9 creative photo ideas to try in November

jmeyer | Inspire | 01/11/2012 01:00am

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08 Shoot an environmental portrait of a professional at work

Commercial location photographer Ian Aitken took this image as part of a series for a client.  “I took this photograph using a simple lighting set-up,” he reveals.

“By using a one light set-up with a portable softbox I was able to produce a flat, head-on light. When taking pictures of people you don’t want them to feel bewildered, so by using just one light I could get better, more natural, results.”

As this image was part of a series it was important for Ian to get consistent results.

“I lit all the portraits in exactly the same way and set the aperture to f/8. This ensured the background and subject remained sharp. The background is just as important as the subject, as it reveals something about their trade.

“ For each subject I got them to hold what they produce, and to look directly into the lens.”

Get started today…

Use one light source. If you don’t have a softbox to fit over your flashlight you can use an elastic band and some greaseproof paper to diffuse the light.
Be sure to include some important background details to contextualise the worker within their working environment.
If you’re shooting a series, keep lighting consistent and set the aperture to f/8 throughout.

Shoot split-second splash photography
Shoot a self-portrait
Shoot abstract interiors
Shoot astrophotography
Shoot underground
Shoot seascapes at twilight
Shoot cityscapes at dusk
Shoot an environmental portrait of a professional at work
Shoot a coastal landscape at first light