Lighting Magic Photo Gallery by Richard Calmes at pbase.com

Lighting Magic

I am starting out 2008 with more experimentation with lighting. Here I cut a hole in the black backdrop and poked a 600ws bare strobe head through with a 6" reflector.
This setup is guaranteed to blind the photographer with each shot if the dancer does not completely block the light! ( I was blinded a lot!)
When I was lucky, this backlight created stong rim lighting which separates the dancer from the black background.

I also used opposing strobes to create strong sidelighting which accentuates a dancers body and muscles.
Just look at Robert Dekkers incredible body! I played with different combinations of front side and back lighting depending on the pose and dancer.
All shots were made with my Canon 5D at 100 ISO (some at 200) and my Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS Lens.

If you believe this gallery has merit, please vote so others may enjoy these marvelous artist-athletes!

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Earl Misanchuk	PM reply	20-Oct-2011 15:17
Magnificent artists, but even more magnificent photography. Your use of light is inspiring and unparalleled. Big vote.

GoodListener	PM reply	17-Aug-2010 17:48
I only wish for 2 things: 1. To be able to move like that. and, 2, to be able to photograph like that. Perhaps witha bit more practice.... WOW!!!

robwooly	PM reply	28-Dec-2009 16:33
I just had to vote for this beautifully photographed group of Artists! Beautifully treated.Vote.

william lucas		26-Mar-2008 04:11
WOW! Amazing use of light! Love your work.

Paco López	PM reply	19-Mar-2008 07:15
Perfect tittle for a great gallery!!!!!!!! Wonderful work. Big vote!!!!

Guest		17-Mar-2008 14:12
Marvellous!!!!

mary dekkers		16-Mar-2008 01:27
Beautiful, beautiful, wow!

LMB		18-Feb-2008 20:16
Marvelous photos and dancers!

Diane S	PM reply	12-Feb-2008 06:07
love the idea of opposing lights on each side...such beautiful artistry both from you and the dancers.

jreal	PM reply	10-Feb-2008 15:32
Your use of light amazes me. Fantastic images all. ~V~

Nestor	PM reply	05-Feb-2008 14:36
Outstanding gallery as always, every image a work of perfection . Amazing proffesion work. Hats off to you on the Pbase magazine, most excellent and you are very deserving of the honor. Vote

Sergio Pessolano	PM reply	04-Feb-2008 17:43
WOW! What a refined collection! A big vote.

Jose Canovas	PM reply	04-Feb-2008 15:00
What great artists you all are!

Bill Warren	PM reply	01-Feb-2008 04:01
The master of dance and light--the sharp fast shooter. Voted

Ron Horloff	PM reply	31-Jan-2008 00:59
Simply an extraordinary series, Richard, with superb lighting and composition. Ron

Thanh Le	PM reply	30-Jan-2008 05:13
lighting magic! no kidding! It really is! Thanks so much for sharing such excellent works. All the best for the year of 2008.

Sandie-Texas		29-Jan-2008 21:19
Great shot, I enjoyed them alot. Keep up the hard work.

James Giovanni Pan	PM reply	29-Jan-2008 15:35
A master of masters indeed. This is a great example of your dedication to perfection. Congratulations on your cover of Pbase #12. Reading your message only injects more inspiration to the mind.

PauloCGama	PM reply	27-Jan-2008 23:15
awesome. just awesome!! V

Ashley Hockenberry	PM reply	27-Jan-2008 01:51
Great work!

Darbowski	PM reply	26-Jan-2008 16:40
Une trčs belle galerie !!! composée de photos de trčs grande qualité !!! VVV

Guest		26-Jan-2008 15:41
Nice..I don't think luck is what brought out these great shots. You have skills!

Matylda Lempel-Chareza Photography	PM reply	26-Jan-2008 15:17
crème de la crème comme toujours,vote.Your talent like a good vine: older-better

Donald Verger	PM reply	26-Jan-2008 13:36
your Brilliance has evolved Richard to even greater hights! Bravo! vote!

Birte Person	PM reply	26-Jan-2008 07:28
Congratulations Richard on being featured in the PBase mag, its well deserved, your work is absolutely astounding, and it should be recognized.Well done.

Cristine Varney	PM reply	26-Jan-2008 05:46
Oh Richard! I am so delighted and happy for you and all of these beautiful dancers. You are such a supremely gifted and dedicated Photographer. These ethereal beings deserve someone equal to the challenge of capturing them for all time. You know that I have been in awe of your abilities for a few years now. I didn't think it was possible for you to surpass your uber artistic endeavours; yet this gallery is proof that you are still growing. Until I saw you work in person, I had not quite realized what a service and gift your art is for the dancers and the public. I was very impressed by the leaps and positions struck when you shot; yet the moment passed so quickly. Your lens gives us the gift of seeing all of the athleticism and artistry at our leisure. Bravo to one and all!! Voted with my heart %:)

mark		26-Jan-2008 04:06
Wonderful I like your work, two tombs up

Kajagirl		26-Jan-2008 01:21
Absoluley wonderful work :))))))))))

Marijka	PM reply	26-Jan-2008 00:05
Your presentation reminds me of a window display of little miniature porcelain dolls. VERY NICE WORK all around!! V

Guest		25-Jan-2008 21:19
Bravo !! Michelle Boulard

veraferia	PM reply	25-Jan-2008 17:13
Splendid work!V

Martha Albuquerque	PM reply	25-Jan-2008 04:01
One more stunning work in this gallery, Richard, V

Arash Yekdaneh		24-Jan-2008 19:23
perfect job...

Magic	PM reply	24-Jan-2008 11:50
amazing! MY VOTE!

J. Scott Coile	PM reply	23-Jan-2008 15:52
Such a creative lighting idea masterfully executed. I hope you were not too blinded during the misses ;-)

mickey		23-Jan-2008 13:10
Hi I am a new comer to this site and your work here is fantastic. I have not seen such beautiful pictures. As the rest of the comments please keep up the good work so that all can appreciate the your artistic talent.

justjean	PM reply	23-Jan-2008 05:52
Richard, the lighting on these beautiful shots are fantastic, Keep on shooting :)

Lamar Nix	PM reply	23-Jan-2008 02:14
Excellent photography! GMV

RadioWonder	PM reply	22-Jan-2008 10:23
Each image is a perfect jewel... Gorgeous work... GMV

Liz Bickel	PM reply	22-Jan-2008 07:28
Again, your extreme talent shines. Each image is magic.

SensPix	PM reply	22-Jan-2008 02:48
As usual, your work is really fantastic. Bravo ! Please, take good care of your eyes. We'll want to see more of your work in the future.

Brett Hochkins	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 23:47
Incredible work. You just keep finding new ways of making your material fresh and interesting each time. V

Joăo Lopes	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 21:10
Just amazing! My vote for such a talented work.

Vikas Malhotra	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 16:50
WOW simply superb, really excellent lighting. Cheers, Vikas.

Azlin Ahmad	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 16:05
Marvellous and strong photography! Very well done, and the addition of the technical detail on the lighting etc, just makes me appreciate all the more that excellent photography requires dedication and talent. A big vote for a magnificent series.

Bill Taylor	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 06:26
Beautiful Gallery!

Stan Schutze	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 05:57
Richard, these are no less than totally stunning

Debbie Blackburn Beierle	PM reply	21-Jan-2008 03:00
A joy and a pleasure to visit this gallery. Truly amazing "lighting magic"! You are the master, Richard. Another fine showcase of your talents!

Gil Azouri	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 23:19
Brilliant lighting and wonderful work. V

Nelson Chen Photography	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 21:27
Perfecto! A fine collection of the masterpieces. Magic indeed!

an nguyen	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 21:14
The whole galery if the human art form. So creative and artistic perspective. V

petem	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 20:43
Another amazing series. My compliments!

Naturephoto Monique	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 14:16
You are such a great photographer!V

lorand	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 11:26
Stunning images!!! BIG VOTE

Jofoto	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 09:06
wonderful gallery Richard, great lighting throughout. V

Chad Ramsey	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 04:24
Beautiful, tallented, stunning!!! Wonderful work again Richard! True works of art~Big Vote

David Frank	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 03:44
There are no words to say how great this gallery really is.

Robert Dupuis	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 03:16
Stunning............as usual

Roe..	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 03:01
your amazing..the dancers are amazing..brilliant gallery..v

TS. Bok	PM reply	20-Jan-2008 02:28
Simply awesome, thanks for sharing.

Lloyd & Sandy Spitalnik	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 22:26
Awesome gallery!! These are all fantastc images. L&S

moensja	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 21:08
as always your work is terrifiic and so are the dancers.

455 rocket	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 20:42
Stunning as always!

laine82	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 18:29
More outstanding work, Richard. V

Jaime Serrano	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 17:08
Another Masterpiece Gallery!!!. The results with the lighting technique are simply impressive!!!. Big vote.

alfredo camba jr.	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 16:02
Excellent gallery! Very impressive images! Big vote!

Steve Morris	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 13:20
Outstanding lighting on all these shots - you seem to get more creative with every gallery. Tremendous photography! Big vote!!

NatalieV	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 07:27
Another brilliant Gallery! You are such an inspiration! Huge Vote!!!

Suzanne Chouinard	PM reply	19-Jan-2008 05:44
Really wonderful. The lighting adds a new dimension and more dept to the photos. Pure magic!

Howard Sandler	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 21:49
Great stuff! Could you share how you're creating the pool of light on the floor? It's nearly shadowless.

shuk1in12x	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 21:24
Love your work Richard, and the new lighting technique is dynamic. Yet again a spectacular performace of workmanship of the highest quality - every image a gem. +V

xavier creach	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 19:13
Once again an amazing gallery with stunning light.VVV

©Lux	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 14:43
Wonderful as usual, Richard! This gallery depicts your artistic & technical qualities, coupled with the dancer’s mastery in the art of Ballet! Words can not explain the joy of watching this gallery! Voted!

Yi Feng	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 14:40
Truly outstanding work Richard! Love the new light setting and the dark background. Always enjoy your excellent dancer shots! V

Mostafa Moftah	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 12:49
As usual Richard, great light, action and compositions, terrific photographer and terrific dancers.. ~Voted~

Kathy Pedersen	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 11:58
Each new gallery is more and more exciting.......exquisite work!V

Phyllis Stewart	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 09:31
Astounding work! Voted

Steve Viscot	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 08:15
Richard, this series is your opus magnum!!! The dancers are lit to perfection. A truly impressive work -v

Simon Chandler	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 05:44
Excellent gallery. Superb capture of beauty and form with artistic lighting. v

Quantum_Illusions	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 03:07
Richard, Inconceiveable to me that your work can improve anymore then what you've already been displaying. But I'll be damned if you didn't managed to do it again!!! Most all shots are well thought out and exceptional. I am so impressed with you:) You are the King Midas of photography, all shots are like gold! Priceless and so enjoyable to look at. Bravo to you:)

Rhodora Parcon	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 01:58
Great lighting effect! I am in awe! Each photograph is a master piece! Big VOTE

kimene S	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 01:16
Always an absolute joy visiting your dance galleries Richard! Truly exceptional work! Outstanding to say the least! just beautiful! V V V V!

Barbara Read and Fred Schaad	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 00:44
Fantastic gallery and excellent lighting technique. V

Barbara Read and Fred Schaad	PM reply	18-Jan-2008 00:40
Fantastic gallery and excellent lighting technique. V

FrankB	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 23:13
these dancers are all amazing.....their grace and control is an inspiration....beautifully presented.....V

Galina Stepanova	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 22:10
Exceptional gallery, first class quality works. Creative and bold lighting. Bravo to maestro-photographer and beautiful and talented dancers!

Photodelles	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 21:59
Just fantastic.

selinab	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 21:43
Richard, I don't even know what to say. The dancers are terrific, The use of light is fantastic, The photographs are breathtaking this gallery is just amazing. You are so very talented I am in awe. Huge V

DVattika Photography_Dimitri V	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 19:43
Sensational colours, excellent exposures and perfect lighting, do i really need to say more??? Huge vote for an excellent gallery.

Paco López	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 19:35
Really an excellent work!!! Beautiful and creative shots with a fantastic light!!! BV!

james morgan	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 19:31
Richard there must be a limit somewhere I cannot keep up my wonder at your art as you drive to perfection only it cant be reached you just keep moving the boundries my congratulations are again humbly offered. james morgan a humble fan

Michael	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 19:11
This is indeed lighting magic. Stunning images.

Eldar Kadymov	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 18:56
All I can say is, it's pure magic, I have not a clue how you do that at 100 ISO in spite of your wonderful descriptions... I guess you're lighting speed fast while running alongside with your great models, LOL ! V

Harry David Horning	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 18:15
Your work always amazes me! Cant wait to see more of your creativity in 08. Big V for a fantastic gallery.

Carolyn Rasmussen	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 17:02
Bravo to you and these well trained and talented artists! This gallery is superb! V

Lampridis Dimitris	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 16:30
Beautiful and creative gallery , amazing lighting *****

Michael Shpuntov	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 16:09
Somebody already mentioned it here that your use of light really sculptured these dancers. I think your gallery title really reflect this. Great shots. Vote.

Mihai	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 08:59
Another amazing gallery ! Big Vote !

Guest		17-Jan-2008 08:44
This is an awesome gallery!! Anymore pix to come?? ~V~

Sandi Whitteker	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 02:26
Another fantastic series Richard. They are all so beautiful and show off beautifully the skills of these wonderful athletes and artists.

patrickjoust	PM reply	17-Jan-2008 00:19
Beautiful gallery!! You work so amazingly well with these dancers! This work is incredible!

Ali Majdfar	PM reply	16-Jan-2008 20:20
Once again you're sharing your stunning skill with us! GMV

jean louis BERGAMO BOUFAREU	PM reply	16-Jan-2008 18:53
Richard, we admire your pictures again and again without tiring

Patricia Kay	PM reply	16-Jan-2008 18:19
Richard..Beautiful photos...lighting is just amazing.... Thank you so much for sharing them with us!!!V

Michael Parkinson	PM reply	16-Jan-2008 18:00
Hi Richard, I'm looking at these on my new monitor and I am now even more blown away. Your architectural training in the use of space and the dancers abilities to occupy space equals perfection.

Alfred Arzt	PM reply	16-Jan-2008 17:53
Absolutely great lighting, - very beautiful pictures...- but really I have no words to discribe how wonderful your work is. Big Vote!!!

Bang Truong	PM reply	16-Jan-2008 17:46
Here u go again Richard. Stunning captures.

Rosemarie Kusserow	PM reply	15-Jan-2008 22:36
Another amazing studio potraits of great dancers with fantastic light and colors, vote, Rosemarie :o) - A plesure again to view at !!

SzPiNaK.OrG Photography	PM reply	15-Jan-2008 20:50
AWESOME in ALL DETAILS !!! Can't find a right word again ... speachless Richard,. HUUUUGE Vote :o)

flowsnow	PM reply	15-Jan-2008 16:11
Beautiful shots, Richard. A very fortunate and talented photographer.

shatterbug	PM reply	15-Jan-2008 07:21
This series just keeps getting better...really extraordinary lighting here!

Ken Chambers ARPS	PM reply	14-Jan-2008 22:59
Richard, this is a tremendous start to 2008. I so enjoy your great talent and that of the artistes.

JD	PM reply	14-Jan-2008 07:13
The light is really unique, drawing streamlines on the dancers. Very elegant work!

Gus R.	PM reply	13-Jan-2008 22:58
Not a one in here, that is not worthy of commentary. Only so much time in a day though ;-) These are an outstanding incorporation of your previous and recent ventures. Beauty and excitement abound - g

BleuEvanescence	PM reply	13-Jan-2008 18:37
Ahhhh Richard, Your talent is endless...in catching this human grace. I also watched the short video, i do not have a sound card, and i can't read lips but i could tell by the smile in your eyes all the joy and fulfillment this is bringing to you and how privileged we are to enjoy you on PBase... Thank you...

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