May 2008

For years I have jumped for joy when it came time to hit the beach and shoot outdoors. So when I got the assignment for a May shoot in Puerto Rico I really jumped for joy.  So let’s get started.

First and foremost is the communication with the model. We discussed the image and  both decided that we wanted steamy images BUT not the typical bikini pictures.

Now the critical part is in the metering. This along with Whitney’s Expressions would create the mood. Too much of a bright and big smile would change the feel from subtle seduction to come & get it. We both wanted subtle!

I placed an 18% gray card in the highlight side of the image and took a meter reading. I did not take any additional readings, it was the highlights I was interested in and I wanted deeper shadows. Remember the mood.

I decided to use my 15-55 lens at about 30mm and shoot at f=8 so that there was some depth of field. The 1/250 @ f=8 also dropped the part under the table into shadow. Now for the fash fill. I placed the SB800 on a stand at a distance that would give me f=8. To isolate Whitney A gobo (actually a towel was hung ) so that it cut the flash off just past her shoulder. The rest was up to Whitney. She could not move fast or she would create ripples in the water. From there it was point & shoot.  Take note that as her head turns the light works regardless of where she is looking.

Post production note: Levels were adjusted and a Diffuse glow was used, Settings:  Grain 0  Glow 1  Clear 15, and I changed the water colour in the upper image.

Sometimes we just have to think outside the lines,  this entire set took 20 minutes max.

Camera: Nikon D200 RAW format

Lens: 15-55 f=2.8 EDIF Flash: SB 800 on stand.

Model: Whitney Peyton or Whit's Myspace

See nothing to it. See you next Month in the Online Studio and may you always... Chase your dreams not you competition, Jack Cutler”