Conceptual Photography

by Alan Trammel: Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill Photographer

Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 100, 1/8000, f/1.4

A recent content retreat hosted by Michael Betzner (@Michael_BetznerPhotography) a Raleigh, North Carolina based conceptual portrait photographer was a great way to see how creative concepts get translated into photoshoots.

Michael presented mood boards for concepts several weeks prior to the photoshoots.  Michael then arranged models and locations for each of the concepts he created allowing attendees to photograph each concept. The final pictures really translated well from the mood boards he created.

Gear:

  • Nikon Z6 II
  • Nikon Z5
  • Nikon FTZ 2 Adapter
  • Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD
  • Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4G
  • Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

Contrasted

Mood Board by Michael Betzner @Michael_BetznerPhotography

Models:

Kalaya @klwmodeling

Olivia @olivia_clossick

MUA: @peachcowgirl

Nikon Z6 II+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 250, 1/640, f/1.4
Nikon Z6 II+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 250, 1/640, f/1.4

Ethereal Loss

Mood Board by Michael Betzner @Michael_BetznerPhotography

Model: Hannah @hannah.foy

MUA: @peachcowgirl

Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 100, 1/8000, f/1.4
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 100, 1/3200, f/2
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 100, 1/1000, f/2.8
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 100, 1/5000, f/1.4
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 100, 1/5000, f/2
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 100, 1/2000, f/2
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 100, 1/2000, f/2
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 100, 1/8000, f/1.4
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 100, 1/8000, f/1.4

Pastels and Denim

Mood Board by Michael Betzner @Michael_BetznerPhotography

Models:

Nicole @nicolejamieg

Chandler @chandlercouill

MUA: @peachcowgirl

Nikon Z5+ Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD@ ISO 200, 1/1000, f/2
Nikon Z5+ Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD@ ISO 200, 1/1000, f/2
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 100, 1/8000, f/1.4
Nikon Z6 II+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 250, 1/1000, f/1.4
Nikon Z5+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 200, 1/4000, f/1.4
Nikon Z6 II+ Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4 G@ ISO 250, 1/400, f/2.8
Nikon Z6 II+ Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD@ ISO 200, 1/125, f/3.5
Nikon Z6 II+ Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4 ED@ ISO 200, 1/6400, f/1.4

Attending this content retreat was a great way to explore a new genre and network with other photographers and models. Michael Betzner (@Michael_BetznerPhotography) really showcased his creative talents with these concepts. I really enjoyed seeing the final pictures from other photographers. While we were all photographing the same concept, the pool of final pictures were vastly different. Each photographer sees something different and their lens/focal length choice and personal editing style create diversity.

This was also a great technical exercise after making a full switch over to mirrorless Nikon Z bodies, the Z6II and Z5. I am still putting them through the paces and will have a full review in the future. So far I am loving Nikon mirrorless!

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