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
1. Working with a Dancer
- 01 - About this shot
- 02 - Meet the subject
2. Research, Gear, and Crew
- 03 - Experience with dance photography
- 04 - Researching the subject
- 05 - Conducting a phone interview
- 06 - Essential gear for the shoot
- 07 - Working with a photo assistant
3. Loading In and Setting Up the Shot
- 08 - Load-in and setting up the shot
- 09 - Setting up the shot
- 10 - Flash and camera settings
- 11 - Changing the shot
4. Getting the Shot - Setup 1
- 12 - Visualize the first shot
- 13 - Lighting setup
- 14 - Hot lights and safety on set
- 15 - Lens and camera settings
- 16 - Modifying the backlight
- 17 - Modifying the environment
- 18 - Shooting front curtain sync
- 19 - Thoughts on the shoot so far
5. Dealing with Challenges On Set
- 20 - Communicating with the subject
- 21 - Dealing with conflict on set
- 22 - Protecting yourself and your crew
6. Getting the Shot - Setup 2
- 23 - Visualizing the second shot
- 24 - Attaching lights to the subject
- 25 - Blacking out the room and adjusting shutter speed
- 26 - Shooting with manual focus
- 27 - Thoughts on the entire shoot
7. Post-Production and Aesthetics
- 28 - Postproduction approach
- 29 - Try new things
- 30 - Balancing the technical and the aesthetics
Conclusion
- 31 - Experience across genres
- 32 - Lessons learned