Here is something we can learn from thedesigner about the techniques and story behind this awarded photo. thedesigner is a London editorial and fashion photographer with over 7k awards and over 13k followers!
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Where did you take this photo?
I was lucky enough to get a shoot with this wonderful model, Mary, as she was on my top 10 bucket model list. We couldn't rely on the English weather and I didn't want to risk a wet shoot so we decided to to do a relaxed boudoir shoot which suited us both nicely. In this instance the hotel was in central London within touching distance of the London eye which we could see from the window, well actually the pods passed the window.
What time of day did you shoot and how did you selected the light?
This was a all day shoot and this particular shot was taken in the afternoon. On this particular day we were blessed with sun coming through the windows which also helped with the lighting.
As mentioned we had natural light from the windows but to back it up I had a 500 watt studio light which had a diffuser softbox on it. The light was then aimed towards the ceiling to bounce some light onto her from above. I wasn't too concerned about the amount of light as I was shooting at a high ISO to get that film grainy look and I could open my aperture wide open.
What equipment did you use?
I used a Canon 6D camera with a extra battery grip. I find it helps to balance the body and give it some weight. The lens was a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 plus a UV filter, this is my 'goto' setup. It maybe a heavy system to lug around, especially after a long shoot but I find it meets all my requirements for a shoot, from close up portrait shot to full length model shot.
What inspired you to take this photo?
I wanted to shoot this model for some time, so I guess it was Mary that inspired me to do this shoot. Mary has this way of connecting with the camera very easily and is a pose machine when you start taking photos. We were shooting fashion to nude on this occasion which were intended for magazine publication and was published. I'd seen a shot like this before and I was trying to get the viewer to feel as if they were part of it.
Did you do any post-processing? If yes, tell us about it!
For the ones that went off for publication they were all edited the usual dust and imperfections in photoshop. I usually play around with 'curves' as well to make sure the highlights are white and my blacks are black. I then usually spend some time on the eyes, nose, mouth and hair to make sure they look right and correct any blemishes the camera has picked up. I also delete/change any objects that may distract from the model, like clocks, wall switches, pictures etc.
What equipment do you normally have in your bag?
Apart from my Canon 6D body, I have a Canon 1ds mark 2 body which I use as a back up camera or when I shoot in a busy place and need a robust camera. I only have 2 lenses, the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 and the other is the Canon 24-70mm 2.8. The rest of the stuff in my bag is a Manfrotto LED light, a x2 extender, lots of spare batteries, bulldog clips, plasters and a knife. As I previously mentioned my 6D has a battery grip as I prefer a heavy well weighted camera. The Canon 1ds mark 2 is just fantastic when doing street photography, when it's raining or when at a fashion show in the photographers pit and you need something that will take the punishment - let's face it you could drive a car over it!
Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?
Always plan this type of shoot well in advance. From the type of model and her look to match up with the type of clothes and the location that would suit them all. Using a professional model cuts out most the problems of 'that getting to you know' phase as they will go into work mode quickly. Have a plan in your head of the look you are going for, or even better a moodboard that shows the clothes, makeup and possible shoot style you are going for and show the model beforehand. Frame your shots carefully making sure the model is centre of the attention but also produce a picture that conveys a mood. Stick to a shoot plan as it's easy to get distracted.
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