A simple stone wall & how to use it in streetfashion photography
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For the past five years, Streetfashion MagZZine has featured and interviewed photographer, models, fashion entrepreneurs, MUA’s and designers. We love talking to and writing about so many different people with different backgrounds, experiences and stories. It is our mission to increase awareness of those artists’ work, skills and journeys. Another part of our mission is to inspire our readers by sharing different artists’ work. Now, we are taking a new approach to inspiring you! ZZ Locations. Our new category is all about different photography locations and how to get the best out of them. You may think – wait locations? I can’t travel anywhere right now! Well, don’t worry about that! While all of our locations are based on geographical locations, it is mostly locations that you would find in any country, city or on the countryside. Our first ZZ Locations article is about – ta-da – a grey stone wall!
Yes, we are serious. A simple grey stone wall. While this may not sound too intriguing, we think of it as a white, or well, grey canvas - anything is possible! For this article, we interviewed our Editor in Chief, Helmut Jeels, about one of his favorite locations in Gothenburg, Sweden: Skansen Kronan.
If you live in Gothenburg and you read this guide, you may already know this location. If not, maybe consider it for your next shooting! If you don’t live in Gothenburg, think whether you have ever shot a model in front of a stone wall. If so, feel free to submit your photo to be added to this article to inspire others on how to use this location. If not, think about where you could find a similar location close to where you live – keep your eyes open during your next location scouting or walk!
We hope that you find this guide helpful, and some of the tips useful – maybe even for other shootings! In the upcoming weeks and months, we will be publishing more location articles. Our goal is to collect as many locations, spots or scenarios as possible for you to come back to and to find inspiration, information, shooting techniques and plenty of tips & tricks! Now there’s not much more left to say than to wish you lots of fun reading! If you have any feedback, ideas or comments, we would love to read them! You can always send us a quick email at [email protected]!
Yes, we are serious. A simple grey stone wall. While this may not sound too intriguing, we think of it as a white, or well, grey canvas - anything is possible! For this article, we interviewed our Editor in Chief, Helmut Jeels, about one of his favorite locations in Gothenburg, Sweden: Skansen Kronan.
If you live in Gothenburg and you read this guide, you may already know this location. If not, maybe consider it for your next shooting! If you don’t live in Gothenburg, think whether you have ever shot a model in front of a stone wall. If so, feel free to submit your photo to be added to this article to inspire others on how to use this location. If not, think about where you could find a similar location close to where you live – keep your eyes open during your next location scouting or walk!
We hope that you find this guide helpful, and some of the tips useful – maybe even for other shootings! In the upcoming weeks and months, we will be publishing more location articles. Our goal is to collect as many locations, spots or scenarios as possible for you to come back to and to find inspiration, information, shooting techniques and plenty of tips & tricks! Now there’s not much more left to say than to wish you lots of fun reading! If you have any feedback, ideas or comments, we would love to read them! You can always send us a quick email at [email protected]!
Model: Anna Wrennfors
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Skansen Kronan is a fortress located in the centre of Gothenburg, Sweden, designed by Erik Dahlberg. Finished in 1700, it was meant for battle but was never attacked throughout history. Instead it was later used as a prison, emergency residency and military museum. Today, it is mainly used for different celebrations - you can have your wedding there, a conference or simply a party (well, maybe not right now but hopefully soon again!). Until then, the hill 'Risåsberget' on which it is located, offers a beautiful view over the entire city - and is a great location for a photo shoot! To get there, you'll have to take the stairs all the way up - but if you don't feel like carrying all your equipment up - there's a beautiful stone wall just at the bottom of the hill. And that's the one, we'll be talking about today!
In the next few sections, Helmut will tell you more about the choice of location, lighting, the colour scheme, which equipment he used, the post processing of the photos taken - and as a little extra: his approach to posing in front of the wall and getting some interesting angles! If you read to the end, we have summarised our main takeaways and some quick tips for you! |
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Location & Map
The selection was made spontaneously in passing as we came down from Skansen Kronan on the other side than the one we went up. I liked the texture and dark color of the stones as a background.
Lighting
In terms of light, we had good weather for both shoots, although the corner there looks relatively dark due to the stones and the surrounding houses or Skansen (mountain). I therefore used an additional flash, a GODOX AD200 with a transparent white umbrella (no reflector) with 1 meter diameter, to soften the light. In both shoots, the flash was on the right side as seen from the camera, about 1 to 2 meters away from the model.
The selection was made spontaneously in passing as we came down from Skansen Kronan on the other side than the one we went up. I liked the texture and dark color of the stones as a background.
Lighting
In terms of light, we had good weather for both shoots, although the corner there looks relatively dark due to the stones and the surrounding houses or Skansen (mountain). I therefore used an additional flash, a GODOX AD200 with a transparent white umbrella (no reflector) with 1 meter diameter, to soften the light. In both shoots, the flash was on the right side as seen from the camera, about 1 to 2 meters away from the model.
Color Scheme
I wanted to have something poppy in the location. Therefore, Anna and I have then decided for the red sweater, because it fits the green of the ivy present there and sets a good contrast to the background of the stones. At the second shooting with Elsa, she already had the white sweater on, also with dark pants and we left it at that, because white is neutral and the location is also well accentuated by the contrast to the dark background.
I wanted to have something poppy in the location. Therefore, Anna and I have then decided for the red sweater, because it fits the green of the ivy present there and sets a good contrast to the background of the stones. At the second shooting with Elsa, she already had the white sweater on, also with dark pants and we left it at that, because white is neutral and the location is also well accentuated by the contrast to the dark background.
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Equipment
I used the Sony A68 together with the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD. The lens is fast and creates a nice bokeh. The aperture was set to the fastest 2.8, the ISO to 100, as is usually the case with flash-assisted photography. I was able to shorten the exposure time to 1/320s instead of the usual 1/160s limit on the camera when shooting with Anna, thanks to the external GODOX AD200 flash, which enables HSS, so that a better depth of field could be achieved. When shooting with Elsa, I then turned up the ISO from 100 to 200, which allowed for an even shorter exposure time of 1/1000s, and thus more contrast between white and black.
I used the Sony A68 together with the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD. The lens is fast and creates a nice bokeh. The aperture was set to the fastest 2.8, the ISO to 100, as is usually the case with flash-assisted photography. I was able to shorten the exposure time to 1/320s instead of the usual 1/160s limit on the camera when shooting with Anna, thanks to the external GODOX AD200 flash, which enables HSS, so that a better depth of field could be achieved. When shooting with Elsa, I then turned up the ISO from 100 to 200, which allowed for an even shorter exposure time of 1/1000s, and thus more contrast between white and black.
Post Processing
Post-processing was done at home on the computer in Photoshop or PhotoscapeX. Besides the usual routine (removing imperfections in the face), the selection of a suitable filter and small color adjustments, light points/rays are added in some images. Otherwise, the images are left as they were off camera.
Post-processing was done at home on the computer in Photoshop or PhotoscapeX. Besides the usual routine (removing imperfections in the face), the selection of a suitable filter and small color adjustments, light points/rays are added in some images. Otherwise, the images are left as they were off camera.
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Extra: Posing
Regarding the posing, I had suggested to Anna - it was at the end of the shoot and we didn’t think of much more - the typical thinker’s pose. One arm is placed in front of the body at a right angle, the other is then placed on top of it and then brought up to the face at a right angle. The hand should lightly touch the face, but not cover it. The pose can be varied by changing the arms or different postures of the hand placed on the face. The hand can be placed on the side of the face or under the chin. The fingers can all be extended or only the thumb and index finger. Alternatively, Anna simply stood or walked down the stairs, grasping the railing with one hand and holding the other loosely against her body.
In terms of the face, we have opted for a serious facial expression. Mostly with closed lips, partly with slightly opened lips. The eyes were either fixed directly on the camera or, in the case of the side poses, on the flash.
Regarding the posing, I had suggested to Anna - it was at the end of the shoot and we didn’t think of much more - the typical thinker’s pose. One arm is placed in front of the body at a right angle, the other is then placed on top of it and then brought up to the face at a right angle. The hand should lightly touch the face, but not cover it. The pose can be varied by changing the arms or different postures of the hand placed on the face. The hand can be placed on the side of the face or under the chin. The fingers can all be extended or only the thumb and index finger. Alternatively, Anna simply stood or walked down the stairs, grasping the railing with one hand and holding the other loosely against her body.
In terms of the face, we have opted for a serious facial expression. Mostly with closed lips, partly with slightly opened lips. The eyes were either fixed directly on the camera or, in the case of the side poses, on the flash.
Model: Elsa
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During the shoot with Elsa, we then tested other poses. I asked her to stand with her back to the wall and sideways to the camera. This creates an additional depth. It’s even more interesting when she then extends one hand towards the camera, which is then out of focus, so that the background and fore - ground are both in bokeh, while only the face is shown in focus. The other arm is hidden behind the body.
This pose can then be transformed into another pose in which the previously outstretched hand is now bent and placed on the head, respectively the hair is swept back, while the second hand is now no longer hidden, but placed on the neck. 
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Finally, we captured two spontaneous poses, one with her arms extended upward to make her appear taller, and the other with a Funny Pose in which she makes a happy face and holds both hands up with slightly bent arms for the Victory sign. In addition, she also has one leg raised in this one. This pose is rather special - I do not usually use it. In terms of the face, Elsa’s expression is somewhat softer to the point of smiling. The eyes are fixed on the camera in all pictures. All poses are standing poses, although they are also partly leaning poses, as we used the wall or railing accordingly.
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ZZ Quick Tips & Takeaways
Color Scheme Tip
Choosing similar colors, as in this case grey, black or green, will lead to the model blending in with the background. Choosing colours that match the general color scheme of the location and that create a nice contrast will make the model stand out more!
Pro Tip
Unsure what colour to choose for the model’s outfit and in need of a quick decision? Look around the location and choose the colours that you see most of (in case of the Skansen Krona shoot this was grey and green) and simply choose the complimentary color! You may not have clothes in the exact color but it’ll help choosing and avoiding to have the model blend in too much with the background.
Want to learn more about color schemes, complimentary colors or other color combinations? Check out this article and choose the colors for your location and outfit more consciously on your next shoot!
Choosing similar colors, as in this case grey, black or green, will lead to the model blending in with the background. Choosing colours that match the general color scheme of the location and that create a nice contrast will make the model stand out more!
Pro Tip
Unsure what colour to choose for the model’s outfit and in need of a quick decision? Look around the location and choose the colours that you see most of (in case of the Skansen Krona shoot this was grey and green) and simply choose the complimentary color! You may not have clothes in the exact color but it’ll help choosing and avoiding to have the model blend in too much with the background.
Want to learn more about color schemes, complimentary colors or other color combinations? Check out this article and choose the colors for your location and outfit more consciously on your next shoot!
More stone wall photos!
Check out the photos below for more inspiration! Here, we have collected photos that have been submitted to us and published before - each photo leads you to another article about the photographer or model! Don't hesitate to submit your photo(s), too, and we'll add them here!
Credits
Publishing Date: 11.04.2021