew what was
happening I was surrounded by youngsters competing to get their photographs
taken. Some of the professional models
could learn from the poses these children displayed! The young girl adorned in a vivid blue dress
complimented by vibrant orange bows placed tenderly in her hair was unaware of
what was happening around her, the most important thing to her at that moment
was enjoying the kernel from the coconut she was eating.
As I weaved through the lanes they became alive with activity, vendors
selling their wares, craftsmen displaying their skills, tourists spell bound by
the atmosphere, teenagers giggling and children running around. I observed the
‘Holy Man’ zigzagging his way amongst the crowds stopping to bestow his
blessing on those who had the time to spare and individuals who purposely
approached him. The women carrying their
heavy loads not having the time to stop and chat, the determination in their
face was one of someone with a deadline to complete.
The sun was getting hotter and it was time to rest with an ice cold
drink! I sat back in the shade watching
the family drying their clothes after having fun cooling off in the river. The small motor boats ferried people back and
forth to the opposite sides of the water the passengers gingerly exiting the
vessel but smiles beaming across their faces.
It is these special moments that I realize just how important my camera
is, what better way to capture such timeless moments but through a lens of a
camera. As they say every picture tells
a story and I certainly have a story book from my short trip to such a
fascinating corner of India.
After resting I strolled to the hub of Hampi where shops displayed their
goods, the aromas of food and coffee filled the air and the hustle and bustle
of people stretched along the streets. Groups of families and friends blocked
the pavements as they talked and laughed amongst themselves, again evidence of
closeness amongst families. These
wonderful moments often transport me back to the times when as a child we would
go on a family outing to the countryside, packed lunches and outdoor games for
amusement. How precious those trips were,
family and friends spending quality time together trying desperately to find a
balance between work and pleasure. My observations of India show that this is
not an issue family always comes first and quality time is automatically a part
of a daily routine. I'm sure many European countries could learn from the
Indian way of life, I certainly have!
I do not say goodbye to Hampi I know I will return again.
You can read more about my perceptions
and experiences and why I choose to capture the images that I do in my travels,
in further blogs. Please visit my
website www.ellejestudio.com to see
more of my portrayals.
Happy Clicking!
Lesley J Saunders
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