Marilyn B&W
Aug, 2016Views
629
Likes
Awards
Member Selection Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken on Wooster Street in Manhattan's Bowery District outside of an upholstery shop. We were shooting in a nearby loft and the model was brave enough to pose outside, wearing only a long sweater.Time
Since it was about 8 am on a Sunday, there weren't any people on the street yet so we took the chance of a quick snap shot without being gawked at by anyone. Then we ducked into the upholstery shop and the manager was more than happy to accommodate our figure shoot.Lighting
Actually it worked out perfectly as the tall, surrounding buildings blocked any direct light from the sun, making the lighting conditions more than perfect. The buildings also acted as a reflector of sorts so I could work with a fast shutter speed of 500th of a second to prevent camera shake.Equipment
The camera was a Nikon D2x, my workhorse, and the lens was an 18-70 Nikkor zoom. No flash was needed nor did I use my tripod. The camera has two shutter release buttons for taking both horizontal and vertical images. Very convenient feature for comfortable vertical shooting.Inspiration
We were in a loft where I had arranged for a figure photo shoot with eight photographers and four models giving everybody ample opportunity to work with each other. I recalled that the lobby had a wonderful fresco painted on the walls that would make a terrific backdrop so we used that area next. We had paper taped to the front door to prevent prying eyes! When we were done with that setting, I stepped outside for a moment and noticed that the sidewalk was pretty much empty at 8 am on a Sunday, so we did a quick jaunt outside and happened upon this large upholstery shop that had some iron bedding framework and a chair arranged on the sidewalk, so I asked the model to take seat on the chair and quickly took this shot while she was looking at another photographer. I think the shot works because she's not looking at my camera. Serendipity at it's best!Editing
I converted the color photo to B&W in Adobe Photoshop and adjusted the shadows and highlights a tad. Otherwise the lighting was spot-on.In my camera bag
My Nikon D2x, which is my go to camera, a Vello remote cable release along with an 18-70 Nikkor lens, a 70-180 macro zoom and a Nikkor 70-200 zoom with a fast f2.8 aperture which makes it ideal for early morning or low light situations. I also occasionally use a 500mm f8 mirror lens for landscape work. I also have a Nikon SB 600 Speedlight flash, a 3 ft. circumference, collapsible silver reflector and a 10-stop neutral density filter. I always have a slew of Zeiss lens wipes.Feedback
I find it's important to use a model that is comfortable working with you especially when you're doing figure photography. Often I'll concentrate on portraits first before venturing into nudes. Make sure the setting is private for the model's comfort with a changing room, if possible. A digital camera allows me to share the images I'm composing giving the model confidence in what you're trying to accomplish. That goes a long way to producing better work. And never, ever have any physical contact with any model, only make verbal posing suggestions. Be professional at all times.
