Making light of Multitasking

PHOTOGRAPHY HAS ALWAYS served as a bridge between the past and the present, and a recent studio shoot I collaborated on with fellow photographer Salli Gainsford exemplified this perfectly. The project focused on capturing a reenactor styled as Henry VIII, set against the enchanting backdrop of candlelight. This shoot not only celebrated the lavishness of the Tudor era but also showcased the advanced technology that guarantees historical accuracy and vibrant detail in contemporary photography.

The setting was carefully designed to transport viewers back to the 16th century. Our reenactor, dressed in regal garments, sat at an elaborate table, deep in thought under the flickering candlelight. An open book rested in front of him, its pages hinting at secrets from the past, and the overall scene radiated a sense of solemnity and grandeur, fitting for the larger-than-life persona of Henry VIII.

Behind the Scene

The significance of color management Both Salli and I have always understood the crucial role of color management in scenarios like this. In today’s digital world, it’s tempting to believe that you can simply take a few photos and then adjust them by eye to achieve the desired result. However, as professionals, it’s essential to master every aspect of the image-making process. When equipped with the right tools, it doesn’t take long to do things correctly and maintain complete control over your color in every situation. In this particular instance, there was so much at stake that getting it right was vital. Our reenactor had to travel three hours each way to reach us, and then spend additional time donning the costume necessary to embody Henry VIII. Considering all that effort, I wanted to ensure that we executed everything perfectly on our end. We currently utilize a comprehensive array of color management tools from Datacolor, and we have recently added the recently launched LightColor Meter to our collection. This wireless device, which connects via Bluetooth, measures both strobe and ambient light, delivering real-time color temperature readings directly to our mobile phone. With the reenactor adorned in regal attire, Salli skillfully utilized the meter’s flash mode, allowing her to carefully measure and evaluate the outputs of the studio strobe lights, resulting in flawless exposure. The ability to balance the Kelvin degrees in the camera was essential for achieving the ideal blend of warm candlelight and cool ambient light that we were looking for. Additionally, the LightColor Meter’s precision and immediate feedback guaranteed that every shot was perfectly exposed. To further enhance her craft, Salli used the Spyder Checker, which provided us with a crucial reference point for postproduction as she leveraged the latest technological advancements, including AI, to create a suitably grand background. This combination of traditional artistry and state-of-the-art technology enabled Salli to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary, producing an image that is both historically resonant and strikingly contemporary.

Behind the Scene

The challenge of colour accuracy With exposure taken care of, our next challenge was to ensure accurate colour representation, and this is where Datacolor’s Spyder Cube came into play. The Spyder Cube’s unique three-dimensional design differs from traditional grey cards in that it mimics the way light falls on your subject. This allows you to see primary and secondary light sources for accurate white balance correction, and it includes a black trap for an absolute black reference, which allows you to set a true black point in an image. Additionally, its chrome ball allows you to see specular highlights. Thus, the Cube is a reliable reference for colour balance, white point and black point, making it easier to achieve consistent and true-to-life colours during editing. The Spyder Checker was also an invaluable tool, ensuring that the vibrant hues of Henry VIII’s finery could be faithfully reproduced. Ensuring Colour Accuracy Once exposure was under control, the next hurdle was achieving accurate colour representation, and this is where the Datacolor Spyder Cube became essential. Unlike traditional grey cards, the Spyder Cube features a distinctive three-dimensional design that simulates how light interacts with your subject. This design allows you to identify both primary and secondary light sources, making white balance adjustments more precise. It also includes a black trap to establish a true black point in your image. The chrome ball further helps by revealing specular highlights. With these features, the Cube served as a dependable tool for colour balance, white point, and black point, simplifying the process of obtaining consistent, lifelike colours during editing. The Spyder Checker was equally invaluable, ensuring that the vivid colours of Henry VIII’s attire were accurately captured.

Final shots

The significance of detail

The reenactor’s elaborate costume, featuring rich fabrics and intricate embellishments, was a central focus of the shoot. It was crucial for us to preserve the vibrant finery that defined the Tudor court. By combining the light meter with colour calibration tools, we were able to capture the texture and hues of the costume with remarkable accuracy. This ensured that every velvet fold and every shimmer of gold thread was faithfully reproduced.

The final images reflected a seamless blend of creativity and technical skill. Henry VIII, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, seemed almost lifelike, commanding attention within the frame.

The harmonious interplay of light and colour brought the scene to life, evoking the grandeur and richness of the Tudor period. Meanwhile, modern technology ensured that every detail, from the fabric texture to the overall atmosphere, was captured with exceptional precision.

In Conclusion

Our Henry VIII photoshoot was more than just a historical recreation; it showcased how modern technology can enhance our ability to capture and portray the richness of the past. The Datacolor LightColor Meter, along with the Spyder calibration tools, proved essential in achieving the visual precision that made this project a success. As photographers, we’re always striving to push the limits of what’s possible, and this shoot highlighted the remarkable potential of combining historical accuracy with technological innovation.

Having tools like the LightColor Meter is incredibly valuable, and the more familiar you become with its capabilities, the easier it becomes to work with. I can already see how it will play a pivotal role in our workflow, becoming second nature over time. Its adaptability also means we’ll be using it for our future video and hybrid photo/video projects as well.

From a professional standpoint, having an accurate starting point for your lighting is crucial, and this tool provides just that. If your initial setup is off, you’re facing a challenge right from the start, but with a quick and easy reading, you can move forward confidently. What’s not to appreciate about that?
In an era where photography is constantly evolving, it’s both exciting and inspiring to witness how our tools can breathe life into history in ways that were once unthinkable. The fusion of artistry and technology in this shoot has set a new benchmark for historical re-enactment photography, and we’re eager to dive into more projects that honor the beauty and detail of our shared heritage.

Studio Masters

Mike and Salli have teamed up to launch their educational platform, Studio Masters, with the goal of providing guidance and inspiration to both aspiring and professional photographers looking to elevate their craft—whether through mastering in-camera techniques or exploring composites and AI.

“Our content is built on the skills and methods we’ve honed throughout our careers,” says Mike. “We’re thrilled to share these insights with the broader photography community. With over 30 years of combined experience across various photography disciplines, our professional team is flexible and proficient, able to collaborate seamlessly or work independently.”

Salli first met Mike during one of her open model days, where she was struck by his deep passion for sculpting and manipulating light. “It sparked the chance for us to merge our expertise and offer it to clients,” she explains. “The synergy we’ve developed has taken our work to the next level, and the way we inspire each other has led to the creation of an educational platform where we can share our combined knowledge and experience with other like-minded creatives.”

Those interested can sign up for weekly updates covering postproduction and lighting techniques, participate in live discussions, watch live shoots, and book workshops or shooting days.

More information:
https://www.studiomasters.org/

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