1940's style (4 images)

[texxter]

Here is a couple of shots from this afternoon. It was really hard to shoot in this place because it was full of mirrors, and the ambiance was actually created by the mirrors - so I struggled to get shots with the background while at the same time trying to avoid reflections from my lights from being visible. I've got a long way to go to say I can shoot anywhere! The model is Amara, I photographed her before with a fitness theme.

#1. Here I completely ignored the glass background and used a red curtain - pretty easy. An umbrella on her, and a grid on the background. I like the model's decadent look and the manner he's holding the Curacao martini. That touch of blue was very intentional.



#2. Not crazy about the pose, but not terrible. In order to catch the yellow light coming from the background glass I had to shoot at 1/40 sec on a tripod. Key light was a shoot thru umbrella and there was also a grid to camera left behind the model creating the hair and shoulder highlights.



#3. I am not sure I am going to keep this image - it was a lot of work to create it, and I dont think it's a good image, but let me know what you think! Shot with my belly on the floor, the camera on a tripod close to the ground, single umbrella on her, and the rest is ambient light.



#4. This is probably my favorite - mostly because of her vulnerable expression mixed with the sensuality of her stockings showing up her thigh. I do like the story telling even if technically the image is not quite there. What do you think?

[tukaniray]

Love the Classic 50's Look here. All you need now is a Jazz Band in Zoot Suits :)

I definitely like the lighting, Paco. You know how to find/grab props, good sir.

I guess the only thing that bothers me about the 3rd shot, is the shadow under her lips. It seems as if her mouth and neck are all one piece.

And though, I can see the light reflection in the top right corner of the last shot ... it's only noticeable by another photog. ;)

But, Still love the shots, location and your lighting skills. Keep on posting and inspiring.

-Ray-

[texxter]

Ray, thanks for commenting and for the kind words. You're very right about #3, just not a well executed image, and I take full responsibility for that... it wasn't the camera, the lights or the model

I think that the idea comes across, I am just a bit frustrated I struggled with light placement because the place was so busy... it's a restaurant full of tables, and just about every wall was a mirror, and there were large plasma TV's - etc. In a situation like this, I just need to accept that it's better to get a good shot in one hour than four ok shots in the same hour. Also, I have to realize that sometimes I *need* an assistant. My learning is - either get 3 or 4 shots with an assistant, or 1 to 2 without - some locations are just harder than others!

[tukaniray]

Wow ... there's people there?! Didn't seem like that at all.

You definitely know how to make a photo seem Isolated. I actually thought the place was empty.

Real nice. Yet, another reason why "I'm Not Worthy" to you ... (Wayne's World Kneel-Down) ...

Or in the great words of Po, KungFu Panda, your "Awesomeness".

And Yes, I agree and have learned that when a photo doesn't come out right (Or the way I want), it is NOT the model's, lighting or location's fault ... It's ALWAYS mine. :)

-Ray-

[texxter]

Sorry Ray - the restaurant was closed, they wouldn't have let us work while patrons were around, too much liability and complications. Having said that, the restaurant was full of tables we couldn't touch. So it limited light, model and photographer placement quite a bit! What I meant by "busy" was that there was a lot of stuff there, not necessarily people.

[tukaniray]

Ah, I see. Lol.

I was going to say. But it would have been a pretty cool Background if you saw people working and moving.

-Ray-