As I continue to look at photographic challenges for myself, I follow a blog (Strobist) that is perfect for introducing those challenges. Most often, I simply work to duplicate certain techniques illustrated by the blog posts, which is great practice for me.
The blog is dedicated to techniques that promote minimal lighting equipment and maximal improvisation and photographic skill of the photographer. This is a great way to practice the art of photography for many reasons. One of which is an obvious one; Professional photographic equipment can be extremely expensive. There are times when big, expensive, feature-packed equipment is required. However, as I am learning from the blog's teachings, there are many opportunities when similar (and equally acceptable) results with minimal equipment can be obtained.
Aside from the price point of the recommended equipment promoted by the Strobist blog, the learning aspect of using low-feature, low-power gear evolves into a great asset the photographer can utilize throughout their career. Information and skills gained from practicing the aforementioned skills are the big reason I subscribe to the blog.
In addition to posting lighting and photographic techniques, the blog also publishes assignments for the readership. As personal photographic challenges go, I have yet to take on an assignment put forth by a party other than myself. After reading about the current Strobist assignment I decided it was time to take on something that was of another's conception as the challenge seemed well within my current comfort level. So off I went.
I was out of town for the July 4th weekend with my usual minimalist travel pack of camera gear. It provides me just enough functionality for most applicaitons. After setting up my 'travel studio' I started pulling food objects from the fruit basket and refrigerator as potential subjects.
The results were satisfactory and I was happy to dial in my lighting and exposure. However, one little gem I stumbled across was an orange bell pepper that was previously used for a dish. About half of the body was intact with part of the core as well. It provided more content for composition technique as it was rather unique.
As I played with different lighting effects and positions I finally nailed the look I was hoping for. This turned out the be the shot I submitted for the assignment.
Something about the enroaching state of decay slowly pushing it past its prime along with the various contours and facets really caught my interest. In addition to the interesting details, the simplistic starkness of the darkened background helps push forward the impact of the overall shape. I get the sense of a familiar object with less familiar details.
For those interested, below is the set up I used for the shot. Two small strobe flashes (wirelessly fired) with modifiers along with a makeshift reflector card on the kitchen counter top. About as minimilist as you can get.
