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