Techniques: Slow Sync Flash: Work Diary Evaluation -

Slow Sync Flash - 

Equipment Used: 
Canon EOS 450D, standard lens, tripod, soft box studio lights, a light source (flash), light metre, dark background, reflector, snoot, honeycomb.

Modelling tungsten light bulb to show where the light falls on the subject and flash light that fires briefly.

Settings: 
10-13", F/11, ISO 200

Lighting: 
1/4 and full +

Theory: 
The images showing movement imply the movement of the mind too; the emotions one feels whilst moving through their life. The images symbolise a journey both physically and mentally; an exploration of emotions. 

Favourite Images:

I like this photograph because the movement is soft and gives the impression of a gradual journey; also, the slight movement in the line of height could be interpreted as the ups and downs of life. More technically speaking than interpretative, I was able to capture two solid images and movement between the two. Furthermore, the lighting on the right fits the tone of the image well. Although, one slight issue with the technical aspect is that the shutter speed was marginally too fast and didn't capture the final precise movement of the subject therefore resulting in a noisy appearing end of movement. 

This final outcome is another favourite of mine as the eye contact with the camera is powerful and once again links well with the concept behind the image. Technically, the focus on the section of the image within the right third of the grid is crisp whilst the middle to left third well depicts movement. Also the flash alongside the movement has created a light blur bokeh effect which was not planned but I belied adds to the aesthetic. 

This image is another favourite as the movement of the arms is successfully captured in an erratic manner. However, this is the lesser of my favourites as the flash lighting blew out the portrait and the exposure was too bright which was not even fixed in my post-production editing. 

Least Favourite Image:

This is my least favourite of this technique as the face is mostly obscured which could fit the theme well but for my individual perspectives of aesthetic it is not appealing. The ghostly shadow of the closer up image is interesting but is over exposed too much by the flash lighting and with the tungsten against the black backdrop the movement is too blurred. I would also further adapt this image in Photoshop CC 2014 more than I already have; I would increase the contrasts and change the warmth/ saturation of the lighting on the photograph to improve the appearance of the final outcome. 

Evaluation and Development - 

This series is quite interesting in the freedom to explore varied poses and movements within a still image. Furthermore, the series appears ghostly and could easily be emphasised using Photoshop and careful editing to create a more sinister final appearance. For example, the implementation of a vignette could exaggerate this dramatically. 

I will possibly use this technique to create surreal ghost like idea around surrealism as inspired by the series entitle "Self Made Ghosts" by Christopher McKenney. I would be using the title of his series as inspiration and employing this technique rather than surreal location portraiture and Photoshop if I do choose to pursuer it.