Book "The Belgians began to save the planet"
June 10th, 2009
A post to present a finished project for Etopia editions , this is the book "The Belgians began to save the planet" Portraits of women and men took action closer to home by the sponsors Christos Doulkeridis Hats and Caroline.
Text of press release
On the one hand, there have been recent years an extraordinary leap in awareness of issues of ecology and sustainable development. Almost no one denies that it is necessary to address the pollution, social inequality, global warming, major epidemics, the impact of waste accumulation, the health problems associated with certain economic choices or some manipulation genetic. On the other hand, we must acknowledge that our societies are not always ready to respond to these structural challenges. The task seems enormous. The answers often seem difficult, controversial or non-existent. All this often leads to the feeling that the answer will come from elsewhere or later, and causes a reaction that is to do (almost) nothing. This finding is contradictory to the basis of this book. Of course it will fail to answer all questions. His sole ambition is to show that, close to home, women and men began to build concrete solutions in most areas, from food to energy, to fashion, finance or construction, to save the planet. This book portrays a few of those, known and least opened the door, hoping that it inspires others to follow. "
My participation in this project was to produce half the portraits in the book is 12 portraits (another photographer Jean Louis Brocade not to quote him, took care of other portraits presented) so I had to organize the various appointments you make the images and most of the time directly to their respective workplaces. The constraint was to work in b / w.
The ideal would have been nice to have them all come in a studio but for reasons of schedule, it was impossible.
My first idea was to contextualize the portraits, have an element that recalls the business of the person to take a picture, I quickly realized that would initially very simplistic and rather grotesque a second time, a stethoscope for Emilie Meesens (Coordinator of Nursing street) and Olivier Marquet (Director of Triodos Ethical Bank) bank notes?
In short, I gave up the idea to concentrate on getting out of portraits that are simple, open and natural with a look into the lens.
One thing I noticed during these meetings is that for most of these "personalities" are set back relative to their ideas that they go much further, my portraits has had to be their image.
I chose to return to 3 portraits and bring you more information on the shooting conditions and shoot.
Thomas the thin Co-founder and director of the news agency Alter
I met Mr. Lemaigre, in its offices in the heart of the town of St Gilles, saw that we had a little time, we did some shooting scenarios.
The first in daylight, with a skylight above the subject and a piece of white cardboard to lead just right, but while still in very Low Key values. (For all images of the book I chose to work directly in black and white in order to have direct insight into the rendering)
The second is simply daylight filtered légé a curtain on the right of the subject with a piece of white cardboard to avoid clogging the left side of body and face.
The third is a light box (with a flash tristar cobra) and another with a cobra flash snoot to bring enough wins on the table from the bottom.
Finally I decided to choose my first decision that ultimately is less open but a mystery and a certain class.
info: 50mm F2, iso 400, 1/100
Alain Hubert, Brussels Mountain guide, explorer, founder of the International Polar Foundation
I met Mr Hubert on the premises of the Polar Foundation, after a small watchtower, I found a dark wall with a large window on the right of the subject and another window on the left to return.
I had very little time available Mr Hubert was returning from an expedition in Antarctica and had many obligations, I've done quite a few portraits "front" and finally choose the 3rd picture.
As already explained earlier article, I shoot b / w directly on the box to preview the RAW file it is in color and in this case I really liked the photo in color
info: 85mm F2, iso 800, 1/125
Gunter Pauli, Brussels / Founder of the Japan Research Institute ZERI
Mr. Pauli was visiting Brussels has two round trips between Tokyo, I was able to go in the lobby of a society in which he was to meet with leaders to develop a lighting based on two soft box (the spot light was not sufficient).
I did a test first on what was available (a plant) Mr. Pauli arrived, told me he had time for a picture, I explained briefly what I expected in terms of attitude and expression, I triggered the guests arrived and he thanked me.
In these cases, we have no right to error, why a test is very important
info: 50mm F1.8, 400 iso, 1/250
In the end I am very happy to have participated in this project and have done all these meetings.
Future articles, Vote!
For items to come you now have the opportunity to vote for what you want to read, it happens in the right column, you can also follow me via Twitter (yes the old trick that is back in fashion without knowing why)
June 10th, 2009 at 12:16
portraits thomas Lemaigre dislocated just right!
June 10th, 2009 at 24:18
Very dark these portraits, it surprises me somewhat. Not too in your habits (especially the first and denier)
And a preference for the second color which makes it very well (blue eyes / blue shirt)
One question, how you choose to work at 50 or 85mm? Especially the last picture where you have very little time actually.
June 10th, 2009 at 24:20
Beautiful portraits Benjamin (it changes), in all conditions. Bravo!
June 10th, 2009 at 24:20
I was amazed at the shooting for Gunter Pauli.
within such a short shoot, then we can not even call ca time, incredible.
Not knowing the lighting that you find there, you load a lot of material has to overcome various difficulties?
I shoot in a studio Thursday, with only a flash cobra (quite aggressive and noisy), and from what I said the rooms are quite dark, what advice or tips can you me provide for a proper lighting?
(Equipped D700 - 85 mm 50mm 1.4 or 1.8)
Hi
June 10th, 2009 at 24:25
For the first topic that you present, I prefer the second photo at first. I like the attitude, framing, light and background.
As for your test with the plant, it seems that it is given a very nice picture.
Concerning the technique of shooting in B & W in RAW, I do exactly the same thing when I want the b & b in the end. This allows a quick effectement.
Question (probably stupid) that came at the end of reading your article with your two b & w (that of the other photograohe and yours) they have ultimately made the same?
Very good idea to vote for the next topic. The tilt interest me.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:27
It's great to participate in projects like this. However, this must be difficult to make great pictures "on the job".
I commend this work without nets
Bravo!
June 10th, 2009 at 1:19
Waoooow beautiful portraits! I'm a fan!
)
Full compliance Ben. In addition to considering the conditions of work we can say that you have "assured grâââve"
Waooow!
(I found just the left side of Alain Hubert too clear).
June 10th, 2009 at 1:46
Hello,
It's been a while since I was not spent in the corner .... and once you have committed a great article!
Belle highlighted!
June 10th, 2009 at 2:24
Bravo for this series, again in a new genus, and you're doing really well
Personal first tears! which I think must be due to the light of the skylight. Nothing beats a beautiful natural light properly operated and worked.
I suppose given the time for each shot you have not dared to silver. The would you do if you could have enough time with each of them?
And finally I agree with Sophie about his question made between you and another photographer ..
June 10th, 2009 at 3:17
just beautiful!
very pro
June 10th, 2009 at 3:23
GK: yep, a real mouth and pure personality, it makes me want to reshooter
Eddy: I like the dark side, it depends for the focal length of the frame I'm looking for the tight framing I prefer the 85 will deform less
Thomas C: Thank you!
WeBmaliN: Ya not really incredible thing Mr. Pauli is a regular media, he gave me what I cherchrais has taken the first, for the material I prefer to work in available light, so I have no light I install something to work
http://www.photob.be/2009/02/02/eclairage-nomade-portraits-statik-dancing/
For your photos, I'd work a maximum sensitivity with a high objot that opens and be as unobtrusive as possible!
Sophie: It's a matter of choice, I like a lot the first
, For the work of another photographer, our images and renderings are different but that does not shock me
Tom: I love these kinds of conditions, I like to work under pressure
Bottacchi Guido: Thanks for the side pretty clear, it goes pretty well in print, and given the impressive dynamics of a D3 RAW, I could lower the brightness a bit
Jimmy: Thank you!
Alex: Yes it was an idea, but I prefer to be at ease with a carrier before testing on this type of project
June 10th, 2009 at 3:42
Another publication, and not least féloches, champagne and petit fours!
Superb, especially the color version of the portrait of Alain Hubert: white balance a bit cold fits perfectly.
It should generate quite a fright to work quickly and very well with people like these? As you say, no room for error.
(Thanks to the orchid to have served as "light lining").
How it goes from one point of view artistic collaboration with another photographer, whose "leg" (in view of his photos on his site) is different from yours?
Your projects are linked and are not alike, progress and diversification, it's all good! Bravo.
PS: it has nothing to do with your work, but personally I find that the font chosen for the cov denotes the photos.
PS2: I Voted! (What is in season
)
June 10th, 2009 at 5:21
Good Game!
June 10th, 2009 at 6:06
The photograph of Mr. Hubert selected out of the lot really. Her face, her features, her eyes, everything is full of meaning, if you have the opportunity to reshooter swings above of course.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:42
Wow first I was taped live ... not rendering blur out of focus, not fuzzy net ... well it has not been easy Farie of sharpness on the eyes (mouarf)
Good luck
Very nice B & B.
Alain Hubert reminds me of a U.S. player ... A real mouth.
The last, you feel the pro poses. You have seized on the moment hat.
We'll meet you in the discipline of which generate the max visitor and fan: A PORTRAIT!
You manage
(For votes, must insist on the objectivity of the people ... you risk to have 100% everywhere else)
June 11th, 2009 at 3:36
Excellent, very good job of. The first 3 are really something qque
June 11th, 2009 at 8:15
Beautiful portraits, really!
Different from what you usually do and that's exactly what I like most!
Bravo, Ben!
June 11th, 2009 at 8:18
A large preference for the former, thank you for sharing with us these moments of creation.
June 11th, 2009 at 9:33
They are beautiful all Belgians! Congratulations, great job, as usual!
June 11th, 2009 at 9:55
I found your amazing portraits. by far the most beautiful portraits seen on the canvas for a long time.
great job!
June 11th, 2009 at 12:49
Rahhh is superb as always, what light management! and thank you for some explanations
June 12th, 2009 at 24:23
Ralala, it's still a shame to have such coverage with such potential! I understand that the book could not focus on personality, but the next mosaic and slobbery typo .. in short, this is not the issue
Otherwise, I'm still as much a fan, I'm still waiting impatiently for a new article, and when I see it is published, I devoured in minutes.
My favorite photo is the one you selected Mr. Lemaigre, the lighting is really the character.
Good luck
June 12th, 2009 at 1:57
Hello,
Incredible the first photo. It changes what you usually does but it's still you. This is changing and in the right direction.
Fantastic this first photo. It would almost of illustration, I am amazed.
You should actually reshooter occasionally. It is more than photogenic.
June 14th, 2009 at 11:25
The second black and white may be a little too frontal, white mass, but in fact it déchiiire color. The other two are really good, my preference is still the first. Super, then the light!