From a photo session I did with my friend Michael in downtown Portland Oregon. This shoot was all about experimenting—playing with light, color, and atmosphere in an urban setting with a fast aperture in order to bring subtle light sources to life. Taken during blue hour inside of a parking garage, these images were captured using only natural and available light. Blue hour’s cool tones provided the perfect color contrast and mood, further enhanced by a cooler white balance setting than what I would typically use for portraits.
Canon 5D MKIII, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II lens
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This one was shot with a different lens, and not wide open. I'm sure some will prefer this look over the other, though it's not my favorite.
Canon EF 35mm f/2 lens.
DanielScott wrote:
From a photo session I did with my friend Michael in downtown Portland Oregon. This shoot was all about experimenting—playing with light, color, and atmosphere in an urban setting with a newly acquired lens with very fast aperture capabilities in order to bring subtle light sources to life. Taken during blue hour inside of a parking garage, these images were captured using only natural and available light. Blue hour’s cool tones provided the perfect contrast, creating a moody, cinematic palette that felt both intimate and alive, further enhanced by a cooler white balance setting than what I would typically use for portraits. My goal isn’t to chase technical perfection but to create a mood that resonates.
I think the first two images best meet your "cinematic" goal of mixing cool tones with warm. As a former heavy smoker (quit 16+ years ago) I didn't expect the visceral reaction I had upon first seeing the first image. I guess there's some hard wired fight still going on in this old guy.
friscoron wrote:
I'd say you succeeded. Great job! I like the last one for the setting if nothing else. No. 3 is probably my fave, but that's a tough call.
Thanks man! I definitely wanted to get some shots on the fire escape, but it required a wider lens than the 85 that I used for the rest of the shots. Eventually I'd like to get a 35 f/1.4 to replace the 35 f/2 that I used for that shot.
James Markus wrote:
I think the first two images best meet your "cinematic" goal of mixing cool tones with warm. As a former heavy smoker (quit 16+ years ago) I didn't expect the visceral reaction I had upon first seeing the first image. I guess there's some hard wired fight still going on in this old guy.
Thank you James!
Didn't mean to cause a reaction like that, my bad!
I too like the last one for the setting. The lens choice didn't hurt anything. It looks like it was composed, exposed, and edited purposefully and thoughtfully just like the others.
Personally, I tend to gravitate toward images with mood, character, and a cinematic feel, and these deliver in spades. Absolutely love this set!
Oscarsmadness wrote:
I too like the last one for the setting. The lens choice didn't hurt anything. It looks like it was composed, exposed, and edited purposefully and thoughtfully just like the others.
Personally, I tend to gravitate toward images with mood, character, and a cinematic feel, and these deliver in spades. Absolutely love this set!
Thank you so much for the kind words! I find it’s easier to capture that mood and cinematic feel when I’m photographing friends—it’s more relaxed and gives me space to experiment and enjoy the process with zero pressure. Bringing that same approach to client sessions is something I’m working on, and it’s definitely a challenge.
