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.

Jane

 Jane had a successful career as a glamour model, and this was very apparent in so many ways. Aside from her very professional pre-shoot communications and military precise preparation/timekeeping, it was immediately obvious she knew how to pose and moreover, in ways that as most flattering to her physique. She also had an equally comprehensive and flattering wardrobe.  

No less than I’d expect from a professional, but it does illustrate the difference between aspirational models and those with successful careers. Aside from bouncing ideas between each other, we spent much of the shoot talking about business and strange experiences during shoots.  

This inevitably covered the topic of GWCs (Guy With Camera). Jane began her career when film was the dominant medium. She recalls posing for camera clubs and believed some “enthusiasts” had no film in their cameras, judging by the sheer number of frames they were taking-without replenishing.  

Again, you’d expect a change every 24, or 36 frames. This also highlights the point about some folks (men specifically) using the camera as a means of getting access to models. Conversely, there were also the young woman being cajoled by their boyfriends and partners into modelling and specifically at the higher levels. We’re talking nude, open-leg, and similar, not referring to fashion, or the upper industry. 

Two hours evaporated and crucially we had a lot to show for our time together.  As usual, these were shot with my trusty Sony A6000 and A6300 with 23 and 33mm 1.4 Viltrox lenses and Godox flashgun.