PP28032022 – How I shot This

Quick Links

Photographed by Paulina Pietraszkiewicz

Before
the Shoot

Location Equipment

The people that you can see in the picture are my favorite filmmakers. They asked me to take branding photos of them. They wanted me to take pictures wich showed who their really are, what they do, the way they live, so pictures that really reflect their old movie souls. We’ve looked through hundreds of vintage magazine covers, we scoured boards on Pintereset and we’ve watched several vintage movies to find some inspiraction for this shoot.

I wanted to create this feeling of cinema, through the use of light, the atmosphere, and even their actions. Having them do something that also tells a story and begs the viewer to ask questions.

Location Name

"Studio Rzeka"

Location aDDRESS

ul. Długa 8/14 m. 4 00-238 Warszawa

Country

Poland

Location TYPE

Private Home / AirBnB / Apartment

Equipment

Camera

Canon R6

Flash

None

Lens

Canon 35 mm f/1.4 L

Lens Filter

None

Other Equipment

No additional equipment was used.

During
the Shoot

Directions Composition Focus Light & Exposure

Description

Since I had a big bond with the couple, I did not have to give them any special instructions. Something that I always ask them is to be close and in constant motion – that they keep touching each other. I always say that the most important thing is their comfort! For this shot, I simply had them lay on the floor and find a comfortable position – even one that they’ve found themselves in before.

What was said

Guys, lets get you close to each other and lie on the floor. I want you (girl) to read the magazine while you (guy), lay with your head on her back. And just imagine you were hanging out with each other.

Why I composed the way I did

When it comes to composition, we have a beautiful golden ratio here. The viewer is focused on the girl’s face. In addition, the photo is taken from a higher angle to emphasize the intimacy of the situation and make the characters seem smaller, vulnerable – which enhances their at-home relaxation and comfort.

Focus

Focus mode

Autofocus

Focus Technology

Single Shot

Focused on

The girls face

Focus description

People are the most important in this photo. That’s why I really wanted the face of the girl and her fiancé to emerge from the foreground. I moved the focus point over the girls face and since i had enough light on her, i had no issues locking the focus.

Shutter Speed

1/100

Aperture

f/4.0

ISO

3200

White Balance

5800K

Other Light Sources

No additional light sources were used.

How the light was used

In this photo, I use three light sources. Two lamps which are a natural decoration of the room, and one lamp placed outside the window. I rarely work with artificial light so it was a really big challenge! Especially with matching the color temperature of all three lights. It seems to me that increasing the lighting power or placing a softbox to make it brighter will spoil the whole atmosphere of the photo.

After
the Shoot

Editing & Presets

Editing &
Presets

Editing Software used

Preset Used

own custom preset

How I edited this image

I always try to find naturalness in editing. I often compare the edited photo with the raw one. I check if the skin tones are perfect and if there are no unnatural colors somewhere. Moreover, I always try to check if the lights and shadows look the same as in the raw photo – I do not brighten up additional parts – I let this secret be kept. The basis of good editing is a good raw photo, the edition process should never be treated as saving a bad photo. I use my own preset.

Conclusion

Challenges Solutions Advice

Challenges & Solutions

Events that were challenging during the shoot

I was most afraid that I would not be able to catch the beauty of this delicate, romantic, and definitely mysterious light. The use of artificial light, a lot of smoke, and the lack of daylight terrified me. But the most beautiful things are always the ones that scare us the most!

Solutions I found

I overcame this fear, realizing that I love every kind of light and that I can handle every kind of light, I just have to think carefully about what exactly I expect from a photo

Advice

Always take on challenging projects, only they will really develop you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with light, find your dream couple, and go for it! This is the only way to learn new things!

Photographed by

Paulina Pietraszkiewicz

Poland Canon r6 35 mm

I am Paulina. I am a seeker of light and all that is fleeting- gestures, words, touch, looks, smells, colors and emotions. I take photos 24 hours a day, the camera is always next to my bed. I reluctantly let it go. I’m psychologist, I ride horses, I travel. I love meeting new people and being surrounded by their wonderful energy. I talk a lot, follow adventures, discover unobvious places, and most of all tell magical stories about people.

Menu

Quick Links

Photographed by Paulina Pietraszkiewicz

Before the Shoot

Location

Location Name

Location aDDRESS

Country

Location TYPE

Equipment

Camera

Flash

Lens

Lens Filter

Other Equipment

During the Shoot

Directions

Tags

Description

What was said

Composition

Why I composed the way I did

Tags

Focus

Focus mode

Focus Technology

Focused on

Focus description

Shutter Speed

Aperture

ISO

White Balance

Other Light Sources

Light &Exposure

How the light was used

Tags

Afterthe Shoot

Be notified when new content is published

Editing &Presets

Editing Software used

Preset Used

How I edited this image

Conclusion

Challenges & Solutions

Events that were challenging during the shoot

Solutions I found

Advice

Photographed by

Paulina Pietraszkiewicz

Website / Instagram

You may also like

HOW i SHOT THiS

Hello

Welcome, Friend!

Before
the Shoot

During
the Shoot

Light &
Exposure

After
the Shoot

Editing &
Presets