Every once in a while, I like to share background info on a project. In this case, it’s about B1.E.E.S.
As usual with my projects, there is a slow build of an idea. It’s not uncommon for me to bring a small prop of some kind when I go out and shoot. I encourage other photographers to do this as well. Not only is it something to take a picture of, but it pushes you to be creative and often helps you hone certain skills. For me, especially lately, I tend to grab a Lego figure or two.
After reviewing photos at a shoot in Branch Brook Park, I realized that this was one of my favorites from that day. Fast forward a little while later and I found myself thinking it could be a fun project to get out and start shooting with the AT-AT. And so, the ?Blizzard 1 Empire Expansion Squad ( B1.E.E.S.) project was born.
The idea behind it is simple – General Veers and his team are sent to explore earth in an effort to find new planets for the Empire to expand their influence on. But much to their surprise, when they arrive, they find that their AT-AT is minuscule compared to everything else here.
The gear list will not change much, other than lenses.
What I generally shoot with:
Canon 7D
Sigma 17-70mm Macro Lens
Neewer 12″ Reflector (handheld)
Lego AT-AT (Star Wars Series 2, Kit #75075, slightly modified by my daughter)
What does change, however, is the settings. Sometimes from session to session, but more often from shot to shot, until I find what I like. I most often shoot fully manual, but there are times I switch over to autofocus (if my allergies happen to be really bad that day!) or AV mode.
Here’s the?breakdown of the camera settings for this weeks posts:
Episode 1
ISO 100
F/5.6
1/25
Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average
53mm
Handheld
Episode 2
ISO 100
F/11
1/10
Evaluative Metering,?manually selected focal point
30mm
Handheld
Episode 3
ISO 100
F/6.3
1/50
Evaluative Metering,?manually selected focal point
21mm
Handheld
So those are the basic settings for this week’s?group. As the project progresses, there will be more to discuss and share, as I am forced to become more and more creative with the photos, the settings and the story line!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments. I try to respond to everything. Thanks!
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