Michael Herb Photography
Day 225/365 - Game on!
Late last night I was informed that my mother was going to be doing a story on the local paint ball field and would be going into the field to shoot while a game was going on. Naturally I couldn't miss this opportunity. So, today at 2pm we set out on a mini adventure to inVINCibles Paint Ball Park to meet with Vince and staff.
This wonderland of spattered paint is at the edge of town paralleling the I-95. It is 35 acres filled with bunkers, barriers, blockades, busses, helicopters and multi level forts. A true dream for a lot of kids. Prices are reasonable and they cater to all age groups.
Today was especially hot with temperatures hovering at just under 100ºF. if you factor in the heat index it was well over 110. We arrived just before 2:30 with the sun still high in the sky. How the mass of kids playing paint ball in full uniforms don't drop dead from heat stroke, I have no idea. I was bordering, "Too hot" myself and these kids were running around playing commando and shit. We were told its because they drink plenty of water. Or it could be that they're not human and there only goal is to make normal people look lazy!
My goal for the day was to shoot enough elements to make a bad ass shot for Day 225. I knew I needed to get a background shot and had been eyeballing the short bus since I had arrived. We had to wait until the group was done in this field before we could venture out with the cameras. This gave us a few minutes to observe the speedball match before Debbie (mom) would strap up and "join the fight"
A few speed ball matches later and the main field was clear. Armed with a tripod, my camera and my new favorite lens the 24-70mm I headed out to grab some 3 exposure HDRs of select areas… Of course the bus was first.
I grabbed about a dozen shots of various areas around the field including the bus, the helicopter and a few old wood forts. All shot with the intention of HDR processing.
It was now time for dear ole mom to capture some speed ball. She strapped up with mask and her "weapon of choice" and headed out. The boys were instructed not to hit her but I was secretly hoping she caught one in the leg or something. Now don't misunderstand, I harbor no ill will towards her. I simply thought it may have been funny and a great story! I pictured it in my head along with the Simpson's Nelson saying "ha ha". I coudn't help lauging to myself! Unfortunately, she didn't get hit and I sulked for a fraction of a second.
It was now time to setup the lights and grab the main elements for my shot.
I always get a kick out of peoples reaction to the lights. "wow! So your like really a real photographer" Ha, yes, I am in fact a "real photographer!" I love how lights automatically legitimize what ever you're doing. I'm just messing with you Vince! You're not the first to make that comment.
It wasn't hard to find 3 willing participants. Anthony Cianfrocca (back right) Trevor Maloy (back left) and Alex Archibald (front) were more than happy to pose. I had setup the gear in front of a large storage container used as an equipment holding shed. This would serve as decent near neutral backdrop. I knew that getting the gear into the arena wasn't going to happen as I was light about 3 assistants and the place was soon to open for the day. Being more than a little comfortable with masking and compositing I chose to go that way and make things easier on myself while in the hot sun. I'd be more willing to take the extra time and mask them all out in the comforts of my air conditioned dungeon and less than comfortable chair.
Post Production:
So I now had 3 shots for the background, and 3 paint ball players. The background was compiled using Photomatix. I masked each individual out separately and dropped them into the backdrop. This is where I added dust, texture and whatnot to tie everything together. I found that my near perfect looking lighting was throwing off the look since the sun had momentaraly been hidden by clouds while shooting the background. so... I opted to add a little more texture than I'd normally add. Overall I think it turned out great and I am excited to hear what the guys at the paint ball park think. The paint balls you may or may not have noticed are made from scratch. I simply made a neutral grey circle and used the bevel and emboss layer style to give it a round look followed by a few highlights. I then changed the colors and positioned them around the image.
Odd thing about this image is it took me only 2 hours to complete. I must be getting better at this as I know for a fact 8 months ago this would have taken me 6 hours. Yay for me!
Be sure to check my facebook page www.facebook.com/michaelherbphoto for the before and after shots of this image. It should be up by tomorrow.
Lighting:
AB800 Med Gridded Softbox At both 10:00 & 2:00. 3/4 power
AB800 Beauty Dish Boomed overhead. 1/2 power.
Triggered Via Cyber Syncs
Day 225/365 - Game on!
Late last night I was informed that my mother was going to be doing a story on the local paint ball field and would be going into the field to shoot while a game was going on. Naturally I couldn't miss this opportunity. So, today at 2pm we set out on a mini adventure to inVINCibles Paint Ball Park to meet with Vince and staff.
This wonderland of spattered paint is at the edge of town paralleling the I-95. It is 35 acres filled with bunkers, barriers, blockades, busses, helicopters and multi level forts. A true dream for a lot of kids. Prices are reasonable and they cater to all age groups.
Today was especially hot with temperatures hovering at just under 100ºF. if you factor in the heat index it was well over 110. We arrived just before 2:30 with the sun still high in the sky. How the mass of kids playing paint ball in full uniforms don't drop dead from heat stroke, I have no idea. I was bordering, "Too hot" myself and these kids were running around playing commando and shit. We were told its because they drink plenty of water. Or it could be that they're not human and there only goal is to make normal people look lazy!
My goal for the day was to shoot enough elements to make a bad ass shot for Day 225. I knew I needed to get a background shot and had been eyeballing the short bus since I had arrived. We had to wait until the group was done in this field before we could venture out with the cameras. This gave us a few minutes to observe the speedball match before Debbie (mom) would strap up and "join the fight"
A few speed ball matches later and the main field was clear. Armed with a tripod, my camera and my new favorite lens the 24-70mm I headed out to grab some 3 exposure HDRs of select areas… Of course the bus was first.
I grabbed about a dozen shots of various areas around the field including the bus, the helicopter and a few old wood forts. All shot with the intention of HDR processing.
It was now time for dear ole mom to capture some speed ball. She strapped up with mask and her "weapon of choice" and headed out. The boys were instructed not to hit her but I was secretly hoping she caught one in the leg or something. Now don't misunderstand, I harbor no ill will towards her. I simply thought it may have been funny and a great story! I pictured it in my head along with the Simpson's Nelson saying "ha ha". I coudn't help lauging to myself! Unfortunately, she didn't get hit and I sulked for a fraction of a second.
It was now time to setup the lights and grab the main elements for my shot.
I always get a kick out of peoples reaction to the lights. "wow! So your like really a real photographer" Ha, yes, I am in fact a "real photographer!" I love how lights automatically legitimize what ever you're doing. I'm just messing with you Vince! You're not the first to make that comment.
It wasn't hard to find 3 willing participants. Anthony Cianfrocca (back right) Trevor Maloy (back left) and Alex Archibald (front) were more than happy to pose. I had setup the gear in front of a large storage container used as an equipment holding shed. This would serve as decent near neutral backdrop. I knew that getting the gear into the arena wasn't going to happen as I was light about 3 assistants and the place was soon to open for the day. Being more than a little comfortable with masking and compositing I chose to go that way and make things easier on myself while in the hot sun. I'd be more willing to take the extra time and mask them all out in the comforts of my air conditioned dungeon and less than comfortable chair.
Post Production:
So I now had 3 shots for the background, and 3 paint ball players. The background was compiled using Photomatix. I masked each individual out separately and dropped them into the backdrop. This is where I added dust, texture and whatnot to tie everything together. I found that my near perfect looking lighting was throwing off the look since the sun had momentaraly been hidden by clouds while shooting the background. so... I opted to add a little more texture than I'd normally add. Overall I think it turned out great and I am excited to hear what the guys at the paint ball park think. The paint balls you may or may not have noticed are made from scratch. I simply made a neutral grey circle and used the bevel and emboss layer style to give it a round look followed by a few highlights. I then changed the colors and positioned them around the image.
Odd thing about this image is it took me only 2 hours to complete. I must be getting better at this as I know for a fact 8 months ago this would have taken me 6 hours. Yay for me!
Be sure to check my facebook page www.facebook.com/michaelherbphoto for the before and after shots of this image. It should be up by tomorrow.
Lighting:
AB800 Med Gridded Softbox At both 10:00 & 2:00. 3/4 power
AB800 Beauty Dish Boomed overhead. 1/2 power.
Triggered Via Cyber Syncs