Ashton, Bench Photos

We move away from the window light images & work with studio lights.

A lot of models are self-conscious about some part of their body, despite being totally beautiful. I've had models request that I not photograph certain body parts, like their feet or their butt. I've even had one who didn't want me to photograph her face.
In contrast, Ashton is one of the most confident people I've ever met. Sure, she's stunning, but I like to think that my photography goes beyond the physical and includes quite a bit of the model's character. Ashton had absolutely no hang-ups about her body, being nude, or being photographed from any angle in any pose. She is a pure joy to work with.

I think I make the best pictures when there's a certain amount of professional affection between the model & the photographer. No problems here!

More & more, I'm relying on the digital camera to check out setups. Ashton is wonderfully easy on the eyes, and she is very easy to work with. But when I put a critical eye on this set up, I note the following:

	Her skin, especially along her right side, is about the same tone as the background wall. I dislike it when edges disappear into the background.
	The little wall jog doesn't contribute anything to the image & is a little distracting.
	The baseboard runs into the little bench on which Ashton sits. This will show my age a little, but I didn't think about changing the camera angle. Besides I like the angle as it is.
	But I like the light on both Ashton's figure & face.

Bottom line: I decide it's time to put the backdrop back up.

Yes, I like these images with the backdrop much better.
There's nothing sexier than confidence, and yes, Ashton is a very sexy woman. Some of these images have a tincture of eroticism. I suppose that some of that comes from her modeling experiences, and some comes naturally. I find it's always best to go with what comes naturally (more on this, later).

Like many experienced models, Ashton keeps moving around, offering me different angles & poses. We try a few with her on her back, like this:

I think I'm getting better at processing the digital images. Look at these two above -- the one on the left is digital & the one on the right is film/paper. I've started using the digital histograms to fine-tune the contrast & brightness. And I also note that my technique for colorizing the images is a bit more consistent.

Ashton shows off her lovely, lovely legs.

I think that Ashton likes to challenge her photographers with her sensuality. Believe me, I don't mind. Ashton has a remarkable presence. Her concentration is total, and she is "in the moment". These are great attributes for a fine art or a glamour model.

We delete the small bench, Ashton stands, and we create a more shadowy / moody lighting setup.
Note something I mentioned earlier -- I don't like it when edges of the figure disappear into the background. Notice how this doesn't happen here -- Ashton's hair glows, her arms stand out. (I forgive myself that how a small part of her left thigh does disappear, but that's no big thing).

Here's a sitting favorite, and yes, the image directly above is a close up of this image, but I like the whole package better.

I've got to admit that the sitting itself, interacting with the model, is the most fun part of this entire process, and I'm having a wonderful time with Ashton. Her skin is luminous, she is down-to-earth & easy to get along with, and she looks great. I'm having big fun.

This sitting continues on the Hair Dance.