Scenic Backdrop

bigalbest · Jan 21, 2009

I'm building an outdoor backdrop in my backyard. I'm building against the south wall because it is in shade all day. I put ivy in the planter (only grows in shade), excavated the ground and now will add a pave stone patio.

Started with a retaining wall. After I lay the pave stone patio, I plan on adding a couple runs of brick to the top of the wall and mounting trellis for the ivy to grow on.

This has been a lot of work but I think it will be worth it.

andrew99 · Jan 22, 2009

That's going to look sweet!

I really like the curve on the patio.

Did you do any post processing to the last 2 photos? They have that smooth surreal digital look I've been trying to figure out.. Or is it just from underexposing the ambient a bit?

bigalbest · Jan 22, 2009

andrew99 said:
That's going to look sweet! I really like the curve on the patio.

Did you do any post processing to the last 2 photos? They have that smooth surreal digital look I've been trying to figure out.. Or is it just from underexposing the ambient a bit?

Thanks andrew99, there is very little processing on these. The look I like is to balance ambient with strobes to get crisp colors and detail. Keep in mind these were shot in bright daylight at small apertures (f18-f22), with a powerful light. I start out at 1/160 and dial down to bring the ambient right where I want it.

Here is an example where I shot f20 at 1/100.

I laid half the brick this morning and will do the rest tomorrow. I wore out a pair of gloves and can barely lift my arms, so hopefully I can finish by Saturday with any luck. I'll add more pictures when it's done.

andrew99 · Jan 22, 2009

Ok, cool, thanks for the tip. I have only hotshoe flashes (Vivitar 285HV's and an SB600), so maybe I don't have enough power. I have to experiment more, though. I'm jealous of your weather -- it's below freezing here in Canada, so not much fun shooting outside!

bigalbest · Jan 23, 2009

Almost there. :mrgreen:

andrew99 · Jan 23, 2009

Wow, you work fast!! This would have taken me a week!

MissMia · Jan 23, 2009

That's awesome Alex!

dtornabene1 · Jan 23, 2009

Now we just need to get that ivy growing. I know some people at Wrigley that might have some ideas! Sorry, but I am such a huge Cubs fan, this is the only thing I think of when I hear ivy.

It looks great Alex!

-Nick

bigalbest · Jan 23, 2009

andrew99 said:
Wow, you work fast!! This would have taken me a week!

Maybe a little too fast, my hands and arms are shot.

MissMia said:
That's awesome Alex!

Thanks Christina.

dtornabene1 said:
Now we just need to get that ivy growing. I know some people at Wrigley that might have some ideas! Sorry, but I am such a huge Cubs fan, this is the only thing I think of when I hear ivy.

It looks great Alex!

-Nick

Thanks dtornabene1.

bigalbest · Jan 25, 2009

Wow, that was a lot of work but here it is. Wanted to set up lights this afternoon but the wind picked up so I did a little hdr.

mitsugirly · Jan 25, 2009

Wow that looks really good...amazing job! I can't wait to see pictures with this background now.

bigalbest · Jan 26, 2009

mitsugirly said:
Wow that looks really good...amazing job! I can't wait to see pictures with this background now.

Thanks mitsugirly, pictures coming soon... :mrgreen:

Katier · Jan 26, 2009

andrew99 said:
Ok, cool, thanks for the tip. I have only hotshoe flashes (Vivitar 285HV's and an SB600), so maybe I don't have enough power. I have to experiment more, though. I'm jealous of your weather -- it's below freezing here in Canada, so not much fun shooting outside!

Pretty sure they'd be fine. Strobist's use conventional flashes for some incredible work requiring much higher light levels than the OP's work.

There was a picture ( that I can't find right now ) on strobist where the photographer had lit up the side of an elevated train as part of the picture. The flashes (two of) must have been something like 50ft from the train sides but lit it up just fine.

bigalbest · Jan 26, 2009

Katier said:
Pretty sure they'd be fine. Strobist's use conventional flashes for some incredible work requiring much higher light levels than the OP's work.

There was a picture ( that I can't find right now ) on strobist where the photographer had lit up the side of an elevated train as part of the picture. The flashes (two of) must have been something like 50ft from the train sides but lit it up just fine.

I'm not sure you understand the light levels involved, but I still would like to see a picture of this train.