Archive 2015 · Sean Archer from 500px

russdenney01
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sean Archer from 500px

Hello all,

Some of you may be very familiar with Sean Archer from 500px. He is a natural light, no modifier photographer who went from being unknown in 2012 to getting magazine covers and a HUGE following on 500px.

I recently had the opportunity to complete a one-on-one tutorial with Sean (whose real name is Stanislav), and I have to tell you it was well worth it! 3 solid hours of one on one instruction on his shooting and post-processing techniques. It was all done online via Skype as he is located in Russia. Admittedly, his pics are awesome because he photographs the most gorgeous women, but there is tons of merit in his SIMPLE technique. His weapon of choice is the Olympus OMD EM1 and 45mm 1.8 portrait lens.

The price was very reasonable! This is a totally unsolicited plug as Sean doesn't even know I am doing this. If you're interested, check out his work on 500px. Many of the pics have a link to tell you how to reach out to him.

https://500px.com/SeanArcher

Feb 17, 2015 at 03:38 PM

lowside67
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sean Archer from 500px

https://500px.com/photo/85380571/svetlana-by-sean-archer?from=user

That's natural light with no reflector? That seems like impossible dynamic range to get that face lit so nicely with the intensity of the light behind her?

Mark

Feb 21, 2015 at 12:44 AM

russdenney01
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sean Archer from 500px

Sean commented to me specifically about how the OMD does such a wonderful job metering against backlit subjects right out of the gate. He shoots alone with no assistants, no reflectors, and no flash....most of his indoors shots are at his apartment using natural window light. He supplements the light and textures in post.

I wasn't there for this shot so I can't swear this to be the case, but it would be way out of line with his typical practice if he used anything else.

His post-processing technique tends to create light where there is none or maybe bring out what is already there.

Ask him yourself...PM me if you would like his email address.

Feb 21, 2015 at 09:54 AM

FrancisK7
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sean Archer from 500px

lowside67 wrote:
https://500px.com/photo/85380571/svetlana-by-sean-archer?from=user

That's natural light with no reflector? That seems like impossible dynamic range to get that face lit so nicely with the intensity of the light behind her?

Mark

You could have shot this photo two stops underexposed with something like a D810 and recovered everything plus gotten that face perfectly exposed with a radial filter in LR5. Total tme for PP would be around 20 sec (not counting import workflow).

The DR on the new sensors these days is absolutely amazing!

Edited on Feb 21, 2015 at 01:40 PM · View previous versions

Feb 21, 2015 at 01:39 PM

mmbma
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sean Archer from 500px

great photos, don't get me wrong...
but looks like he is optimized for 500px though: nudes and semi nudes of pretty girls and colorful landscapes.

Feb 21, 2015 at 01:40 PM

russdenney01
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sean Archer from 500px

Agreed.

It certainly helps that he takes photos of the most beautiful women. I still admire his simple yet effective techniques.

Feb 21, 2015 at 02:31 PM

Lisa_Holloway
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sean Archer from 500px

I think he's extremely talented, and yes, he works exclusively with natural light. I don't shoot the same types of subjects but still appreciate his skill.

Feb 21, 2015 at 03:08 PM


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