I have this idea but i dont know how to make it work

[mozzie]

hi

So i've been working on a new floor at my work for a few weeks and they have this thing (its called a Safe T way) its basically a siver dome on the roof that allows you to see all the corridors and stuff so you know if someone else is approaching.

So there is this cool junction with 4 corridors that dont meet in 90degrees with pink walls. And for some strange reason i would love to get a shot of the reflection of bunch of people in various poses on the safe t cam.

I have two problems:

1) the lighting is bad. I haven't got any experience with lighting and i cant use a flash because it screws up the reflection. I cant really use an off camera flash either because that too comes into the photo. So i dont know what to do about that.

2) i cant find a way of taking the photo without me/camera being in it.

Not sure if it all makes sense but would love any ideas that anyone can give me.

[wendellt]

hi

for the 2nd issue you can use a telephoto lens like 70-200, stand far away so you dont get your self in the domes reflection thn zoom in and shoot

otherwise you may have to construct a white scrim all around that dome and cut a small opening to put your lens through
but thats impractical.

With the lighting not sure how to help you there i would construct a scrim and put a strobe behind it but its alot of work
so maybe just shoot ultra high iso othersie put the camera on a triopod and shoot low shutter it may be cool since it may capture some movement as people move around and will capture people sitting still

[Big V]

I would put the camera directly underneath and use a radio trigger to fire it. Use manual focus and all will be good. As for the low light as Wendell has said high ISO or you could try remote strobes down the end of each corridor bounced upwards. Then again you may be surprised by the effect you get with a slower shutter speed and the combination of movement. You may be even get a few peeople to hold their stride for you. Give it a go and let us know how it turned out.

[surenj]

I would shoot to get rid of 'most' ambient and use one pop of snooted flash to highlight each person in 4 tunnels in four shots and combine them. Or you could use the 5th shot to blend in the ambient with a longer exposure.

Can you post a picture of the basic setup ?

[phillipb]

Try using a very long exposure, keep moving with a light in your hand - light junky style that way you won't show up in the photo and you'll illuminate the subject with your handheld flashlight. Only problem is, your subjects will need to stand still for a while.

[Matt. K]

This is a well known way of 'painting with light'. There have been some very established artists who used this technique to paint large interiors...chapels churches etc. It gives a lovely soft, shadowless light. The operator should be dressed in dark clothing (no white shirts) and keep moving slowly. It is a forgiving technique.

[mozzie]

Thanks guys

I am going to try some of this out in the Christmas New year lull (dont want to look like a total clown standing with camreas and flashes in the corridor at work when its busy). I'll post up successes or failure which ever the case maybe

[surenj]

Mozzie, Can you post a quick snapshot of it so I can visualise this problem better? Eagerly awaiting to see results.