Explore the creative process of professional photographers and filmmakers.
From sketch to final shot: discover the composing projects by David Lineton.

PROJECT 1 | HYDRATION

CONCEPT

This project was all about creating a visual representation of hydration. The idea stems from visualising how water falls within a scene. Sensorial exploration of what quenching your thirst could look like. The tubes correlating to human anatomy, how water hydrates and moves, constitutes the body. 

SETUP & SHOOTING

The value of a  Skylite Rapid Standard Large Kit 2 x 2m cannot be ignored. Often pivotal, it softens off the highlights and creates smooth gradients.  
 
Here it ultimately is allowing me to control light using modifiers, allowing me to explore different elements elsewhere.  
I often consider myself a problem solver and these solutions frequently come down to grips, clamps and my equipment as a whole. Getting the right angles here shows how rare it is that I don’t reach into my toolkit for the super-clamp or the magic arm. To think of those days when a fishing wire was the only way… Now I can explore otherwise difficult if not impossible rigging ideas.  
 
Aluminium Pro Geared Tripod with Geared Column - Black allows me, once again, to explore those dynamic positions which challenge a more conventional setup. Choosing this piece of equipment specifically allowed me be at ease knowing I rely on the sturdiness of the setup.  
 
I specifically used a 410 Junior Geared Tripod Head, easy to use ergonomic knobs because it allows me to make micro adjustments that allow me to get the verticals and horizontals lined up. All these decisions is key to working up a concept and achieving a perfect harmonised and balanced final image. This is the equipment that allows me to fulfil my potential as a creative.  

PROJECT 2 | MOISTURE

CONCEPT

Working on the concept for this image, was all about visualising the essence of moisture. I seek out metaphors in my images to be able to fully flesh out the vision I have for the product inquestion. In the world of cosmetics, it’s all about the set enhancing how the viewer experiences the product and consequently the brand. The tactile nature of skincare is approached from a showcase perspective, fit for editorial use.

SETUP & SHOOTING

I used my trusted rig set up especially adapted to working with paint. The key here are the brilliant use of Manfrotto superclamps and magic arms that are rock solid, flexible, adjustable and so useful. .As you may imagine, it can get pretty messy. Shot in a tray and over a colorama, that way I can control the level of the paint and define the depths of the projections.   
  
The vertical column of the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fibre 4 section tripod allows me to quickly extend the horizontal or vertical orientation, giving me much more freedom to shoot from innovative perspectives and showcase the best angle.   
  
I specifically used the XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with Top Lock plate because it allows me to frame precisely thanks to the levelling bubbles and also provides great flexibility thanks to its Arca-Swiss compatible quick release.   
   
When it comes to lighting I decided to light from the left. I believe this is naturally comfortable on the eye, as viewers read left to right. This way the shadows are in keeping with the composition. For a more editorial shot like this one, we want the products to face the copy. I ended up getting paint everywhere. Predictable outcome perhaps but totally worth it. I’m still cleaning up after the mess I made but it’s a good sign that fruitful experimentation was underway.  
 
The flash was on high-speed, the camera locked on a focal position and then I started predicting how the objects would fall. By using the large sensor on my camera and shooting at a great depth of field, we maintained detail across the image and I was able to crop into the image but not miss any of the details happening outside the central framework.  

David Lineton’s gear