500px Model Vs. Photographer

A few weeks ago, I decided to change things up a bit by partaking in a photography event held by 500px.com. Dubbed “Model Vs. Photographer,” the Toronto community of photographers, models, and make-up artists came together, collaborated, and just overall had a great time at the headquarters of 500px.

For those of you who know me, know that I don’t do a whole lot of portrait photography, let alone any studio setups, so this was a little bit of fresh air for me. Nonetheless, seeing what other photographers do, act, and shoot was an enlightening experience.

There were a number of different models that showed up, willing to be directed in any which way possible for the photographers in many different lighting setups, both with studio lights and natural lights. The make-up artists did a fantastic job styling the models. For the most part, I wandered around looking around at what others were doing, while taking some studio shots of my own, which I’ve included below. I did very little editing in terms of post-production, with the exception of touching up skin-tones, and styling the one photo below, as you will obviously know.

I can see how sculpting light to better your photos can be challenging and quite fun at the same time. However, I personally still prefer the use of natural light for my subjects whenever possible.

J’Den

J’Den hails from Taiwan, and he dressed himself for the first time with this trench coat that day. It fit his style well. What I liked about J’Den was his bone structure on his face. It has a masculine feel to it, and suits him well. He likes to dance as well.

Lighting here was a medium-sized soft box to camera right and a white paper backdrop.

Tried a low-light photo to focus on his facial structure.
Tried a low-light photo to focus on his facial structure.

Lighting below was a single flash bouncing off of a reflector with a brick wall for the backdrop.

Attempted a different style of editing here.
Attempted a different style of editing here.

Hailey

Hailey is a 500px staff member and she voluntarily came and posed for us. I loved her beautiful blue eyes that literally pop out at you. Couple that with her long, curly hair and you have a winning combination.

Lighting was a large octobox box to camera left with a white paper backdrop.

Tried to capture the peacefulness of Hailey.
Tried to capture the peacefulness of Hailey.

Those eyes just draw you in.

The focus of attention was put on her beautiful eyes.
The focus of attention was put on her beautiful eyes.

Oleg

Oleg is a boxer and he had the right moves. He’s muscular and has a rugged, unshaven look that screams masculinity. One look at him and he reminded me of Guile from the late 80s Capcom video game, Street Fighter. Guile would often pose with his back to us, so I had Oleg do the same. I think it worked out quite well.

Oleg's figure reminded me of Guile from the game Street Fighter, so I had him pose similarly.
A little desaturation here makes this a more rugged look.
He's in fact a kick-boxer, hence this pose.
I had him do an uppercut for me.

Brian

Brian works for 500px as well, which is why he has that shirt on. He was sitting on the steps with one single clamp light with softbox right above his head. Despite the tattoos and rugged beard, Brian’s a really nice and friendly guy. I loved Brian’s natural and personable expression, which I hoped I captured here.

Brian sitting on the steps with one clamp light shining on top of his head.
Brian sitting on the steps with one clamp light shining on top of his head.

It was a fun event full of experimentation for me. I look forward to more of these events as it’s always a great learning experience and helps you grow as a photographer. Not to mention it’s always fun meeting new people as well. Thanks 500px for the opportunity!

If you don’t know what 500px.com is, feel free to go to their site and open a free account to share your photography. Or just browse around other members’ photography; it’ll keep you busy for hours on end!

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