Back in March, in a studio in East London, up 10 flights of stairs (it was probably more like 3, but I was carrying my lighting kit, so exaggeration feels warranted), I had the pleasure of once again working with Tanya Burr. We were there to shoot a couple of portraits, and had a beautiful, airy and bright studio to work in.
The images were to be used in connection with Tanya's work as a Global Goals Ambassador. Global Goals was launched by the United Nations last year, as a set of ambitious targets to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Tanya's focus has been on ending gender inequality, and next week from September 18th - 24th, it's Global Goals week. You can read more about Global Goals and how to get involved on their website (edit courtesy of the Burr Bears).
For the shoot itself, I used a couple of different set ups. For the image above, with Tanya on the white block against the white wall of the studio, I used one Bowens white shoot-through umbrella positioned to Tanya's left.
There was so much natural light coming in through the studio windows and skylight, I didn't need much extra light to get the set up I wanted. I've sketched out my set ups for each portrait. Outstanding drawing skills, I'm sure you'll agree.
For the close portrait of Tanya above, I just used the natural light available in the studio, and used the black side of a polyboard as a background, which gave the background some texture. Tanya's face looked a little on the dark side, so I also popped a silver reflector just below her face to reflect some light up.
And for the third image below, previously unreleased - and I think possibly my favourite from the shoot - I used no additional light or equipment. Tanya stood under the skylight, against the studio's white walls, and I photographed her in the available light.
