Needing advice on taking a picture of a hand (hand model involved)

[andylo]

Hi all,

I am probably will be responsible to work with a hand model and take a picture of her hand (both hand) AND most likely, is washing her hand... I believe the pic would be something to do with promoting benefit of washing hand.

Can anyone with experience provide some guidance?

I will be using a 1DMkIII with a 580EXII and 24-70L. I have a remote trigger for flash if off hot shoe speedlight is required. I will also use a tripod. I also have other lens (wide angle to telephoto) if they have been proven more suitable.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[kiwi]

not enough information

have you total control over the environment ? studio, onsite ?

Id say a 50m or thereabouts, to wide and you'll get distortion. Nice even diffused light with a clean background

[Big Pix]

it will all be in the lighting....... a large soft box, reflector and key light......

[andylo]

Re more information.

It WON'T be a studio. Probably just the washroom of the office. We have about an hour and couple of people will help me, so I guess you can say I have total control of the environment

50M you mean 50mm with the lens? or you mean literally take the pic from 50Meter away?

Don't think I will have access to large softbox or etc.

[kiwi]

anydy seriously, if you dont know what I mean by 50m (and yes I should have said 50mm lens), then seriously are you sure you want to be taking this job on ?

[andylo]

Why not, I am not getting any $$ out of it anyway I am just helping another unit under the same department.

I just like to acquire the experience.

But if you have said 50mm I would not ask that question. And I know that using any wide angle focal length will create distortion - and unless one is very talented and creative (and able to use distortion as advantage), usually will try to avoid it like a plague.

[kiwi]

Fair enough then

[41jas]

haha kiwi, next time say mm not m...ha

If I can suggest take a few from all angles don't just think you are at the right angle. Move around and try everything. I'd be interested in the final shot.

[Art Vandelay]

Maybe get a willing helper at home and practice first. That way your prepared.

[andylo]

thanks. How about shutter speed? Should I go for a high speed with crystal sharp water drop? Or a slower speed (and ask the hand model not to move) to create a "water stream" sort of feeling?

[andylo]

Art That was my plan and project tonight

[Lani]

thanks. How about shutter speed? Should I go for a high speed with crystal sharp water drop? Or a slower speed (and ask the hand model not to move) to create a "water stream" sort of feeling?

Why not try both, but as has been suggested, practice at home first.

[41jas]

It's hard not knowing what you are walking in to but try everything. After you get what you are after you will know.

[James T]

thanks. How about shutter speed? Should I go for a high speed with crystal sharp water drop? Or a slower speed (and ask the hand model not to move) to create a "water stream" sort of feeling?

Do both, it takes a few seconds to change settings for different shots. Have the model move their hands in a long exposure, have them keep still, use flash, don't use flash, use long exposures and flash. Shoot close ups of the hands, shoot wider with part / all of the model's body included, shoot smiling faces. Just make sure you clean the basin / taps before the shoot.

I'm guessing this isn't a very important job in the grand scheme of things, and they're going to be pretty happy with whatever you give them. So don't over think what is a fairly simple shoot.

[Art Vandelay]

If you're using flash you'll struggle to blur the water.

Maybe try a different light source if you want that effect.

[SnowA]

A CPL thread popped up the other day - one thing mentioned was the use of one to cut down unwanted reflections. You may want to try a few shots with one on close-ups with the taps in frame?

[andylo]

Ah.. CPL!!! Good idea! Why have I not thought of that!! Thanks SnowA.

(Now, where can I get a CPL for ZPro holder quick smart )

[andylo]

Yes Art, agree with you. Flash will only good for freezing it, not blur it.

Probably would give the HSS a trial and see how it goes

[kiwi]

The biggest problem likely will be the actual subjects cuticles, they really need to be perfect or you'll be doing lots of Photoshop

[andylo]

I don't have to worry about the Photoshop bit. I am not the only "enthusiast" there. One of the "team member" is a PS advocate. So he will take care of it.