Retro Glamour Model
This is from a shoot with a local model focused on the low-key style, and a classic retro look.
This is from a shoot with a local model focused on the low-key style, and a classic retro look.
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Jun, 2018Views
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Svenergy72
October 29, 2018
Amazing B&W portrait! especially the glance in the eyes... absolutely love it! :-)
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in my in-home studio in Orlando, Florida. I have a small space attached to my house. It used to be an in-law suite (small efficiency apartment), but I've converted it for photography use. I hung curtain rods along three walls, which I use for backdrops and sometimes mounting lights. The brick wall in the background is a printed cloth backdrop.Time
We shot in the early afternoon. Since it's completely indoors with no ambient lighting, the time of day didn't affect the image capture.Lighting
I love low-key lighting and the film noir look, which is where I started with the photo. I wanted to the light to be strongest on her face, but drop off away from her face, with very little light on the backdrop. I experimented with a couple of DIY snoots to modify the light, and finally settled on a black placemat rolled around the strobe. You can see the edging of the placemat across her chest. I didn't notice that until post, but I liked the lacy feel of the pattern.Equipment
This was shot with a Pentax K-1 with a Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 lens. The single studio monolight (placed camera left) was remotely fired with a wireless remote.Inspiration
I love doing low-key portraiture, and exploring how different models interpret that lighting. I wanted to get something with a vintage look and feel. This shot came later in the shoot, after trying a couple of different lighting modifiers and the model's second wardrobe change.Editing
I use Affinity Photo for my post processing. I shoot in RAW, so I started processing this for color. I adjusted the exposure compensation and black point to darken the shadows, and did some blemish healing. After I developed the RAW image, I isolated her eyes and increased the brightness and saturation to really make them pop. After I was happy with the color version, I converted to black and white, making fine adjustments in the color tonality to get an image I really liked.In my camera bag
My go-to camera is my Pentax K-1, which normally has a Sigma 24–60 f/2.8 EX DG lens attached, and my Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 lens standing by. I know that's redundant as the 50mm is within the zoom range of the other, but sometimes, I just have to shoot a prime lens. I also have a Yongnuo YN585EX Speedlite and Vello remote triggers. My second camera tucked away in my bag (for more portability and subtly) is my Pentax Q10 with the 02 Standard Zoom lens.Feedback
Get familiar with light modifiers. I would start with DIY modifiers until you find something that works for you. And don't be afraid to experiment with different tools. MY DIY snoot was just a brainstorm because I didn't like how the shots were coming out through just an umbrella. Look around ... what do you have on hand that you can use to modify light? Try it ... you just might like it!
