Lingerie, Boudoir & Implied with Lindsey

 

Lindsey is an actress and model. Someone I’d been aware of for some time but hadn’t had the opportunity to work with. Things aligned and we discussed a series of themes, starting with the classic black dress, progressing to lingerie, boudoir and implied. Boudoir, implied and concealed nude are genres that are open to interpretation. These can mean very different things to different people. Yet another illustration of why good communication is imperative before, during and after a shoot.

For example, someone might be comfortable being bottomless, their genitals obscured by a camera body, someone else might draw the line at bra-less with an open blouse. Establishing limits, context and indeed firm boundaries is a must. If someone, usually the model, isn’t comfortable with a concept, it will always tell in the images.

Regardless of the theme(s), I always commence with headshots. Doing so confirms whether I’ve the camera settings right and if not, can adjust accordingly. It also helps break the ice and build rapport, especially if we've not worked together before. Model and photographer tend to warm up and relax over the course of a shoot. All things being equal, images captured during the second half of a two-hour session are superior to those of the first.

Tiredness and sudden changes in weather, or light can also play a significant part. I shot these between F 2.5 and F 1.4 using natural light and a lens-mounted reflector. Towards the close of our session, I wished I’d retrieved my tripod from the car, since some captures were impaired by very minor, but tangible camera shake.

An Afternoon with Alyssa

 

I’d been invited to work with Alyssa a year previously, but I gently declined on the basis my minimum model age is 21. This might seem odd to some people. However, while many things are perfectly legal at 18, they’re not always the best for us. That stipulation goes across the modelling board, not just boudoir, lingerie, or more explicit themes.

Some people are mature beyond their years, in the most positive sense and this was very palpable through her approach, and ultimately, the duration of our shoot.  Alyssa has been modelling for four years and this self-awareness, mental and physical was very apparent from the shutter’s very first click.

In common with other models, unless there is a very specific commission, or theme in mind, I like to leave clothing to the model’s taste during our first shoot. Garments they feel flattering and comfortable. This also allows me insight into who they are, which I like to feel tells in the final images.  I shot these in natural light using my full frame Sony A7 and A6300 with 40mm 2.5 and 3mm 1.8 Viltrox prime lenses.

Kate: Steely Gazes & Stunning Equines

 

Kate got in touch with me, initially looking to develop her modelling portfolio and to incorporate her horses. This appealed on several levels but required careful planning to get everything properly coordinated. We agreed a three-hour shoot, since this would allow for preparing the horses, along with changing outfits and comfort breaks.

As the shoot loomed closer, a heatwave, with temperatures 34 degrees plus created another layer of complexity. We initially thought leaving the shoot until the early evening (1730 onwards) would bring cooler temperatures and potentially kinder natural lighting. However, Kate called me early on the morning of our shoot, explaining her concerns, especially for the horses.

Mercifully, I hadn’t any other plans, so we agreed to shoot between 1030 and 1330. At that point, the heat was fairly intense, but we’d found some suitably shaded areas to shoot in. This would hopefully achieve a more even spread of light, while keeping the horses cooler. We ultimately elected to take one of the horses and shorten the riding sequences, focusing on fashion, portraiture and headshots for the remaining two hours.  I alternated between 85mm 1.8 Viltrox lens and 60mm Sigma 2.8 lens bolted to my trusty A6000 and 6300 bodies. I also employed a small hand- held reflector for some additional light. 

Bella... Creatively Provocative

 

Bella likes to combine three themes in a shoot, and this appears very successful. She wanted to play with the sensual secretary trope, working through more provocative, erotic themes. I let her lead the concept and shot these at F1.8 using natural light and a 50mm prime lens. This gives a nice depth of field, sharp image quality, and appropriate physical distance between model and photographer.     

 Art nude and other genres are open to interpretation. The hard and fast rule being that full frontal, exposed genitals should not feature.

However, others would consider concealed and implied nude as artistic nudity. Therefore, it's very important to be crystal clear about the content and terms before shooting. Some models would be very happy being bottomless and using a camera body to obscure their pubic triangle, others feel this a step too far. 

A model might be happy to reveal their breasts but conceal their nipples. Either way, never assume and never push someone's levels. Models and indeed, photographers should never be expected, or cajoled into doing something they are not entirely comfortable with. Aside from being deeply unethical, this will always tell in the images.

Helen Rose: Mood, Movement & Music

 

Helen got in touch since she was in the region and liked my work. Having learned she was an accomplished musician, rock climber and horse rider, I was intrigued and believed we could add something to our respective portfolios. 

Helen had been modelling on a part-time basis for eleven years, instigated by a relationship breakdown. Given these variables, I was keen to let her lead in terms of outfits and props.

We both knew the intended location very well, which helped in terms of planning for the unexpected, changing and good shooting areas.  Being the early part of an increasingly Spring-like day, there was a lot of activity. Public spaces are best for first, or formative shoots, but can present some challenges.

Passers-by can either be decidedly reverential and respectful, curious and chatty, or in some cases, intrusive. Mercifully, people were very respectful, but would also stop for a brief, flattering remark. As I am always saying, model and photographer also warm up during the course of a shoot, and I’m never surprised to find this tells in the images.

The light was generally favourable, although there were moments when the sun created annoying drop shadows- easily corrected by moving to areas with more even light and a small reflector.  I shot the majority of these with my trusty Sony Alpha 6300 and 50mm 1.8 prime lens set to F2 for most flattering effect, although when conditions became a little more restrictive, I switched to the 6000 and Viltrox 23mm set to F1.4

   

Maryna...By the Marina

 

Maryna got in touch, inviting me to shoot with her, since she was in the region. She liked my ability to capture flattering images both in the studio and location. Flattered, I gladly accepted, and so pleased I did. Standing 5’9 she is very striking. Pre-shoot communications were very professional, and I gave her a free hand in terms of clothing choice and style. Wherever possible, I like to capture a model’s character and personality, although there are times, say in a commercial setting, where they have to be a canvas for the designer, makeup artist, hairdresser etc.  

Maryna is originally from Ukraine but began her modelling career in Germany in 2020. I wasn’t surprised to find her approach and subsequent communications ultra-professional and straightforward. We agreed on a two-hour shoot by the quayside- it was central, public, but had plenty of scope for uninterrupted shooting. She arrived promptly and immaculately prepared, ready to shoot. We started with the black and red theme, switching to the yellow and black. It was cool and blustery, but thankfully the rain forecast didn’t materialise.

Come the close of the second set, we’d been shooting for 1hour with nominal rest and sensing she was a little cold, I suggested we break in the warm. Twenty-five minutes and a change later, we were back in the quieter areas and shot for a further twenty minutes until I realised we'd gone over by five minutes. I closed at his point, since both had other appointments and didn’t want us to be rushed. These were shot at F2 using my A6300 body and equally trusty Sony 50mm 1.8 lens.