Scarf

Before a model arrives, I like to think up a handful of concepts for us to try. Admittedly, some concepts are better than others. Usually, we pick the concepts that appeal to us, or we pick another idea on the spur of the moment. The concept could be something simple -- a kind of a lighting scheme, a prop, a style, and we'd work out the complete details as we work on the concept.

For this "concept", the inspiration was simply a new scarf.

Here's our starting point; one breathtaking model.

One thing I've noticed about less experienced photographers: when they start dabbling in photographing the nude, they seem to feel satisfied once they find a model who is willing to pose nude for them. It's like the find the model & don't think about what they should do next.

It's not enough to photograph a nude model -- there has to be a purpose to the art.

So, you've got to have a concept.

I've got to admit that this day, I had plenty of ideas, but none of that shouted "perfect" to me. Still, Carlotta was here, so we went for it. The result? You can judge for yourself, but although there were some interesting results, I don't feel like these represent my best effort. Hey, we all have off days, don't we?

So if you are stuck for ideas, it's always a good idea to give the model something to do with her hands. Carlotta poses with this scarf, and she does great in finding ways to play with it.

I also note that I'm getting better at setting the color balance on my camera. (But I still prefer the sepia toned versions, I think -- see below).

I know that there are plenty of color image fans out there (because I hear from them), but I think I prefer the sepia tone images because without the color, the various textures are emphasized. I think that visual arts are most effective when they inspire the sense of touch -- here, I want to touch the various textures -- skin, hair, scarf, velvet, canvas.

I also love how Carlotta's hair looks.

Sure, I'll scatter some color images here -- there will probably be a lot more in the Out Takes galleries.

Here's one minor downside about working with experienced models. Lots & lots & lots of photographers want this kind of pose, with the model looking off to the side or out the window or whatever -- it's very popular, and these poses have found a place in the standard repertoire of experienced models.

But I don't like these poses. What is the model looking at? Why is the photographer so involved with the moment? Is this a voyeuristic image?

I prefer...

Eye contact,
Eyes closed,
When the model is looking at something inside the image frame, so we know what she's looking at.

Carlotta is great & takes direction well -- she gives me what I want after I mention this to her.

We soon run out of ideas for the scarf. In retrospect, we made some interesting images, but at the time, it just didn't feel very exciting to either of us.

Carlotta suggested that we work with some colorful pans that she had. I agreed, changing the lighting to be less soft.

... but I didn't like the new harder light (although I really do like this last image above). Carlotta wanders over to the other side of the room, in the big comfy chair, while I move some of the lighting equipment out of the way. Let's not kid myself, I was stalling. But I looked at Carlotta in the chair, and she looked absolutely lovely. We worked there with natural light, and as we did, the rare winter sunlight came in through my favorite window. We finished our time in that window light, making some of my favorite images at my favorite window. Go see, at...

Window