I had the privilege a couple of Saturdays ago to visit AWOL studios in Manchester the studio is inside a Victorian Warehouse which is a listed building its a hub for creative art,I was invited by Graham Currey and his business partner Emma Finch 2 absolute experts in studio lighting,I was there for just over 3 hours and had a fabulous time. The second model of the day was Andy I was just about to start shooting him when Graham said he had an idea he said the actor Willem Defoe at photoshoots stands on chairs and lies across tables and does all sorts of crazy things so he asked Andy to try and replicate this it was crazy I managed to take lots of weird pictures of Andy and had so much fun,possibly more in future months to follow.
Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM f5.6,1/160s, ISO 100 focal length 35mm Raw file adjusted in photoshop,cropped from the top and opened up the shadows, and brought down the highlights,l sharpened with a high pass filter,2 stroke border applied
5 comments posted
Vella Kendall
Everything is sharp and good exposure. Choice of neutral colors works well here. The wood grain adds some warmth. Good catchlights and the straight on pose works and no eyeglass flare. Amazed at his position, he doesn't look that young. I would have had to been unbended. Could be my eyes, but is he leaning to one side a tad? I can see why you had a fun time Posted: 10/03/2026 19:38:35
Ian Chantler
Hi Vella
Many thanks looking closely at the table top not sure it is quite level I will put a grid on it and correct as necessary. Posted: 10/05/2026 11:21:39
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Ian, great title. Vella, yes he is leaning a tad to his left. The guy is flexible to stay in that position. Everything is sharp and there iis perfect color coordination of the wood and his clothing, contrasting with the white of his hair and beard. Great studio illumination with no back shadows. Posted: 10/03/2026 20:00:00
R Gary Butler
Ian, another great portrait. As Isaac says it is what isn't there that is important - any shadows. Another thing that stands out to me is how natural this appears - like you were shooting the image anywhere. So many portrait images that I see in competition just "shout" 'Studio Lighting.' Well done. Posted: 10/08/2026 12:06:07
Guy Davies
Great fun shot with an appropriate title. Excellent lighting with no shadows to distract. It looks like an uncomfortable pose but he is probably younger than he appears. He looks upright to me but the table top and the floor/wall line in the background suggest a slight tilt - definitely worth checking with a grid. Posted: 10/08/2026 15:36:16
