So week two’s theme for the 52 project was The Goblin Tower…

The Goblin Tower
(The photo is quite dark, but there is detail in the shadows – trust me I was using a calibrated monitor and it is there. If you can’t see the photo you may need to adjust your monitor).
I had a few ideas for this photograph, but after shooting a test shots it became quite clear that this assignment was going to be tougher that I originally thought.
So with the photography dead line rapidly approaching (and quite a few chores to complete before I could dedicate my time to the photo project) I rapidly hatched an alternate concept.
Looking back at Sprague de Camp’s original novel cover I thought I’d create a similar feel with a barely dressed barbarian as the focus. Not having a muscular barbarian looking photographic model to work with I had to use myself. Looking like a plump hero I decided to apply a bit of photoshop wizardry and transform our hero into a green goblin.
The backdrop is a combination of the oval across from my house to provide the grass, trees and clouds (although I think all but the clouds remain in the final photo); a tunnel from a electric train set, and a hand made model house.
The technical stuff
The models were shot with a single strobe set to 1/32 power. This was place high above the models and directly behind them. This was to create a moonlit feel to the landscape. The goblin was lit by two strobes. 10:00 and 2:00, both aimed directly at the backdrop. A white reflector was then place in front of the model about 3m away. (I’ll add some lighting diagrams as soon as I find where I put my diagram folder).
Next weeks theme: Gordo (space monkey).