I was asked several times about the set-up of the Katie + Hank silhouette shot and I’m happy to share the recipe.
It involved previsualization, an iPhone, rearranging, and post production.
STEP ONE : Scouting & Previsualization
I knew I would be shooting an extremly large dog in and around The Westin. Being a large breed owner myself, I know that large dogs cause lots of attention. Lots of attention is an instant recipe for disaster with a dog. So I went scouting an hour before Katie got there.
Scouting is really helpful when it comes to working with dogs because if you have a few locations to choose from, it puts your mind at ease and you can focus more on working with the dog. I found a secluded area on the second floor with loads of closed doors to ballrooms and conference centers. Because it was a Saturday, it was empty. The minute I walked up the escalator I saw this huge row of windows with sheer curtains. It was literally a natural softbox/studio. Perfect!
I took a photo with my phone to help me visualize what type of image it might become.
STEP TWO : Relaxing & Rearranging
Katie & I had been chatting and shooting for awhile in this area before I decided to attempt the silhouette shot. This was deliberate on my part because the shot I envisioned required a more relaxed Mom & Dog.
Since Hank was so large (he weighs more than Gracie!), I quickly decided that trying to get him onto the leather bench wasn’t going to happen. So I drug it out of the way. If something isn’t working for me, either in a hotel or a home, I’m not afraid to completely rearrange a room. Recognizing things that are in the way or don’t flow before you shoot will help you later when you sit down to edit.
STEP THREE : The Shot
I switched from my 24-70 to my 70-200 because I knew that I really wanted to single out Katie & Hank. I shot a variety of Horizontal and Vertical images. When I sat down to look at them, I liked the look and feel of this one but knew it could be so much more.
For the most part, the below image is straight out of the camera with some blacks added in for contrast.
Settings were ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/200.
STEP FOUR : Post Production
Because this image was shot outside of a studio in a natural situation, I knew that I would have to do some post production to get it to where I wanted it to be. Also, to emphasize both the relationship and the setting, there was no doubt in my mind that it had to be in black and white.
For the below image I did the following:
- Ran my standard black and white conversion (gradient map)
- Bumped up contrast.
- Made it square (for no other reason than I just like square.)
- Slightly rotated the image so the horizon was level.
STEP FIVE : Enhanced Post Production – From Good to Great!
I could have stopped there but I felt that the lines were adding just a touch of distraction. With my white brush I took out the lines. Taking away the lines really brings the focus in on Katie & Hank. You get to fully appreciate so many things including the love she has for him and the size difference!
Their connection was so beautiful and it definitely shows in this final image.
I’m not shy about sharing my images, what they were, and what they can become. Especially if it helps someone else. What questions do you have?
by Erin
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