#bryce bladon

[frogmanslightschool]

Studio Headshots

Above are some of my favourite headshots from the past few months.

I originally envisioned my studio setup to be similar to what Peter Hurley achieves with Kino lighting. However (and with no disrespect meant to Peter Hurley), I strove to create a more unique look. It doesn't help that Kino lighting is expensive. I researched numerous DIY setups before settling on one similar to what Joe Edelman prescribes, with my own unique twist.

It isn't complicated. Typically, I keep two fluorescent fixtures with four tubes on heavy-duty lightstands in front of the subject, and two fluorescent fixtures with two tubes as rim/hair lighting, in addition to whatever available light comes through my studio's south-facing window. It's flattering, it highlights the eyes, and I know what my shot will look like before I take it. Plus, I can add diffusers to my lights as necessary. It's easy to set up and take down, and you can even throw it in a car for location-based shots.

Quick tips for portraits: 

In order of importance: expression > eyes > jaw(line)

Sometimes a subject can use direction, but avoid making them feel like a mannequin. 

You can get away with some Photoshop work, but faces don't allow for too much; plastic skin takes you right to uncanny valley.

Remember the rule of thirds (avoid putting the subject dead centre)

The subject's whole body impacts the look, even if it's mostly their face. Dynamic shoulder position and comfortable posture are apparent in the finished product.

Use a makeup artist for professional headshots.

Subjects (top to bottom, left to right): Debs Howard, Matt Hamilton, Matthew Graham, Nico Dicecco

Photo by Bryce

You can find more of me here via #bladonphoto or via these links: [website | tumblr | portfolio | twitter | wish list]

[frogmanslightschool]

Fog in Daylight

Fog is one of my favourite things in the world. It can make a familiar setting unique, and it can do a lot of fun things with light. One thing I strive to do with photography is to capture something with my own original perspective.

Photography is as much about what's included in the frame as what isn't. Fog makes this rule more true than ever. The biggest challenge is how unreliable your light readings will be. You can't use automatic settings here. There's some trial and error, and the setting is in constant flux - but once you get your shot, chances are, you'll be the only one who ever took that particular photo.

Quick Tips for shooting in the fog:

You can use automatic settings as a baseline, but don't rely on them. 

Your setting/subject is in constant flux; don't stop paying attention to shutter speed, aperture, and in some cases, ISO.

Play with light (see my "Fog at Night" post for examples)

Post-processing fog can be a lot of fun and can create a lot of unique looks 

Photos by Bryce

You can find more of me here via #bladonphoto or via these links: [website | tumblr | portfolio | twitter | wish list]

[frogmanslightschool]

Fog at Night

I took these after a friend's birthday; the group I was with were heading to a club when I parted ways with them due to a migraine. I had a 40-minute walk to manage across downtown, and I had my camera. This is what came of it.

Neon and street lights do a lot of interesting stuff in the fog, especially if you play with your ISO settings and your aperture. 

Usually, if you're shooting landscape, you want your aperture as small as possible. On your camera's settings, this translates to a higher f-stop, e.g. f/16. You do this because it allows as much of the image to be in focus as possible. 

Of course, fog makes stuff out of focus regardless of your camera settings, so you can have fun with shots that should typically be on the higher f-stop. By using a lower one, less is in focus, but more light is let in. Combine that with the naturally reflective fog and you have some unique night shots. 

The same goes for a high ISO, but in reverse. There's a lot more light bouncing around, and thus, a high ISO can peak much easier than on a clear light. 

All of that said, these images aren't perfect. A close look will reveal a lot of noise in the so-called black areas. Fog is tricky, especially in regards to reading your settings. Even more so if you're wincing when you check your screen since part of your brain wants out. 

Quick tips for shooting fog at night:

In my opinion, photography as "painting with light" is never more true than in this setting. Play with all sorts of different lights and settings!

Your aperture can do a lot of unique things in this setting. 

Settings are more reliable than fog in the day, but they can still lie. Your main concern is over- or under-exposing.

Photo by Bryce

You can find more of me here via these links: [website | tumblr | portfolio | twitter | wish list]

[frogmanslightschool]

Stanley Park in the Fog

You can find more of me here via #bladonphoto or via these links: [website | tumblr | portfolio | twitter | wish list]

[frogmanslightschool]

Greetings from Bryce Bladon

My name is Bryce Bladon. That's me making bedroom eyes at you in the first photo.

I'm an award-winning writer and photographer who acts as editor-in-chief for the popular tumblr blog Clients From Hell. I specialize in a wide array of photography, but my studio is best known for its portrait, event, and landscape photos.

I enjoy long walks, big dogs, and having the lifestyle of a bitter retiree. My photography journey was an odd one; my first DSLR, a Canon 60D, was purchased for videography purposes. Truth be told, the sheer number of friends I had who called themselves photographers intimidated me from the field for some time. While I still do videography work, photography quickly became my passion. Those friends became my first teachers, and many of them continue to be. 

Tools of the trade:

For large-scale professional work (e.g weddings, commercial, etc.), I rent gear to supplement my kit. I prefer prime lenses (lenses that don't zoom) for quality of image.

Camera: Canon 5D MKII Lenses: Canon 35mm f/1.4L | Canon 50mm f/1.4 | Canon 85mm f/1.8 Flashes: Canon 580 EXII | Gary Fong Lightsphere Accessories: Manfrotto 074 Tripod w/ Manfrotto 128 Head (heavy duty for studio and videography work) | Manfrotto MKC3-H01 Tripod Software: Adobe Photoshop CS6 | Adobe Lightroom 5

Studio setup: I built my semi-mobile studio setup myself. It combines constant lighting (non-flash) via florescent fixtures and ambient light via my studio's south-facing window. I use a variety of backdrops and reflectors as necessary.

You can find more of me here: [website | tumblr | CFH | portfolio | twitter | wish list]

I will be using #bladonphoto to tag all of my posts.