Happy Monday! We’d like to introduce you to KelbyOne member, Wladyslaw Wojciechowski—a Poland-based photographer. In this week’s feature, you’re looking at a grounded helicopter. Wladyslaw explains why the helicopter isn’t in the air and how he set up this photo in this week’s feature.
1.) Can you tell us a little bit about your photo “A Sleeping Beast?”
I took this photo during the Mazury Air Show 2018 at Wilamowo Airfield (54° 02’ 58.86″N 021° 25’ 34.49”E). This is a 2-day event, so most aircrafts overnight here while the main show takes place in Giżycko on Niegocin Lake (54.030124, 21.767401). Generally, I am a fan of aviation photography, so if possible, me and my wife Mary participate in such events. This time I got inspired by Scott Kelby as far as flash photography is concerned and I wanted to get some more experience. I was given a spotter’s accreditation so I could visit the airfield in the evening. During the first minutes I got very nervous since one of my flashes would NOT fire. After a thorough check it occurred I had accidentally changed the channel. Then I tried different camera and flash settings. However, I had to hurry because the sun was setting maliciously fast.
2.) What gear/software did you use to create this image?
I have a Canon 70D camera and this photo was taken with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens. I used two flashes, my old Canon Speedlite 430EX II and Yongnuo YN685 plus Yongnuo YN622-C TX flash controller and two YN622C transceivers. Of course I used my tripod (Manfrotto 055 carbon) and Canon RS-60E3 cable release. And I have a Mac and use Lightroom, Photoshop, NIK Collection, Imagenomic Noisware 5, and Photomatic Pro 5.
3.) What do you like to photograph?
Airplane spotting is one of my favorite pastime activities, but also everything above, ie. clouds, the sun and the moon, and when on the street, I pay attention to details.
4.) Were you inspired by a KelbyOne class or instructor to create this image? If so, which class or instructor inspired you?
Yes! Scott Kelby inspired me to explore the subject of flash photography (his class and his book) and Moose Peterson with his insights on aircraft photography (also his class and the book). THANK YOU BOTH!
5.) What’s your favorite class on KelbyOne and why?
Well, Scott’s class on SLIM system changed my approach to storing images. Besides I learned a lot from many KelbyOne classes on Lightroom and Photoshop.
To see more of Wladyslaw’s work, check out his website or view a presentation he made using Adobe Spark.
