and what I should do to reproduce this image..Sorry for the crappy pic, I was in a hurry and there is a great deal of light reflecting off the glass cover.

<img src="http://www.showyourmedia.com/files/1170194425.jpg">


This was taken in bootcamp in September 2001. I have since got out, but I've been wanting to take a similar image that shows my medals, awards, etc as well as how much I have aged, before I start to look to different from when I got out.

I was even thinking about taking one where I was holding the picture of myself.

Thoughts?

You'll need three sources of light, and because of the rim on that hat, you'll need to angle them up into your face to prevent your eyes from falling into the shadow created by the hat.

You'll need something to diffuse those light sources or you'll end up with hot spots.

You'll also need a suitable backdrop, possibly with another light source behind you to keep the backdrop lit well, and prevent shadows from showing up.

As to the type of light you use...anything from studio quality to home depot stuff will work. Just keep the light temperature consistent so you can adjust white balance easily. Home made diffusers will keep costs in check. I'm sure tristan will have a few good suggestions on the lights and diffusers.

I guess the real question is...what do you plan on doing with this stuff after you've taken this picture? If you don't want or need a mock studio set up, you might want to go to a studio and just pay someone.

I should do that as well. Semper Fi!

I just figured when I am old, I can look back and see what I look like.

I don't have dress blues though, so I am thinking about just doing service alphas actually.. not sure if I should just to the green crown cover, or the standard cover you wear with service charlies.

I'm thinking I want the pic to extend far enough down so that you can see my service stripes.

I need a Afghan Campaign, some devices for me sea service, and a few others.

stuff.

I wouldn't be oppossed to owning it, but not really a priority.

I got enough light sources I think I should be okay.

All I need is a background I guess.

Not sure where to get medals from. I have some from Iraq I've never gotten.

You can spend some $ on a rental to play around with, you can spend lots of time and energy rigging something up yourself, or you can have a local do it. Unless you're going to spend a bit of time on and with it, doing it cheap probably isn't worth the hassle in the long run, but don't let me dissuade you as it's a great learning experience.

To get the right look, you'll need 3 or 4 strobes (either external flashes or monolight-type units). Each needs a stand, some sort of modifier, and the requisite cabling/slaves/etc. If you're not serious about doing a lot of these types of shots, it may be worth your time and $ to have a nice portrait done in a studio. You may even get a break for being ex-military. Maybe a local member of the forum could take a whack at it. Fly out to DE and I'll do it myself. :-)

(good thing he put that first pic in there...or he'd be fielding questions about the blow up doll)<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/photo/msgs/18000.phtml">This probably illustrates what you're diving into...</a></li></ul>

There is a certain pride in diong it yourself though.. and I do have some time. I pulled my uniforms out of my sea bags today and realized I was missing all my awards as well as few other things. I still have to get them dry cleaned etc.

that's why I want to get this done with before I end up looking way different etc..

Pretty much same story with me as well. I have some from Afghanistan I am yet to ever get. They are on my DD214, but never officially presented.

I found out tonight I am missing a lot of stuff from my alphas. I'll let you know what I ended up doing when it's all said and done, if you want to order up your medals etc and do something similar.

coin to do it myself.