How can I take photographs like this one

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Stardust

New member
Hello :) First, i just want to say that I'm a beginner in photography so keep that in mind while reading this :D Ok so I have a Nikon D5100 (obviously lol) and the basic lens, no additional stuff and I was wondering if there is a technique to take photos like this:
http://shrani.si/f/2i/Ct/43mx5DbN/light.jpg

The point is in the background, I love it, it's so light and white and the whole look is so soft - how to achieve this lightining with only having a camera and a white wall? Is it mostly photoshop or are there any tricks?

Thank you so much :)
 
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pedroj

Senior Member
Welcome....It's a combination of all....Back drops, lighting, Photoshop and of course know how and skill...

How to achieve all of these things read, watch tuition videos, ask questions and have a go...
 
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Philnz

Senior Member
Stardust said:
Hello :) First, i just want to say that I'm a beginner in photography so keep that in mind while reading this :D Ok so I have a Nikon D5100 (obviously lol) and the basic lens, no additional stuff and I was wondering if there is a technique to take photos like this:
http://shrani.si/f/2i/Ct/43mx5DbN/light.jpg

The point is in the background, I love it, it's so light and white and the whole look is so soft - how to achieve this lightining with only having a camera and a white wall? Is it mostly photoshop or are there any tricks?

Thank you so much :)
Click to expand...
Find a good Model. You have a lot to learn. Not trying to be unkind. But these images would have taken hours hours of work. Most of us would love to be able do this kind of work. Regards Phil
 
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madcapmagishion

Banned
I guess by basic lens you mean the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR kit lens, which by the way is an excellent lens just not so much for portraits. I have heard from photography instructors and professional photographers alike that the ideal size lens for portraits is a 105mm on a full frame (FX) body. While the D5100 is a DX body, so a 70mm lens would be perfect. (70mm X 1.5 = 105mm) Then you need to learn about lighting and acquire some good lighting gear. (masters, slaves, strobes, umbrellas, reflectors and some backdrops) So take some classes and learn what you can and ask questions. And most importantly like what Philnz said above, find a good, beautiful and willing model to work with.
 
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Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
There is no way you can achieve these kind of shots with just a camera and a white wall. You need extensive lights and a lot of knowledge and practice before you can start creating images just close to these.

It's like if someone who just bought his first car was asking what's the trick to driving his car like on the formula 1 circuit...

Get real!
 
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§am

Senior Member
Time and practice is how.
Just keep trying, take pics, learn from books, online, videos etc.

But most importantly you have to go and take the pics, cuz theory alone won't help.
The models - well they will come with time :)
 
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gav329

Senior Member
I think stardust was just asking a question and as he stated he's a beginner. He doesn't realise it's not just a white wall and light.

Give him a break come on.


Gav

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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pedroj

Senior Member
gav329 said:
I think stardust was just asking a question and as he stated he's a beginner. He doesn't realise it's not just a white wall and light.

Give him a break come on.


Gav

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

What do you reckon we should tell him?? A load of BS...He asked a question....
 
enlodan

enlodan

New member
Come on!!! shame on you all!!! Stardust is only making a simple question! even though it isn't a easy answer were are obligated to give some advice or clue to where to start!!!

Stardust, that picture obviously is well made, with expensive camera and expensive equipment and expensive model.

For photography, I suggest you visit Strobist

After a year using my nikon d3000 i think i achieved pictures that looks like that one.

Here is a tutorial i just read. It's about soft lighting.

Gorgeous Soft Light With One Speedlite | DIYPhotography.net

At first, when i started with photography i was overwhelmed with all the info and money i needed to spend. But after a while, practicing and practicing, and practicing again i found my skills have improved a lot.

Take care!
 
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pedroj

Senior Member
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Eye-level

Banned
Personally I think those snaps in the OP are mediocre blown out over amped crap but hey that is just me. I mean he is not even using HDR and he cooked those so long they are completely dried out.
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
I'm not seeing anything wrong with these replies. It would be the same as a poster telling us he has a very sharp knife and wants to know how he can do brain surgery. There's a lot more to brain surgery than just having a sharp knife. Having a nice camera is just the beginning of a very steep learning curve with no shortcuts.
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
Is this person related to the guy who was whining about not being able to take shots like those we see on the Nikon.com site? It's great to be curious and gung ho about things, but we all need to walk before we run. Geez
 
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Fork

Senior Member
Eye-level said:
Personally I think those snaps in the OP are mediocre blown out over amped crap but hey that is just me. I mean he is not even using HDR and he cooked those so long they are completely dried out.
Click to expand...

I can't decide if you're being sarcastic or serious.
 
D12345678

D12345678

Senior Member
Seems to me like all the replies here are on the right track. Sometimes I see people here over complicate things instead of cutting through the BS and getting straight to the point, but I don't think there was anything too complex about the first few replies.
 
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Stardust

New member
Thanks everybody, appreciate the advices :) And some of you are really easily annoyed, I must say :p As I have said, I am a beginner and a lot of stupid things will come out of my mouth, but I do know I can't possibly take photographs like the one in the example.. just yet :) I was just trying to find out how to achieve similar lightning, so thanks for "directioning" me :)
 
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