Location Photography: From Research to Post-Production
1h 15mIntermediate2017-11-10
Authors

Joe McNally
Photographer
Course details
When you're on location, getting the right shot can require imagination, resourcefulness, and even a bit of improvisation. In this course, follow along with photographer Joe McNally as he goes on location to photograph a belly dancer. Throughout the course, Joe highlights his entire workflow—from researching the subject and gathering the right gear for the shoot, to setting up the shot and dealing with on-set challenges, all the way to post-production. He discusses several techniques for working with a dancer, as well as techniques for transforming a location so that it best complements your subject.
Learning objectives
Researching the subject
Conducting a phone interview
Essential pieces of gear for a dance shoot
Working with a photo assistant
Setting up and changing a shot
Visualizing the first shot
Creating a lighting setup that complements your subject
Modifying the environment
Dealing with on-set challenges
Attaching lights to a subject
Learning objectives
Researching the subject
Conducting a phone interview
Essential pieces of gear for a dance shoot
Working with a photo assistant
Setting up and changing a shot
Visualizing the first shot
Creating a lighting setup that complements your subject
Modifying the environment
Dealing with on-set challenges
Attaching lights to a subject
Skills covered
Photo BusinessSmall Business and EntrepreneurshipPhotoshopPhotographyAdobeOne-Off
Concepts
Working with a Dancer
- About this shot
- Meet the subject
Research, Gear, and Crew
- Experience with dance photography
- Researching the subject
- Conducting a phone interview
- Essential gear for the shoot
- Working with a photo assistant
Loading In and Setting Up the Shot
- Load-in and setting up the shot
- Setting up the shot
- Flash and camera settings
- Changing the shot
Getting the Shot - Setup 1
- Visualize the first shot
- Lighting setup
- Hot lights and safety on set
- Lens and camera settings
- Modifying the backlight
- Modifying the environment
- Shooting front curtain sync
- Thoughts on the shoot so far
Dealing with Challenges On Set
- Communicating with the subject
- Dealing with conflict on set
- Protecting yourself and your crew
Getting the Shot - Setup 2
- Visualizing the second shot
- Attaching lights to the subject
- Blacking out the room and adjusting shutter speed
- Shooting with manual focus
- Thoughts on the entire shoot
Post-Production and Aesthetics
- Postproduction approach
- Try new things
- Balancing the technical and the aesthetics
Conclusion
- Experience across genres
- Lessons learned