Is it possible to achieve these looks with a Nikon D70s?

tinkerbell50404 · Jul 18, 2006

How would one- if even possible- be able to achieve shots like these with a Nikon D70s? The whole look, it's hard to pin point what exactly it is, but I don't think I have ever seen a photo taken that is not from a magazine look anything like these. Do you know what I mean?

Is it the lighting? Something done with Photoshop?? I'm stumped.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8376/2004oct4as9.jpg

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6744/normal6sm0.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/482/item06sl0.jpg

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8404/crisoa8.jpg

jonasr_jp · Jul 18, 2006

Hehe i though i would see some more breathtaking pics when i read your thread title, ofcourse there are some lighting involved, but i wouldn`t really say that those shots are so great PS is or some editing is always used to some extent when it comes to model shots, doesnt seem like they have edited so much though.. though im not a pro myself.

*So ofcourse you can take shots like these, hehe im gonna join the club and say the same thing as everyone else, there are no bad cameras just bad photographers *or something like that (^_^)

hobbes28 · Jul 18, 2006

You can absolutely take photos like that with a D70s. I don't think those were edited much at all save for skin flaws and maybe some color adjustments. You'd have to get some lighting to get that effect but the D70s can surely handle it.

markc · Jul 18, 2006

tinkerbell50404 said:
Is it the lighting? Something done with Photoshop?? I'm stumped.

It's the hardest thing about photography: Finding a hot babe to model for you.

Seriously though, it's the combination of the right elements that you just need practice to know how to put together. It's not limited to magazine shoots. You might enjoy looking through these images:

Fashion at Photo.net
Portraits at Photo.net

ksmattfish · Jul 18, 2006

All four of these images look very different to me, but I think any of them could be taken with a D70. I think what you are noticing is the lighting. Some of these were obviously taken with off camera lighting of some sort. The easiest way to get rid of that snap-shotty look is to use natural or off camera lighting.

tinkerbell50404 · Jul 18, 2006

yes they do look different, but yet they still have that magazine look. thanks for your advice.

here is a photo I recently shot of a singer. we were trying to achieve that magazine look, but obviously it wasn't too successful...

markc · Jul 18, 2006

You can get interesting images from ring flashes, but I think you need close crops. They don't do a good job of lighting large areas, as they weren't made for that. You really are very limited when you use on-camera lighting.

Philip Weir · Jul 18, 2006

Any sort of shots can be taken with a D70 [except maybe for some specialised applications]. So many people think the a better camera will take better shots, true they may be sharper, and if digital, higher resolution, but a professional can take great shots with any camera. I remember many years ago being involved in a shoot for Kodak showing how in the right hands the quality of work than can be shot on a Box Brownie. The right model, the right posing, the right location, and the correct lighting and you too can take shots like the ones you posted.

www.philipweirphotography.com

ksmattfish · Jul 18, 2006

I think the biggest difference between your shot and #3 of the links you posted is the background. Yours looks like a dark bedroom. Their's looks like a lit studio backdrop.

Ring flashes are also front lighting, which is usually not as dramatic as lighting from any other direction. Nice for straight photographs of bugs or other small stuff (they are designed to provide even lighting for macro photography). Other than the weird catchlight they are effectively very similar to the flash on a point-n-shoot: front flash very close to the lens axis. Even when you see the ring flash catchlight in magazine photos often times the photographer was also using other lighting in addition.

Soocom1 · Jul 18, 2006

The key here is soft box. Lighting is tricky when you don't know how contrast and hue work with and against each other. Even I don't get all of the fundamentals of it. Reflectors work well, as well as making sure that the right color combination of both the subject and back ground work well with each other. Your best bet for the glamor shots are to research it.

fundamentally, the D-70, or for that matter a 1 Mp pen camera can take shots similar to that. It really is in the lighting.

niccig · Jul 18, 2006

I think your shot shows some potential. I agree that the background needs work, and the reflection of the ring light in her eyes is freaking me out! I think the model and pose are nice though.

tinkerbell50404 · Jul 20, 2006

Thanks for your advice, what you are saying makes a lot of sense.

I took this one yesterday of the same model. The light is actually the sunset directly on her face.

elsaspet · Jul 20, 2006

I've had the pleasure of meeting some famous photogs. One, who I insist on occassion is such a funny tight wad. You would never guess by his images. My equipment is far better, but yet he's the Pulitzer Prize winner.
I wish I had met him before I bought all this crap.
The bottom line is, it's not the camera. On the chain of important things, it's just about nill. I've seen wonderous shots come straight out of a cell phone.
Although the lens is important, far more so than the camera, it's actually the vision of the photographer that makes the most difference.
And also, just so you know, every great photograph, pretty much in modern times, has been photoshopped to hell and back. Why? Because it just makes the photo better. Why not? I admire the purists out there, but I want to think what the photo would be like "amped up" just a little.
You imagination is your limitation.

MightyLeeMoon · Jul 20, 2006

I think the lighting is pretty good in your shots...but it seems like too much detail has been sucked out of her face. A silky smooth look is good...but go too far and the model starts to look odd.

markc · Jul 20, 2006

I'm not sure what camera/lens combo you used, but I think her features would also benfit from a longer focal length.

And direct sun is very difficult to work with. I think diffuse light is going to be your best bet.