Technical Spec Sheet – Back-Lit Glass Pitcher Study

Subject:
Back-lit glass pitcher — transparency, edge definition, and surface clarity study.

Camera & Support:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

  • Lens: 70mm

  • Stabilization: Tripod

  • Shutter Triggering: 2–10 sec timer (to eliminate vibration)

Exposure Settings:

  • Shutter Speed: 4 seconds

  • Aperture: f/16

  • ISO: 100

Lighting Setup:

  • Primary Light: Profoto strobe, power level 1

  • Modifier: Large softbox (rear-positioned) for diffused backlighting

  • Pitcher Placement: Positioned inside a softbox to control reflections, on a black mirror for reflection.

  • Background: Black board placed directly behind pitcher to define edges

  • Fill/Reflection: White foam core board angled at 45° to bounce soft light back onto the front surface and reveal subtle glass contours

Objective:
To capture clean, high-contrast edge highlights and transparent detail in the glass while maintaining a controlled gradient, minimal front reflections, and maximum clarity in the body of the pitcher.

Technique Notes:
This setup uses backlighting + controlled front fill to sculpt the shape of the glass. Long exposure combined with low ISO ensures the highest image quality and minimal noise. similar to the methods required for accurately capturing glass, polished metals, high-gloss plastics, and instrument cluster components. This image showcases my technical discipline in shaping light, managing reflections, and producing clear, high-contrast detail in complex surfaces.

Technical Spec Sheet – Three-Light Strobe Portrait (Guitar Performance Study)

Subject:
Male guitarist — performance portrait capturing gesture, instrument detail, and expressive body language.

Camera & Support:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

  • Lens: 85mm

Exposure Settings:

  • Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec

  • Aperture: f/8

  • ISO: 100

Lighting Setup:

Key Light (Primary):

  • Light: Profoto strobe

  • Modifier: Medium softbox

  • Position: 45° to subject, slightly above eye level

Fill Light (Secondary):

  • Light: Profoto strobe

  • Modifier: Large softbox or umbrella

  • Position: Opposite side of key, lower power

Rim / Accent Light (Third Light):

  • Light: Profoto strobe

  • Modifier: Strip softbox or bare head with grid

  • Position: Behind subject, angled toward shoulders and guitar neck

Objective:
To capture a dynamic performance portrait that balances expressive motion with clear detail in both the musician and the instrument. The lighting emphasizes facial expression, hand movement, and the guitar’s form while maintaining depth and separation.

Technique Notes:
This three-light configuration allows independent control of facial illumination, shadow density, and edge definition. The approach mirrors multi-source automotive lighting workflows, where primary form, secondary detail, and accent highlights are carefully shaped to communicate motion, material quality, and design intent.

Technical Spec Sheet – Rembrandt Lighting Portrait Study

Subject:
Female portrait — Rembrandt lighting study focused on facial structure, depth, and controlled contrast.

Camera & Support:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

  • Lens: 70mm

  • Stabilization: Tripod

  • Shutter Triggering: Remote release or timed shutter to ensure sharpness

Exposure Settings:

  • Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec

  • Aperture: f/8

  • ISO: 100

Lighting Setup:

  • Key Light: Profoto strobe

  • Modifier: Medium softbox

  • Light Position: 45° to subject and slightly above eye level, angled downward to create the classic Rembrandt triangle of light on the shadow-side cheek

  • Fill Control: Minimal to no fill light to preserve contrast and dimensional shadow detail

  • Background: Black non-reflective backdrop to emphasize facial highlights and sculptural lighting

Objective:
To sculpt the face using directional light that emphasizes bone structure, texture, and dimensionality while maintaining a natural, flattering appearance. The goal is controlled contrast with precise highlight placement and intentional shadow falloff.

Technique Notes:
This setup relies on disciplined light placement rather than multiple light sources, using shadow as a compositional tool. Rembrandt lighting requires careful control of angle, height, and distance to maintain the signature illuminated triangle while preserving skin texture and tonal accuracy—skills directly transferable to photographing contoured surfaces, interiors, and dimensional automotive components.

Technical Spec Sheet – Experimental Back-Lit painted Wine Glass with Top Black Light

Subject:
Painted Wine Glass — transparency, rim definition, and stem clarity study with controlled edge highlights.

Camera & Support:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

  • Lens: 70mm

  • Stabilization: Tripod

  • Shutter Triggering: 2–10 sec timer (to eliminate vibration)

Exposure Settings:

  • Shutter Speed: 4 seconds

  • Aperture: f/16

  • ISO: 100

Lighting Setup:

  • Primary Light: Profoto strobe, power level 1

  • Modifier: Large softbox positioned behind the subject for diffused backlighting

  • Subject Placement: Wine glass positioned inside the softbox to fully control reflections

  • Background: Black board placed directly behind the glass to define outer edges and stem separation

  • Front Fill / Reflection Control

  • Top Light Control

Objective:
To capture clean edge highlights, crisp rim definition, and uniform transparency while maintaining controlled contrast throughout the bowl and stem. The addition of the top black flag creates intentional rim separation and enhances the dimensional read of the glass form.

Technique Notes:
This setup combines rear diffusion, reflective fill, and strategic negative fill to sculpt transparent material. The top black flag introduces a controlled dark line at the rim—an essential technique for defining form in glass and similarly reflective automotive materials such as lenses, touchscreens, and polished trim. Long exposure and low ISO ensure maximum clarity, tonal consistency, and minimal noise.

Technical Spec Sheet – Single-Light Edgy Portrait (Tattoo Emphasis)

Subject:
Male or female portrait — high-contrast, single-light study designed to emphasize tattoo detail, skin texture, and graphic form.

Camera & Support:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

  • Lens: 70mm

  • Stabilization: Tripod or handheld (controlled stance)

  • Shutter Triggering: Remote release or manual shutter

Exposure Settings:

  • Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec

  • Aperture: f/8 – f/11 (to preserve tattoo sharpness and edge detail)

  • ISO: 100

Lighting Setup:

  • Light Source: Single Profoto strobe

  • Modifier: Medium or strip softbox (with internal diffusion only)

  • Light Position:

    • Placed 90° to the subject

    • 45° with a steep angle, slightly above eye level

  • Fill: None

  • Shadow Control: Optional black flag or negative fill on shadow side

  • Background: Black backdrop to isolate subject and enhance contrast

Objective:
To create a bold, sculptural portrait using a single directional light source that enhances tattoo line work, ink saturation, and skin texture. The goal is intentional contrast, dramatic falloff, and strong edge definition without flattening the subject.

Technique Notes:
This setup relies on light direction rather than multiple sources to define form. Side-raking light increases micro-contrast, making tattoo lines, shading, and skin detail more pronounced. The approach parallels techniques used in automotive photography to reveal surface texture, stamped details, and material transitions through controlled shadow and highlight placement.