The B Roll

Most of the folks who read this blog are from Minnesota which means that most of you already know this is arctic explorer Will Steger.  I photographed Will for the latest issue of St. Thomas Magazine.  We went with a different photo for the cover, but I’m still fond of this one, largely because of what you can’t see.

The shoot took place on Will’s Mississippi River houseboat - a very small space.  In fact this portrait was taken in a corner about six feet by six feet with a seven or eight foot ceiling.  There is a strobe to either side of Will (and slightly behind him) and another strobe in a portable softbox just behind and over the top of the camera.  The background is gray paper taped to the ceiling with gaffer tape.

I’m used to doing portraits like this in a decent-size studio, so wedging all of that equipment into such a tight space and still getting the light I wanted was a challenge.  The fact that I still like the picture today means that I wound up doing something right despite the space limitations.

The other interesting thing about this photo is the reaction it gets when I show it to people.  So far, everyone under 40 really likes it.  Everyone over 40 (with one exception) doesn’t care for it at all.  I imagine that’s because the style I’ve used is one that came onto the scene about three years ago.

To be sure, my poll is hardly scientific.  I show someone the photo and ask them what they think.  My sample size is small too - I’ve shown this to about 10 people so far.

So if you’re moved to comment on whether you like this image, be sure to leave your age somewhere in your comment.  I’m curious to see if the trend continues.