Hey Ya'll!

Nikonguy · 04-12-2007, 02:13 AM

A lovely young southern bell sent me here, who am I to argue.

49yo. Started my transformation on March 4th (my b'day). I'm 11 lbs. down and dropping....54 to go.

**Trick D** · 04-12-2007, 02:14 AM

Welcome to the site. If you ever have any questions don't be afraid to post em!

**davtown** · 04-12-2007, 05:49 AM

Welcome aboard, Nikonguy!

**DarkFalcon** · 04-12-2007, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

A lovely young southern bell sent me here, who am I to argue.

49yo. Started my transformation on March 4th (my b'day). I'm 11 lbs. down and dropping....54 to go.

Hey Nikonguy (camera guy perhaps?

) Great to have you join us here at IronMass.

Great birthday by the way just one day after mine. :friday: What's your overall goal beside cutting? What's your current height and weight?

Nikonguy · 04-12-2007, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome!

DarkFalcon: Yes, a camera guy! 20 years as a professional photographer. (semi retired from photography, now teaching)

My goals are my 50th birthday present to myself.

200# @ .10 body fat by 03/04/08

Start 265# @.30 on 03/04/07
Now 253# @. ? on 03/12/07

I know it's pretty ambitious.

I have before pics and 4 week pics posted elsewhere on the net and I update pics every 4 weeks.

BTW: I'm happy to answer photo questions for those doing self-pics. I recently help a competitor here ( I think I helped her) with some pic questions.

**MacTech** · 04-12-2007, 12:16 PM

Hey Nikon, welcome to IM.

I am in the same camp as you, age wise. Good luck with your recomp! Mine started last fall and while my bodyweight stayed about the same, everything else changed considerably.

spaceclown · 04-12-2007, 01:03 PM

Welcome to the site and we definately could use some photo help

Any pointers on setting up lights when taking pictures of oneself. My background is black paper and I am currently white as a ghost. We have can lights with photo bulbs and a light with an umbrella. Sorry for the now technical terms. Also eventually I will be very tanned and have a PAM like shine on so that may be other options. Thanks so much!

Nikonguy · 04-12-2007, 03:00 PM

Spaceclown,

I like the avatar very artistic representation of a great physique! It doesn't look like you need much help.

Black paper can be highly reflective and requires some special treatment (most photographers actually use black velvet or flocked paper).

Stand as far away from the paper as possible while maintaining your desired framing.

I like a light (#1) high and from the back of the subject (behind you). This will put some light on your shoulders and head and give your outline some extra definition. A light to the left or right of the camera at about 45 degrees to the subject (#2), and a light over the camera (#3) to "fill in" some of the shadows from light #2. In decreasing order of brightness the set up should be 3,2,1,.

If you are shooting digital play with the white balance a little. Using the daylight setting with tungsten bulbs (household lights) will warm up your skin tone a little and most photo storage software has a little image control capability and can "sweeten" the color. If your camers has manual exposure settings play with them too.

Any questions just ask!
Nikonguy

**bubba g** · 04-12-2007, 03:37 PM

Welcome to Iron Mass Nikonguy. Great to have you here...

spaceclown · 04-12-2007, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

Spaceclown,

I like the avatar very artistic representation of a great physique! It doesn't look like you need much help.

Black paper can be highly reflective and requires some special treatment (most photographers actually use black velvet or flocked paper).

Stand as far away from the paper as possible while maintaining your desired framing.

I like a light (#1) high and from the back of the subject (behind you). This will put some light on your shoulders and head and give your outline some extra definition. A light to the left or right of the camera at about 45 degrees to the subject (#2), and a light over the camera (#3) to "fill in" some of the shadows from light #2. In decreasing order of brightness the set up should be 3,2,1,.

If you are shooting digital play with the white balance a little. Using the daylight setting with tungsten bulbs (household lights) will warm up your skin tone a little and most photo storage software has a little image control capability and can "sweeten" the color. If your camers has manual exposure settings play with them too.

Any questions just ask!
Nikonguy

Thanks for all the great info!
Does #1 have to be directly in the back of the subject or can it be 45 degrees. I ask cause I have a easy mounting place 45 degrees. I assume if I do this is may cause a problem with #2. Should I use #3 or use the flash on the camera? Oh my camera is a digital SLR. Canon Rebel XTI is the make/model.

Nikonguy · 04-13-2007, 12:44 AM

Spaceclown,

I can't think of any reason why you couldn't move #1 as long as it is high enough so as not to cause lense flare (light directly into the lense). However, you'll be putting more light on the side of your body closest to the light. Depending on a variety of things this could be good or bad. One of the great things about digital is you can experiment a lot with out the cost of film and processing.

Having #1 and #2 facing each can work as long as #1 is quite a bit brighter, otherwise it defeats the purpose of #1.

For this set up (even if you move #1) #3 sould be over the camera or pretty close to it. If you move #3 it should be on the other side of the camera from #2

If you are using photo bulbs flash should be OK, BUT if you use on-camera flash with the camera vertical then you may get an "edge shadow" on your left side (camera right). This is because the flash is not directly over the lens but now to the left of it. This should not be a problem with a black background.

Nice camera, BTW

If you are dialing in your physique for a competition start taking some pics a week or two in advance and see what works...and remember how you did it!

I'm thinking about putting together an article that could be a sticky on indoor and outdoor photography for body builders. If anyone thinks this would be of interest I'll see what I can do.

**MacTech** · 04-13-2007, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

I'm thinking about putting together an article that could be a sticky on indoor and outdoor photography for body builders. If anyone thinks this would be of interest I'll see what I can do.

Yes, please do. I would be interested.

spaceclown · 04-13-2007, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

Spaceclown,

I can't think of any reason why you couldn't move #1 as long as it is high enough so as not to cause lense flare (light directly into the lense). However, you'll be putting more light on the side of your body closest to the light. Depending on a variety of things this could be good or bad. One of the great things about digital is you can experiment a lot with out the cost of film and processing.

Having #1 and #2 facing each can work as long as #1 is quite a bit brighter, otherwise it defeats the purpose of #1.

For this set up (even if you move #1) #3 sould be over the camera or pretty close to it. If you move #3 it should be on the other side of the camera from #2

If you are using photo bulbs flash should be OK, BUT if you use on-camera flash with the camera vertical then you may get an "edge shadow" on your left side (camera right). This is because the flash is not directly over the lens but now to the left of it. This should not be a problem with a black background.

Nice camera, BTW

If you are dialing in your physique for a competition start taking some pics a week or two in advance and see what works...and remember how you did it!

I'm thinking about putting together an article that could be a sticky on indoor and outdoor photography for body builders. If anyone thinks this would be of interest I'll see what I can do.

This may help in the equation.
I have an old Normon monolight with silver umbrella
I have 2 single bulb worklights with photo bulbs (same power)
Background is black flat paper purchased from the local photo shop
I would like to erase the background later (photoshop) and make it high key like. I think this looks really sharp and makes the model pop. In my limited experience black seems to show much better than the typical white background. Back on track, the paper is on a roll that is on a piece of pvc the is on hooks from the wall. The hooks are 10 feet apart and about 8 feet in the air. I was thinking of using these to mount one of the work lights (they are hand clamping cheap things). I can put a mount in the middle if you think this would yield better results though. Since I will be posing front, back and both sides the middle would seem to be more logical. We where debating getting a softbox for the #3 position but now I am not sure.

Oh and heck yes we would love an article on this. Dumb it way down for us and tell us some cheap ways to do it like grabbing laps from the hardware store and using alumuninum foil as a reflector

irishprincess · 04-13-2007, 04:05 AM

Welcome! i am a newbie as well and my birthday was 2 days before yours..haha. everyone on here has been so supportive I am sure you will be able to reach your goal with your motivation and everyones input for assistance!! good luck.

**DarkFalcon** · 04-13-2007, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacTech

Yes, please do. I would be interested.

Bump! That would be awesome. We'll put it up the articles section. :camer:

Nikonguy · 04-13-2007, 12:20 PM

Thanks for all the new welcomes! Wow, 2 lovely pisces here, March is a good month.

DarkFalcon: I'll get to work!

Spaceclown: I'll PM you ASAP since you have a multi light set up.

Curl Master · 04-14-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonguy

A lovely young southern bell sent me here, who am I to argue.

49yo. Started my transformation on March 4th (my b'day). I'm 11 lbs. down and dropping....54 to go.

Welcome to the site. Dedication is the key if you have any questions we will be happy to help you reach your goal.

Nikonguy · 05-04-2007, 02:28 AM

Just wanted to update my progress:

02-04-07 265lbs.
04-29-07 249lbs.

16lb loss in 8 weeks :mods:

04-12-2007, 12:16 PM	#6
MacTech IronMassoholic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: State of well being Posts: 439 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 35	Hey Nikon, welcome to IM. I am in the same camp as you, age wise. Good luck with your recomp! Mine started last fall and while my bodyweight stayed about the same, everything else changed considerably. __________________ Still going thru life one rep at a time. My training journal.

04-12-2007, 01:03 PM	#7
spaceclown IMPC Contestant Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: In the gym Posts: 1,723 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 39	Welcome to the site and we definately could use some photo help Any pointers on setting up lights when taking pictures of oneself. My background is black paper and I am currently white as a ghost. We have can lights with photo bulbs and a light with an umbrella. Sorry for the now technical terms. Also eventually I will be very tanned and have a PAM like shine on so that may be other options. Thanks so much! __________________ Spaceclown _________________________ Millennium Sport Technologies www.millenniumsport.net

04-13-2007, 04:05 AM	#14
irishprincess IMPC Contestant Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albany,NY Posts: 73 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 5	Welcome! i am a newbie as well and my birthday was 2 days before yours..haha. everyone on here has been so supportive I am sure you will be able to reach your goal with your motivation and everyones input for assistance!! good luck. __________________ Let's get it on!!!!

05-04-2007, 02:28 AM	#18
Nikonguy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	Re: Hey Ya'll! Just wanted to update my progress: 02-04-07 265lbs. 04-29-07 249lbs. 16lb loss in 8 weeks :mods:

04-12-2007, 02:13 AM	#1
Nikonguy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	Hey Ya'll! A lovely young southern bell sent me here, who am I to argue. 49yo. Started my transformation on March 4th (my b'day). I'm 11 lbs. down and dropping....54 to go.

04-12-2007, 05:49 AM	#3
davtown OM NOM NOM NOM Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,360 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 128	Welcome aboard, Nikonguy! __________________ --Training Journal-- current/goal D: 350/380 S: 280/300 B: 235/260

04-12-2007, 11:50 AM	#5
Nikonguy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for the warm welcome! DarkFalcon: Yes, a camera guy! 20 years as a professional photographer. (semi retired from photography, now teaching) My goals are my 50th birthday present to myself. 200# @ .10 body fat by 03/04/08 Start 265# @.30 on 03/04/07 Now 253# @. ? on 03/12/07 I know it's pretty ambitious. I have before pics and 4 week pics posted elsewhere on the net and I update pics every 4 weeks. BTW: I'm happy to answer photo questions for those doing self-pics. I recently help a competitor here ( I think I helped her) with some pic questions.

04-12-2007, 03:00 PM	#8
Nikonguy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	Spaceclown, I like the avatar very artistic representation of a great physique! It doesn't look like you need much help. Black paper can be highly reflective and requires some special treatment (most photographers actually use black velvet or flocked paper). Stand as far away from the paper as possible while maintaining your desired framing. I like a light (#1) high and from the back of the subject (behind you). This will put some light on your shoulders and head and give your outline some extra definition. A light to the left or right of the camera at about 45 degrees to the subject (#2), and a light over the camera (#3) to "fill in" some of the shadows from light #2. In decreasing order of brightness the set up should be 3,2,1,. If you are shooting digital play with the white balance a little. Using the daylight setting with tungsten bulbs (household lights) will warm up your skin tone a little and most photo storage software has a little image control capability and can "sweeten" the color. If your camers has manual exposure settings play with them too. Any questions just ask! Nikonguy

04-12-2007, 03:37 PM	#9
bubba g Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 2,939 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 176	Welcome to Iron Mass Nikonguy. Great to have you here...

04-13-2007, 12:44 AM	#11
Nikonguy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	Spaceclown, I can't think of any reason why you couldn't move #1 as long as it is high enough so as not to cause lense flare (light directly into the lense). However, you'll be putting more light on the side of your body closest to the light. Depending on a variety of things this could be good or bad. One of the great things about digital is you can experiment a lot with out the cost of film and processing. Having #1 and #2 facing each can work as long as #1 is quite a bit brighter, otherwise it defeats the purpose of #1. For this set up (even if you move #1) #3 sould be over the camera or pretty close to it. If you move #3 it should be on the other side of the camera from #2 If you are using photo bulbs flash should be OK, BUT if you use on-camera flash with the camera vertical then you may get an "edge shadow" on your left side (camera right). This is because the flash is not directly over the lens but now to the left of it. This should not be a problem with a black background. Nice camera, BTW If you are dialing in your physique for a competition start taking some pics a week or two in advance and see what works...and remember how you did it! I'm thinking about putting together an article that could be a sticky on indoor and outdoor photography for body builders. If anyone thinks this would be of interest I'll see what I can do.

04-13-2007, 12:20 PM	#16
Nikonguy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for all the new welcomes! Wow, 2 lovely pisces here, March is a good month. DarkFalcon: I'll get to work! Spaceclown: I'll PM you ASAP since you have a multi light set up.