This image, from my new book Perfect Evenings, has caused some furrowed brows as to how it was done. Although the shadows suggest the background must be a screen of some sort, the effect was actually achieved entirely in-camera. I used a telephoto (85mm) lens, so a shallow focus is inherent in the composition, but the clue is in the signature lighting: my flash initiated the 30 second exposure.

Of course the flash could only light up the lush foreground, so straight after it I rotated the lens barrel, bringing the background into better focus for the remainder of the exposure.  The  odd plant “shadows” are actually new silhouettes, showing that the foreground was drastically re-positioned by the extension of the lens that the change in focus required. Simple!

SIGNED gift copies of the new book can be sent direct on your behalf to any address in NZ for $NZ50, or to Australia for $NZ60 (air mail only, surface post no longer available). Payment can be made by direct credit or by cheque. Why not email me today: barneybrewster@xtra.co.nz

Posted by Barney Brewster

Categories: Night photography, Publication