✨AI Reimagines the Masters✨ Bill Gekas|135/1000

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Introduce briefly

Bill Gekas is a fine art portrait photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. He is known for his striking and meticulously planned portraits, often inspired by the works of old master painters. Gekas has a distinct style that combines historical references with a modern contemporary expression from the subject [1].

Switch from Film to Digital Photography:

Gekas transitioned from film to digital photography in 2005. The switch to digital opened up a whole new world for him and simplified the creative process [1].

Impact of the Switch:

The switch to digital capture and post-processing had a positive impact on Gekas's work. It allowed him to create the images in his mind's eye without the time and cost associated with traditional processes [1].

Focus on Portraiture:

Portraiture became Gekas's main genre around 2005. He was inspired by the works of great past photographers and realized the power of portraits to evoke emotions and create a connection between the subject and the viewer [1].

Distinct Style:

Gekas's style is often described as fine art portraiture. It differs from the more candid and high-key portraits that are currently popular. His portraits have an emotive and creative flair, often incorporating historical references and atmospheric elements [1].

Meticulous Planning:

Gekas's work involves extensive preparation and planning. He visualizes the photo in his mind's eye before executing the shot, which allows him to work out every aspect of the shoot and post-processing. The research and preparation time can be as much as 90% of the total time, with the actual shoot taking up the remaining 10% [1].

Camera and Lighting Gear:

Gekas primarily shoots with a Pentax K5 DSLR camera and an assortment of Pentax prime lenses. He also uses speedlights, an Einstein studio strobe, light modifiers, reflectors, and RF triggers for his lighting setups. He prefers using speedlights for their versatility but will use the studio strobe when needed [1].

Recent Image and Shooting Process:

One of Gekas's recent images is titled "Red Scarf." It was taken in an outdoor environment and was inspired by a scene from a film. The photo portrays the late autumn/early winter season, with the subject wearing a grey jacket and beret. The key element in the scene is the red scarf, which draws the viewer's attention to the subject. The technical details of the shot include an aperture of f/4.0, a shutter speed of 1/60s, and a single speedlight fired through a white shoot-thru umbrella [1].