I figured this might be a good place to show off some of my work! Let's open with a recent favorite from a session at our last BIG event. I never charge for my work in the SCA, but I do weddings and portraits on the side!
Eldrith's Photography
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Esquire of The Mark
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So.. one of the things I've done since last is develop a new 'hobby'. Ok, let's be honest it's not just a hobby anymore. It's a hobby turned into a side job. I do photography, most of it centered around the SCA, an organisation of enthusiasts around the middle ages that is somewhere in the middle between Larp (we don't have a storyline) and reenactment. (we accept stuff that's not historically accurate.).
I figured this might be a good place to show off some of my work! Let's open with a recent favorite from a session at our last BIG event. I never charge for my work in the SCA, but I do weddings and portraits on the side!
I figured this might be a good place to show off some of my work! Let's open with a recent favorite from a session at our last BIG event. I never charge for my work in the SCA, but I do weddings and portraits on the side!
Last edited by Eldrith on Wed Sep 03, 2025 9:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Wainrider
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@Eldrith I love the composition of this piece, well done! With SCA, do you focus more on subject pieces like this, or do you also do action photography? I used to do Dagorhir way back when, and there were a number of phenomenal photographers who captures some pretty amazing shots of subjects but also of some of the battles. I know the latter takes a different setup so I didn't want to assume you did that kind of work too.
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The answer to that is: It depends. I started out a few years ago as 'wandering photographer'. My peer in the SCA is one of the foremost combat photographers we have, with his emphasis on heavy, but also some rapier. As to me, I will capture battles if I have time. I do a whole lot of portraits, I always try and capture art and science, and I definitely do court and ceremonies. Knighthoods, other peerages, all the emotion!
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Khazad Elder
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Ohhh man! I love this piece. Usually when people do SCA photographs its like groups or mid combat action poses. I love this emotional, gritty styled resting post. He looks tired of war, and i can feel it jumping off the screen. Great photo!
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Wainrider
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That's fantastic, and you're lucky to have a colleague who's seasoned in combat photography! We had a photographer embedded with our unit for a while who specialized in portraits, so we got a lot of good character shots. To this day one of my favorite photos ever taken of me was taken by this photographer. I'll have to dig it up and post it on here!
How long have you been working at photography? What other kinds of things to you like to photograph other than SCA?
How long have you been working at photography? What other kinds of things to you like to photograph other than SCA?
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Bard of Imladris
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Oh, I love this photo! I've always looked on with envy at SCA or Renaissance fairs or basically any sort of historical reenactment that involved swords or knights or chainmail, etc., but I've never personally known anyone or been in the right place at the right time.
Really though, I can see the story in this. Like if I tilted my head at just the right angle the words would write themselves off the screen. It's just the sort of image I have in my head when reading great sword and/or sorcery novels. <3
Really though, I can see the story in this. Like if I tilted my head at just the right angle the words would write themselves off the screen. It's just the sort of image I have in my head when reading great sword and/or sorcery novels. <3
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Knight of The Mark
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I’ve seen some of your work on FB, and I’m here to tell Plaza-ites that they’re in for a treat. I love how you always seem to capture the emotion of the moment, as witnessed by the photo above.
Color can be a wonderful thing, but in this case monochrome brings all the attention to the subject.
Color can be a wonderful thing, but in this case monochrome brings all the attention to the subject.
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Esquire of The Mark
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So... I won't usually post two pictures a day, but I am making an exception to explain a little bit about this picture. I joined the SCA about seven or eight years ago on the advice of a friend whom I knew from roleplay (not plaza related, but medieval). I had heard about it before, but I lived in Belgium at the time and there wasn't any SCA. (There is now!).
I loved my local shire and barony, and most of my activities for the first two years were either embroidery, water bearing (going around the battles and offering water to thirsty fighters in thirty pound armour), or gate. One day before a big war I somehow became in charge of smack talk, so I wanted to make a video or slideshow with a story. I didn't get the right pictures from people, so I decided to take the camera and make them myself. I've always been interested in photography. My father was an amateur photographer, but he never went digital and I lacked the money at the time to do so. However, my husband is also an amateur photographer, and he had the camera, so I took it to one event. At least that was the intent. After I did, I was told to keep bringing the camera, so I did.
I became the protegee of one of the SCA's most well known photographers (lucky me!) who taught me a whole lot about SCA photography. At this point I was still mostly shooting candids. Over time however, it became clear that I had some talent into making people relax when they were actually aware that I was shooting, so aside from courts I invited a few friends to pose for me. After a few years some more people came to ask if I wanted to take their portraits.
Last year (when this one was shot) I made the jump to actual 'shoots'. As in I'd make arrangements with people at a specific place and time (during the event) where I would shoot them. I also get invited to things like protegee ceremonies in camp, etc. etc.
Now, back to this picture. It came from a session in which someone did me a specific favor. A while ago I saw the art for the Video game Kingdom Deliverance. I don't play video games, but that picture.. captivated me. I wanted to see if I could recreate it. I asked for volunteers and Sir Marc (the subject of the picture) offered to be my victim. Sir Marc is a knight in the society, but also a well known sword smith. As in, he's been on Forged in fire. His blades are well known within the SCA and made from ore that he smelts himself, etc.
Here is the original image I wanted to recreate, but we made a small photoshoot surrounding it, with him and his wife to be (they married the next night, so these were sort of pre wedding pictures. I also shot their wedding.)
I loved my local shire and barony, and most of my activities for the first two years were either embroidery, water bearing (going around the battles and offering water to thirsty fighters in thirty pound armour), or gate. One day before a big war I somehow became in charge of smack talk, so I wanted to make a video or slideshow with a story. I didn't get the right pictures from people, so I decided to take the camera and make them myself. I've always been interested in photography. My father was an amateur photographer, but he never went digital and I lacked the money at the time to do so. However, my husband is also an amateur photographer, and he had the camera, so I took it to one event. At least that was the intent. After I did, I was told to keep bringing the camera, so I did.
I became the protegee of one of the SCA's most well known photographers (lucky me!) who taught me a whole lot about SCA photography. At this point I was still mostly shooting candids. Over time however, it became clear that I had some talent into making people relax when they were actually aware that I was shooting, so aside from courts I invited a few friends to pose for me. After a few years some more people came to ask if I wanted to take their portraits.
Last year (when this one was shot) I made the jump to actual 'shoots'. As in I'd make arrangements with people at a specific place and time (during the event) where I would shoot them. I also get invited to things like protegee ceremonies in camp, etc. etc.
Now, back to this picture. It came from a session in which someone did me a specific favor. A while ago I saw the art for the Video game Kingdom Deliverance. I don't play video games, but that picture.. captivated me. I wanted to see if I could recreate it. I asked for volunteers and Sir Marc (the subject of the picture) offered to be my victim. Sir Marc is a knight in the society, but also a well known sword smith. As in, he's been on Forged in fire. His blades are well known within the SCA and made from ore that he smelts himself, etc.
Here is the original image I wanted to recreate, but we made a small photoshoot surrounding it, with him and his wife to be (they married the next night, so these were sort of pre wedding pictures. I also shot their wedding.)
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Esquire of The Mark
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@Oro
I've developed my own style over the years. I will show off some more work int he next days. This was a special session. I've since done more specific 'sessions' and I am planning on at least two more inspired by art work that I saw during quarantine. I have volunteers etc. Just need to wait till we are all out of the pandemic, which might be half a year or a year.
@Reikon Suchi-ru I really lucked out! He'd never taken a protegee before and he's well known in several kingdoms. He will do courts, but his real love is for action photography. Ironically that's my weakest point. It's not that I can't do combat photography, it's just the part that comes sort of last on the list for me. LOL
Outside of this I've done weddings, portraits, dress sessions, etc. I love small weddings, and I volunteer (I get paid a token amount) to photograph weddings at our church when the people can't afford a photographer. I do a lot of liturgical photography. Recently did my first Bar Mitzvah. Here's a website with some of my work and my husband's: https://hauk.smugmug.com/ and here's a business site I am setting up: https://www.haukphotography.com/
@Aerlinn If I can enable you in any way to get involved in the SCA, this is kind of a perfect moment because right now.. EVERYTHING is virtual all over the world. We're not holding any live events, so it's an easy way to get to know people. A lot of it is on Facebook and then through live classes, etc. They're free and you can learn really cool things. I am a known enabler, so if there's any way I can help you get in, let me know! If I don't know people in your kingdom, I know people who know people..
@Eléowyn I am flattered! Thank you! It's become a great hobby!
I've developed my own style over the years. I will show off some more work int he next days. This was a special session. I've since done more specific 'sessions' and I am planning on at least two more inspired by art work that I saw during quarantine. I have volunteers etc. Just need to wait till we are all out of the pandemic, which might be half a year or a year.
@Reikon Suchi-ru I really lucked out! He'd never taken a protegee before and he's well known in several kingdoms. He will do courts, but his real love is for action photography. Ironically that's my weakest point. It's not that I can't do combat photography, it's just the part that comes sort of last on the list for me. LOL
Outside of this I've done weddings, portraits, dress sessions, etc. I love small weddings, and I volunteer (I get paid a token amount) to photograph weddings at our church when the people can't afford a photographer. I do a lot of liturgical photography. Recently did my first Bar Mitzvah. Here's a website with some of my work and my husband's: https://hauk.smugmug.com/ and here's a business site I am setting up: https://www.haukphotography.com/
@Aerlinn If I can enable you in any way to get involved in the SCA, this is kind of a perfect moment because right now.. EVERYTHING is virtual all over the world. We're not holding any live events, so it's an easy way to get to know people. A lot of it is on Facebook and then through live classes, etc. They're free and you can learn really cool things. I am a known enabler, so if there's any way I can help you get in, let me know! If I don't know people in your kingdom, I know people who know people..
@Eléowyn I am flattered! Thank you! It's become a great hobby!
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There is a lot of emotion in that black and white piece, really powerful composition. And with no colour to distract it really highlights the texture of the chainmail and the sheen of the sword at counterpoint with each other..I love it.
Also, good work on the recreation of that image in real life. I've been the subject in similar shoots where we are trying to recreate a particular shot or pose and I know it doesn't always turn out easy.
I have never heard of SCA before (not sure how as I know lots of people in both LARP and reenactment circles, but now I want to be part of it, it looks like something I would enjoy!
Also, good work on the recreation of that image in real life. I've been the subject in similar shoots where we are trying to recreate a particular shot or pose and I know it doesn't always turn out easy.
I have never heard of SCA before (not sure how as I know lots of people in both LARP and reenactment circles, but now I want to be part of it, it looks like something I would enjoy!
Starbreeze ~ Lily Knotwise ~ Itarildë Tinehtelë ~ Peachleaf ~ Isiliyan ~ Aelflaed Goldhawk ~ Dagnead
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Esquire of The Mark
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I am a great enabler. My personal best explanation is that the SCA is the intersection on a venn diagram between reenactors, LARPers and people having a party with their friends. You have serious 'I will recreate this garment from scratch without any stitch or material that was not available in 920, based on the fragments of this dress that was found in a bog in Finland'. You have people who love to armor up, hit each other with sticks and go for a drink later. And you have everything in between.Fairy Nuff wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2020 10:09 pm I have never heard of SCA before (not sure how as I know lots of people in both LARP and reenactment circles, but now I want to be part of it, it looks like something I would enjoy!
I am the 'in between' kind.
If you look up Samantha Moore on Youtube you can get a bit of a vibe on what our bards do!
Here's the official website: https://www.sca.org/
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Weathered Ent
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The composition of the first piece is remarkable. The antique black and white actually brings out more detail in the image. I agree with @Fairy Nuff that there is a lot of emotion in this piece. The unfocused background brings the eyes of the viewer to the knight Sir Marc with his sword. The color image of Sir Marc has the same feel and the image you are trying to capture. I actually like the Sir Marc photo better with the water as a back drop. The background does give a medieval feel to the image.
Huorn of Fangorn
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@Eldrith
It is very pleasing to see you have taken up the art of light-writing. When we first met, you were looking for a photographer to document your wedding. Sadly I couldn't make it! Keep on honing your craft.
It is very pleasing to see you have taken up the art of light-writing. When we first met, you were looking for a photographer to document your wedding. Sadly I couldn't make it! Keep on honing your craft.
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Fea
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These are all absolutely beautiful, Eldrith. In that first photo, the way the light hits and picks out the chain in such fine detail is really lovely, and it works particularly well because it contrasts with, but also in some ways reflects the out of focus dappled light just behind him on the right. The second photo has a wonderfully autumnal feel about it, and the stillness and smoothness of the water really brings the centrepiece of the photo to the fore.
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Khazad Elder
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I love the black and white picture, but I think that the color picture is a great take on the original artwork. I think that you captured the art well with your photo. The colors compliment each other. Wonderful work. /Can’t wait to see more of it.
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Bard of Imladris
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@Eldrith I'm in Okinawa these days, which I suspect is, at best, two or three thousand miles away from the nearest SCA anything. So, it's probably not the best time to dive wildly in, but if there's any particular Facebook group or class you'd recommend--something you're involved with, maybe? I'd check it out. Sooner or later, I'll probably circle around back to the US west coast. There seems to be some activity in Reno, NV, which might be right in my future backyard.
Now that I'm thinking about it...I would be immediately interested in sticking my nose into anything to do with period musical instruments. Even if it's just Facebook or virtual stuff. It's a long story, but that's kind of why I'm on this tiny little island, actually, to make these, and related things: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshin. I've just got the wrong historical location for SCA.
(Ah! Close but thwarted! I found a link to a the Stronghold of Battle Rock (http://www.westkingdom.org/content/marches), but it appears to be defunct.)
Edit: How rude of me to not mention the new photos! I was distracted by all these SCA websites. The first one is still my favorite, but I love how you naturally captured the yellow in the background in your recreation of the source material. It's beautifully done and strikes me more of loss than the black and white, or even than your original inspiration.
Now that I'm thinking about it...I would be immediately interested in sticking my nose into anything to do with period musical instruments. Even if it's just Facebook or virtual stuff. It's a long story, but that's kind of why I'm on this tiny little island, actually, to make these, and related things: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshin. I've just got the wrong historical location for SCA.
(Ah! Close but thwarted! I found a link to a the Stronghold of Battle Rock (http://www.westkingdom.org/content/marches), but it appears to be defunct.)
Edit: How rude of me to not mention the new photos! I was distracted by all these SCA websites. The first one is still my favorite, but I love how you naturally captured the yellow in the background in your recreation of the source material. It's beautifully done and strikes me more of loss than the black and white, or even than your original inspiration.
"What filled me with a barbaric joy...it was that I had been able to read the anger of the desert in the beating wings of a dragonfly."
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Esquire of The Mark
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I am absolutely chuffed with all the reactions! Thank you so much!
@Aerlinn I was about to mention that there definitely was a group at some point. On facebook, if you follow https://www.facebook.com/groups/merryrose/ it will get you to the unofficial FB for the Kingdom of Atlantia. My SCA name is Machteld Cleine (Eva Bogaerts on Facebook). Just introduce yourself. I am friends with several bards (one of them is even a plaza member too LOL), and I know several people who are really into period instruments, notation, etc.
@Aerlinn I was about to mention that there definitely was a group at some point. On facebook, if you follow https://www.facebook.com/groups/merryrose/ it will get you to the unofficial FB for the Kingdom of Atlantia. My SCA name is Machteld Cleine (Eva Bogaerts on Facebook). Just introduce yourself. I am friends with several bards (one of them is even a plaza member too LOL), and I know several people who are really into period instruments, notation, etc.
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Black Númenórean
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@Eldrith these are all gorgeous. I love the first image you posted - the black and white effect contributes to a very calm, meditative vibe. Amazing work! Out of curiosity, what equipment do you prefer to use?
she/her | Esta tierra no es mía, soy de la nocheósfera.
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While this image might seem posed, it actually wasn't. I shot this at a protegee ceremony after dark, with only the candelabra as a real light source. (I ehm.. did request that the candelabra was moved to THAT table before the ceremony.)
A protegee ceremony is where someone of rank in service takes on a student to mentor. People decide for themselves exactly how they want to do it. It can be silly and joyous (I have seen one involving kazoos) and it can be formal and serious and very, very period.
@Tarawen I am a canon girl myself. I have the Canon Eos 6D, Mark II because low light ability is a big factor for me.
A protegee ceremony is where someone of rank in service takes on a student to mentor. People decide for themselves exactly how they want to do it. It can be silly and joyous (I have seen one involving kazoos) and it can be formal and serious and very, very period.
@Tarawen I am a canon girl myself. I have the Canon Eos 6D, Mark II because low light ability is a big factor for me.
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Weathered Ent
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The clothing in this second photo look all handmade. I love the leather drop cloth. There is even wax drippings on it. The very dark background of this image is very effective. There is no artificial light at all lending a very soft natural effect.
I can see how a group like this can be very appealing.
I can see how a group like this can be very appealing.
Huorn of Fangorn
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Black Númenórean
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Ahhh, Canon! Such a good brand. I sold my Canon (though it was nowhere near as nice as the model you have) and am now on a Sony Alpha. I'm not yet sure if I like it.
It seems your equipment is meeting your specs quite well for low-light photography! This latest one is so sharp, and I love the candid scene you caught.
It seems your equipment is meeting your specs quite well for low-light photography! This latest one is so sharp, and I love the candid scene you caught.
she/her | Esta tierra no es mía, soy de la nocheósfera.
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New Soul
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I've always been so drawn to the imagery of a kneeling knight or warrior. Your first photo is gorgeous-- and in those first couple, I find myself really drawn to the hands in the pictures. The imagery of hands just seems so poignant-- how strong, worn, tired, caring, etc. they can be; and their importance to a warrior. And, especially since you can't see his face at all in the second photo- they really do hold a lot of his expression, at least to me.
Maybe it's just my theatre artist self coming out. XD
Also that's an amazing set of pre-wedding pictures to get to have!
Maybe it's just my theatre artist self coming out. XD
Also that's an amazing set of pre-wedding pictures to get to have!
they/he/mischief
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@Mor Toast I always have a thing for hands too, and small details tell an amazing story. I have sometimes taken pictures of just people holding hands, just their hands.
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Because there are others who love hands.. this photo is perhaps not as evocative outside of the SCA. But when someone is elevated to the peerage (highest rank) there are lots of rituals and symbols tied to it. One of them for Laurels (art or science) or Pelicans (is the washing of the hands (knights get water poured over them in a ritual bath). This is an 'in action' shot. As in 'take the shot as it is'. You have no say over where it is done, or where everyone stands and one of your main tasks is to be as unobtrusive as humanly possible. The water pouring over the hands symbolizes washing away the past, letting go of old pains, angers, etc, and starting anew. The white shift is similarly symbolic.
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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This one was taken fully 'in the moment'. One of the fighters during a crown tournament kneeling before his consort (the lady he was fighting for) in between bouts of fighting. The moment wasn't staged at all. As you can see there are some modern elements in the picture. But it was so powerful I had to take the shot. (Also, apparently I almost took a halberd to the face because of it, because the fight behind me went beyond the perimeters, even though I was perfectly outside of the barrier!)
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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As a former medieval studies student, Eldrith, I LOVE THESE. The fact that you're focusing on slice-of-life type images in a setting where a lot of people zero in on all the fun pomp and pageantry gives these photos such a unique atmosphere--like the participants are really capturing the spirit and emotion of the time period they're portraying, even though perfect historical accuracy is always beyond us. These are incredibly special, and I can't wait to see more.
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Wainrider
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@Eldrith I love this most recent piece of yours! Do you find yourself doing more spontaneous or staged photos, and what do you find to be the inherent challenges / advantages of each?
Not all who wander are lost...except that guy. He's DEFINITELY lost.- JRR Tolkien, probably
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Scholar of Gondor
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@Eldrith, wow these are all wonderful and evocative. We used to enjoy the Robert the Bruce Festival every year back when we lived in Scotland - in Dunfermline, the former capital of Scotland. One cool thing we had there was that we had so many actual castles, all within spitting distance. I have a load of those photos... maybe I should add them to my "poetry" thread (ha! I've written one poem). It's great to see someone who actually took part in with the enthusiasts! I loved watching them, but we moved after 21 years and only had the chance to join in right near the end of living there - while I was packing to move countries. Keep up the great work - I'll be back (to this thread)!
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Esquire of The Mark
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A queen takes a champion...
@When I started in the SCA I thought I'd do mostly embroidery. Now I am known for my camera and my performances and barely anyone knows I do embroidery. LOL If you like it, I bet there's an SCA group where you are... (Yes, I am an enabler.) And it's really easy to start.
@Reikon Suchi-ru It's a mix. Up until recently I would say it's 95 percent of pictures that were spontaneous with now and again a shoot that I arranged beforehand with a friend. But over the last two years my reputation for portraits has grown. Last crown tournament I barely got to shoot any of the fighting because i was so busy with portraits. Those are not elaborately staged shoots, like the one with Sir Marc (although even that one was under half an hour and depended on natural light). Those are just times when I take someone away to have a backdrop of trees or a lake, and then shoot. I help them pose, I ask for props or give them props if I have something, but they're not fully orchestrated.
@Thalionwen I love capturing them. Some moments are so real that you can practically feel time move. And some are just.. simple and wonderful and people who love the middle ages and each other!
@When I started in the SCA I thought I'd do mostly embroidery. Now I am known for my camera and my performances and barely anyone knows I do embroidery. LOL If you like it, I bet there's an SCA group where you are... (Yes, I am an enabler.) And it's really easy to start.
@Reikon Suchi-ru It's a mix. Up until recently I would say it's 95 percent of pictures that were spontaneous with now and again a shoot that I arranged beforehand with a friend. But over the last two years my reputation for portraits has grown. Last crown tournament I barely got to shoot any of the fighting because i was so busy with portraits. Those are not elaborately staged shoots, like the one with Sir Marc (although even that one was under half an hour and depended on natural light). Those are just times when I take someone away to have a backdrop of trees or a lake, and then shoot. I help them pose, I ask for props or give them props if I have something, but they're not fully orchestrated.
@Thalionwen I love capturing them. Some moments are so real that you can practically feel time move. And some are just.. simple and wonderful and people who love the middle ages and each other!
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Bard of Imladris
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You know, most of the medieval imagery I've seen comes straight from Hollywood or maybe games, where they can spend a gazillion dollars on sets and staging and everyone is a trained actor (and looks like Orlando Bloom 
). Or, of course, where everyone is a computer-rendered animation/illustration. Which is to say, I'm really enjoying the 'regular people doing regular things' relatability of these photos.
This struck me especially in the last photo, with the queen's headtilt and smile. It seems very not Hollywood, but (or perhaps, 'therefore') the slice of genuine emotion and reaction really uplifts the photograph. The kneeling tournament knight is a wonderful shot as well.
). Or, of course, where everyone is a computer-rendered animation/illustration. Which is to say, I'm really enjoying the 'regular people doing regular things' relatability of these photos.This struck me especially in the last photo, with the queen's headtilt and smile. It seems very not Hollywood, but (or perhaps, 'therefore') the slice of genuine emotion and reaction really uplifts the photograph. The kneeling tournament knight is a wonderful shot as well.
"What filled me with a barbaric joy...it was that I had been able to read the anger of the desert in the beating wings of a dragonfly."
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Excellent! I adore the hand focused shots. Hands tell such a story of who we are/where we've been... And it leaves so much to the imagination-- so many ideas could be woven from that one photo.
Also-- really cool that it's unstaged. And pretty boss that you took a halberd to get that shot. XD
Also-- really cool that it's unstaged. And pretty boss that you took a halberd to get that shot. XD
they/he/mischief
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I echo @Aerlinn's thoughts on how lovely it is to see relatable people in these scenes, as opposed to something Hollywoodish. You take excellent candid shots, Eldrith, and it's such a pleasure to imagine what was going on in each person's head with the expressions you captured. (And you are clearly committed to your craft, to put your life on the line like that! )
)she/her | Esta tierra no es mía, soy de la nocheósfera.
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Thanks Eldrith, I'm looking into how I can join now :)
Can I just say that I am loving all of these photos, but I am especially blown away by the candlelit one - the lighting, the colour, the black background, the poses, the whole aesthetic is just stunning. I feel transported back in time.
And the washing of the hands has excellent composition for an action shot!
Can I just say that I am loving all of these photos, but I am especially blown away by the candlelit one - the lighting, the colour, the black background, the poses, the whole aesthetic is just stunning. I feel transported back in time.
And the washing of the hands has excellent composition for an action shot!
Starbreeze ~ Lily Knotwise ~ Itarildë Tinehtelë ~ Peachleaf ~ Isiliyan ~ Aelflaed Goldhawk ~ Dagnead
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Eldrith, these are all so, SO lovely! As many others have said so far, you really do have a talent for capturing the emotion of a moment. I think the two most emotive photographs here for me (so far) are the very first one, and then the fighter kneeling before his consort. However, I'm very glad that both you and your camera were NOT injured in taking that shot!
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@Aerlinn I always try to capture 'the moment'. In the SCA, sometimes that moment is.. evocative, sometimes solemn, sometimes dramatic, and sometimes.. goofy! There's a friendship between these two and she had to tease him a little bit.
@Mor Toast Even in the SCA there are differences between 'kingdoms' (each comprised of several states, or countries, etc, depending on where in the world the kingdom is). In Atlantia... if you are outside the barrier, you're supposed to be safe, and the Marshalls will halt the tourney if the competitors come too close to the barrier and might injure people. Maybe they were not as fast to call halt in this other kingdom because it was a crown tourney or whatever, or maybe they just moved too fast. But not something I have had happen in 8 years in the SCA.
@Tarawen I am dedicated to my craft, but not dedicated enough to take a halberd to the face. I've seen the bruises on our heavy fighters despite very strict safety measures. I don't want to think about how I'd look if it had turned out differently!
@Fairy Nuff Let me know if you know what Kingdom you are going to be in (or if you're willing to tell me where - ish state or country, I can help you find your kingdom) and depending on where, introduce you to some people virtually! In a way, while all of us are so disappointed not to be doing events, its' a really easy way to get into stuff, and go to lots of classes if you want to without leaving your room. @Karis Ziranphel is also from the plaza as is also in the SCA and I am pretty sure so is @Éolath !
@Taethowen So am I!! Me, for one thing an the camera.. *shudders* I don't even want to think about replacing the camera and the lens!!
This one is of Dutchess Adelhait. She has been queen of Atlantia twice and photographs really well. I have a lot of different styles of pictures of her, and I am grateful that she's trusting me enough to let me pose her. This one is sort of based on the style of renaissance portraits/ medieval effigees.
@Mor Toast Even in the SCA there are differences between 'kingdoms' (each comprised of several states, or countries, etc, depending on where in the world the kingdom is). In Atlantia... if you are outside the barrier, you're supposed to be safe, and the Marshalls will halt the tourney if the competitors come too close to the barrier and might injure people. Maybe they were not as fast to call halt in this other kingdom because it was a crown tourney or whatever, or maybe they just moved too fast. But not something I have had happen in 8 years in the SCA.
@Tarawen I am dedicated to my craft, but not dedicated enough to take a halberd to the face. I've seen the bruises on our heavy fighters despite very strict safety measures. I don't want to think about how I'd look if it had turned out differently!
@Fairy Nuff Let me know if you know what Kingdom you are going to be in (or if you're willing to tell me where - ish state or country, I can help you find your kingdom) and depending on where, introduce you to some people virtually! In a way, while all of us are so disappointed not to be doing events, its' a really easy way to get into stuff, and go to lots of classes if you want to without leaving your room. @Karis Ziranphel is also from the plaza as is also in the SCA and I am pretty sure so is @Éolath !
@Taethowen So am I!! Me, for one thing an the camera.. *shudders* I don't even want to think about replacing the camera and the lens!!
This one is of Dutchess Adelhait. She has been queen of Atlantia twice and photographs really well. I have a lot of different styles of pictures of her, and I am grateful that she's trusting me enough to let me pose her. This one is sort of based on the style of renaissance portraits/ medieval effigees.
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When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Ooooh I didn't see this until you tagged me. These are some of my favorites of yours Eldrith! The Duchess really is a great subject for photographs.
Eolath and I are both in the SCA after starting as friends on plaza. Northshield is my original home, and I am now in AEthelmearc. I do all the stuff, so I haven't gotten great at any one thing, but did just get an Arts award for my Singing. (All the stuff: Archery, Thrown weapons, Heavy Armored Combat, Rapier, Leatherworking, Bardic etc.) You basically research and do whatever you want, although monarchs will often have a theme for their reigns. (14th C. English was the last one here, and we just switched. I've seen Japanese emphasis, Polish Hussars, Varangian, French, all of different time periods.)
Eolath and I are both in the SCA after starting as friends on plaza. Northshield is my original home, and I am now in AEthelmearc. I do all the stuff, so I haven't gotten great at any one thing, but did just get an Arts award for my Singing. (All the stuff: Archery, Thrown weapons, Heavy Armored Combat, Rapier, Leatherworking, Bardic etc.) You basically research and do whatever you want, although monarchs will often have a theme for their reigns. (14th C. English was the last one here, and we just switched. I've seen Japanese emphasis, Polish Hussars, Varangian, French, all of different time periods.)
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I'm glad you escaped unscathed, then! Still, brave of you to venture so near the fighting to get the shot.
I love this portrait of the Duchess! The lighting is warm and soft and just delicious. The background textures of the trees and water work well contrasted with her clothing. Gorgeous photo as usual, Eldrith!
Still, brave of you to venture so near the fighting to get the shot.I love this portrait of the Duchess! The lighting is warm and soft and just delicious. The background textures of the trees and water work well contrasted with her clothing. Gorgeous photo as usual, Eldrith!
she/her | Esta tierra no es mía, soy de la nocheósfera.
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@Tarawen So far I have only organized one SCA session outside of an event. That does mean that I am always constricted by whatever background is around at an event site. (unless I really want to set up and do green screen, etc. but that requires me to do nothing at the event but take portraits and so far I haven't wanted to do that.).
Sometimes you get lucky. I've taken to always shoot at the lake or pond if there is one, because it's usually one of the places where there are no modern conveniences around that get in the way of the atmosphere.
Sometimes you get lucky. I've taken to always shoot at the lake or pond if there is one, because it's usually one of the places where there are no modern conveniences around that get in the way of the atmosphere.
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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I think this is my favorite one yet, @Eldrith. There's such a wealth of wisdom and kindness in her face and eyes. It's a serene image, but you get the sense that she's seen things and been through troubles yet come out the other side a stronger person for it. What a gorgeous image, with so much feeling behind it.
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@Eldrith I'm glad to hear they have solid (mostly?) safety measure in place! I've always wanted to join an SCA chapter, but unfortunately day job + theatre schedule has generally rendered that impossible for me. Glad I get to have a peek into that world in your thread!
Interestingly in this one-- I find myself most drawn the the folds of her dress where she is kneeling, and the sunlight and shadows crossing the folds of fabric. The lighting along the back edge of her, along her head, and down her shoulder is gorgeous. Is that piece hanging off her part of a cape of some kind?
Interestingly in this one-- I find myself most drawn the the folds of her dress where she is kneeling, and the sunlight and shadows crossing the folds of fabric. The lighting along the back edge of her, along her head, and down her shoulder is gorgeous. Is that piece hanging off her part of a cape of some kind?
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@Eldrith I sure am enjoying your photography. You have done wonders with getting everything set up so that it is exactly what it should be! Dutchess Adelhait is a great portrait. You are so lucky to get to be a part of all of these SCAs, though I know that it takes more than luck to be a part of this. Keep 'em coming!
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One of the differences between the SCA and recreation organisations is that we sometimes say that we 'recreate the middle ages as they should have been' or 'we recreate the best of the middle ages'. That means that things that would be unthinkable or rare in the middle ages can be actively lived out: female knights, same sex unions, faith traditions other than those predominant in the period you recreate, doing things that would go against church orders, and so on.
These two wonderful men are both friends of mind, married to each other and oh my goodness they are so in love.
These two wonderful men are both friends of mind, married to each other and oh my goodness they are so in love.
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When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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Awww! That's a sweet pic! 
Love their costumes (and that photographer is awesome!). :smiley8:
Love their costumes (and that photographer is awesome!). :smiley8:- Points: 1 170
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@Mor Toast Light and shadows are one of my favorite things to play with! I had the good fortune of having two amazing mentors for photography in the SCA, one is my formal peer, the other a specialist in portraits. I have followed almost all of their advice, except for one: always put your subject in the shade, making sure there is enough light. That gives you the most 'even' lighting. This is absolutely true (I worked for a year and a half at JCPenny photo studio with perfectly even light). But I LOVE the play of shadows, and they've become part of my style. Now that doesn't mean you can't get great pictures without those light and shadows. The last portrait here is made on a beautiful cloudy day, so you don't have the shadow play. That of course allows all the emotion to come to the forefront.
@Thalionwen I am so glad you see that. Her grace IS a strong woman. She's so beautiful that a lot of people just see a pretty face. But she's been through several things, she's ruled twice which is incredibly hard, and she is one of the most talented managers I know!
@Finduilas Faelivrin : if ever you're interested.. I can get you in touch! We have people of all ages and interests joining, from 23 year old college students to 56 year old welders!
Believe it or not, that last picture was insanely difficult, because one of them is so, so pale.. to get both of them in colors through to life meant a LOT of fidgeting with the white balance! Here's an interesting article about that: https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch ... hotography
@Thalionwen I am so glad you see that. Her grace IS a strong woman. She's so beautiful that a lot of people just see a pretty face. But she's been through several things, she's ruled twice which is incredibly hard, and she is one of the most talented managers I know!
@Finduilas Faelivrin : if ever you're interested.. I can get you in touch! We have people of all ages and interests joining, from 23 year old college students to 56 year old welders!
Believe it or not, that last picture was insanely difficult, because one of them is so, so pale.. to get both of them in colors through to life meant a LOT of fidgeting with the white balance! Here's an interesting article about that: https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch ... hotography
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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As Karis said, yes I'm in the SCA as well. I do armored combat, rapier/cut&thrust, some archery (preferably combat archery), leatherwork, armoring, equestrian and meadmaking. I'm in Northshield (or, Minnesota ;D ), and play a 1-2 century Roman legionnaire most of the time, though I'm not married to it.
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AHH this makes me so happy. And this photo is adorable-- I can't get over that smile. Thank you for this.Eldrith wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 5:00 pm One of the differences between the SCA and recreation organisations is that we sometimes say that we 'recreate the middle ages as they should have been' or 'we recreate the best of the middle ages'. That means that things that would be unthinkable or rare in the middle ages can be actively lived out: female knights, same sex unions, faith traditions other than those predominant in the period you recreate, doing things that would go against church orders, and so on.
These two wonderful men are both friends of mind, married to each other and oh my goodness they are so in love.
they/he/mischief
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Something completely different. Sort of. I love museums, especially art and history. Shooting in a museum has the advantage that most of the time the items are lit well for viewing. It has the challenge however that they are lit will for viewing, but NOT for photography. I know in the museum where I work (well, technically worked, I am jobless due to the coronavirus where it concerns the museum, but my supervisor can't wait to hire me again) our artifacts are almost always photographed in a different place than where they are stored because the light needed for photography is more than the light we want to keep the artwork in (to reduce fading, etc etc). A second challenge is that items are frequently stored behind glass and especially in older museums not all glass is de-mirrored. Of course you can't use flash photography or move the object, but on the other hand.. your object is not MOVING and you can take your time.
This is a memento mori from the Museum of decorative arts in Paris, I believe it dates from the 1500's but I can't find my notes currently.
Hah! Edited to add: I can get obsessive, so I had to look it up! PS, is it vanity when I say that I believe my picture is aesthetically better than the one of the museum collection? Of course theirs allows you to better see the details, considering it's photographed without glass and on a white background, but there's something about this picture that I am just.. very pleased with!
https://madparis.fr/en/museums/musee-de ... -on-a-tomb
This is a memento mori from the Museum of decorative arts in Paris, I believe it dates from the 1500's but I can't find my notes currently.
Hah! Edited to add: I can get obsessive, so I had to look it up! PS, is it vanity when I say that I believe my picture is aesthetically better than the one of the museum collection? Of course theirs allows you to better see the details, considering it's photographed without glass and on a white background, but there's something about this picture that I am just.. very pleased with!
https://madparis.fr/en/museums/musee-de ... -on-a-tomb
Last edited by Eldrith on Sat May 30, 2020 6:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
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When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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The portrait of the couple is so beautiful, Eldrith. I can see the love between them you mentioned on their faces, and I love and admire the ethos of inclusion that you spoke of in SCA. A lovely shot!
This latest photo is so cool. The detail on this piece is incredible and I really love the pose of the skeleton. And of course, you chose a great angle from which to capture this image. It kind of looks like the skeleton is mid-conversation with the viewer.
This latest photo is so cool. The detail on this piece is incredible and I really love the pose of the skeleton. And of course, you chose a great angle from which to capture this image. It kind of looks like the skeleton is mid-conversation with the viewer.
she/her | Esta tierra no es mía, soy de la nocheósfera.
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@Mor Toast We are still an organization of people, and like most large organizations, we still have a way to go, but as a group we are deliberately striving for more and more diversity and accessibility!
@Tarawen It's always a work in progress! And I am super pleased with that last picture myself. I am considering, not with that one, but with maybe another picture, to actually enter the State Fair Photography competition..
@Tarawen It's always a work in progress! And I am super pleased with that last picture myself. I am considering, not with that one, but with maybe another picture, to actually enter the State Fair Photography competition..
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.
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@Eldrith Ive admired your work for years now, you’ve such an excellent eye and perfect subjects for your passion. I’d have a hard time choosing favorites!
My daughter-in-law is also a professional photographer, loves doing families and groups, which would not be my cup of tea if I had such a bent. I’ve never asked her this, but are you ever just stunned at what turns up in a background, especially outdoors, that you didn’t catch while capturing the photo? Or is it like many skills, something you “see” more easily the longer you do it?
My daughter-in-law is also a professional photographer, loves doing families and groups, which would not be my cup of tea if I had such a bent. I’ve never asked her this, but are you ever just stunned at what turns up in a background, especially outdoors, that you didn’t catch while capturing the photo? Or is it like many skills, something you “see” more easily the longer you do it?
