Sam
Apr, 2015Views
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Awards
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a friend's home. I hadn't been there before so it was fun experimenting with a lot of different locations throughout the house.Time
It was mid-day, but being indoors the time of day was not really a factor. All of the windows had curtains or blinds, so I was able to create the light I wanted for every shot.Lighting
I wanted a good directional light on the model but not much light in the background. Off-camera flash to camera right lit the model without spilling any light into the next room.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon D80 with the 50mm 1.8 lens. Two Yungnuo flashes were on a light stand with diffuser domes and a shoot-through umbrella to my right, and a radio trigger fired the flashes.Inspiration
This was a casual lingerie type of photoshoot for the model's portfolio, so I wanted a casual pose. Something like a pose she might be in on any regular morning, just standing around talking with someone. With a little glamour tweeking added to the pose.Editing
I always use a frequency separation technique on a model's skin (all of it) because of the way it can mildly soften the skin and also soften the shadows. I also used a Photoshop Plug-in program called Topaz Adjust to bring out the texture in the fabric and in her hair and also in the wood flooring. The only other thing I did was a slight darkening of the background.In my camera bag
At the time this photo was taken I was using a Nikon D80 and the two kit lenses, 18-55 and 55-200, and also a 50mm 1.8 lens. I also used two Yungnuo flashes that I mounted on a light stand with a home-made mount, with a diffuser dome on each flash. If I don't have to worry about wind, I also attach a shoot-through umbrella. I fire the flashes with just a cheap radio transmitter and two receivers. I have since upgraded to a Nikon D7000 and a Godox flash, and plan to upgrade again to a full-frame setup soon.Feedback
With this type of photo you're not just worrying about exposure, composition and focus. The model's pose and expression are just as crucial. Try different variations of every pose. Arch the back more, lift the heel up, change the hand positions. Some poses work and some don't, so if it's not working, change it up or move on to the next pose. One other important thing is lighting. First, get the flash off your camera. Flash coming from the camera is the least flattering light. And second, if you are going to photograph people, spend some time researching how to light a face. You have several different lighting setups at your disposal, even if you only have one light. Learn how to position your light source and your portrait and glamour work with improve dramatically.
