Suraiya : Glamour On The Beach

The lovely Suraiya. Great team of people to make this shoot happen. Model, hair and makeup, wardrobe stylist, myself and my assistant. It's great when everyone on a shoot is great at what they do and really puts themselves into it. Love it!

Camera, Lens & Filters:
Nikon D700 & Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 with B+W CPL & B+W .6 (2 stop) ND Filter

Camera Settings:
[1] ISO 200, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/250s
[2] ISO 200, 66mm, f/7.1, 1/250s
[3] ISO 200, 32mm, f/6.3, 1/250s

Lighting:
Main Light- 22" beauty dish [positioned to camera left]
Fill & Accent- 46" Softlighter w/silver disc insert, no diffusion [positioned almost 90 degrees relative to subject front]

Portable Power:
Innovatronix Explorer XT3 (main light), Innovatronix Explorer XT SE (fill light), Innovatronix Explorer Mini (2) to power the fan.

[1]


[2]


[3]

I really like #2, perhaps due to seeing you have expressed about backgrounds. 1 and 3 do not isolate my eyes to the subject like 2 does, which I think would be true even without the tight crop.

Perhaps the downward angle of 2, making her appear more diminutive, is more feminine in my opinion.

Hi Rick,

I see what you're saying but the discussion about backgrounds was directly related to dated, patterned and distracting backgrounds. I realize that 'distracting' is subjective but I don't find anything distracting in these backgrounds. They are a natural and beautiful environment that I feel is complementary. You may disagree, of course.

For more traditional studio portraiture I believe the focus is always on the subject and if there is going to be a background, it should be simple and not distracting. Again, distraction will always be subjective.

Camera position and angle are quite intentional and are shot in a very 'fashion' way, letting perspective give the model a taller, more powerful appearance. This is very common in fashion and glamour. Image #2 was actually a "what the hell" shot, figuring that while we were set up and had nice light, I stood on top of one the portable batteries and zoomed in to grab a shot. I like the shot a lot but #1 and #3 and really what the shoot was all about.

Sorry to disappoint.

If we wanted a softer, more feminine feel the modifiers would have been swapped out for others, the lights would have been much closer to the subject and the aperture would have been at least one stop larger.

I do find it interesting to hear the photographer's perspective on things like this, as it helps me to better understand the psychology of the viewer. I don't always agree but I respect and appreciate the feedback.

I see your points Robert and I have to keep in mind the intended audience is not a casual viewer. Fashion and Glamour is a whole different world.

Great shots as always Robert. The last one is actually my fave.

Thanks, Glenn. That was Suraiya's favorite as well.

I like #2 and #3 best, too. In photo #1 the subject seems a bit washed out.

Yeah, I'd have to say my favourite is #3. Great light and perspective. You're getting pretty good at this, Robert. You should really think about taking this up as a profession.

I'll give it some thought, Jack.

Robert Mitchell said:

Thanks, Glenn. That was Suraiya's favorite as well.

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I'm a fan of the blue hour and the image gave it more drama especially her expression. The posing is also nice.

BTW, I'm assuming you used a battery pack with your lighting, correct?

Hey Glenn,

Read the first post again. I describe the lighting and portable batteries I'm using.

This is a shot I took of the portable batteries I use. The batteries used for the images posted in this thread are shown, as well as an Auxiliary battery that can be connected to either of the full size Explorer units and gives me a few hundred additional pops if I need it.

Absolutely stunning

Robert, I really like the work... and that is about all I am qualified to do.. "hit the like button". Your work is so far beyond me that all I can do is admire... Thanks so much for sharing.

Pat in NH

stumprat said:

Absolutely stunning

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Thank you very much.

RockyNH said:

Robert, I really like the work... and that is about all I am qualified to do.. "hit the like button". Your work is so far beyond me that all I can do is admire... Thanks so much for sharing.

Pat in NH

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Hi Pat,

I really appreciate the very kind words. Thank you.

I really like the mood you were able to create by the appropriate use of the flash for these shots. It really give a kind of richness to the tones.

Great shots!

Thank you, Marcel. When I shoot with strobes on location I really love the look of having the strobes as the dominant light source. On a bright sunny day it requires quite a bit of power but it's always worth it.

Love 3. Amazing colors!

A little beyond the golden hour and very cloudy makes for really dramatic skies. Add a dominant light source and it pops. I love it.