P#22: A Serene Moment at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
John Siskin captures a unique shot of The Mansion at Huntington Library
With some photographs, shadows need to be avoided but in shots like this one of Huntington Library, they become a part of the picture's ambiance and mood. How did John Siskin manage to create such a masterpiece? He let us in on a few of his secrets while explaining the techniques behind this shot.
A Wonderful Opportunity
John Siskin: This picture is of The Huntington Library Gardens, one of the finest museums in Los Angeles County. They have redone what's called "the Mansion." I know John Sullivan, the senior photographer over there, and he called me in to work with him on photographing the mansion before it opened again. We did a hybrid of the way that I do photography and the way that he does photography. It was really wonderful to do.
We brought out my big Norman gear. I had 4500 watt-seconds of strobe power with me and about eight heads so I had the tremendous ability to light anything and light it in a number of different ways. (click the image for a larger version)
We lit the wall on the left to create that separation of detail and shape in the wall. We ended up keeping the exposure very, very long - not because the strobes needed it, but to burn in all of the light coming in from behind the windows.
This is a great example of that technique we were talking about earlier where you open up the shutter speed for a longer and longer period of time to allow the existing light to match with the strobe light.
Audri Lanford: I love the way you've got that shadow of the banister. There's so much detail in this. Then you've got the backlighting, as you were just talking about, which really lights up those windows. This is a really amazing photograph.
John Siskin: Yes, I really enjoy doing that work.
Audri Lanford: I can see why.
John Siskin: I really enjoy having a mixed group of clients, I really do. I have to admit, however, that my favorite stuff has always involved architecture and buildings because it is the greatest challenge to me as a photographer. I have to bring and use more tools in effective ways. This type of photography really asks me to come to the table and bring my best game.
In Closing
At first glance, one might not realize how much work went into this stunning shot. After talking to John Siskin, however, we soon realize that architecture can be a challenging subject to photograph. This entry way shot is just one example of how the right tools and techniques can bring amazing results when photographing buildings.
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