JULY 08 TECH

There is a false impression that for an image to be erotic it has to be either explicit or nude. This month in the Online Studio I want to bury that misconception. We will work with a simple single light concept. So with the help of Lavander et’s get started.

I used a 750 WS Calumet Travelight equipped with a Chimera 36 x 48 Chimera Soft Box to light the entire shot.  The light was positioned at a shallow angle to the model and adjusted so that there would be no fall off. Remember, the centre of the light does not have to be aimed at the subject. Position the light or lights to produce the desired effect. Also, a big soft box produces broad even illumination and allows the shooter and model greater freedom of movement.

This light position will Lavender to work her face toward the light or away from the light and I do not have to adjust exposure as I shoot. The bonus is…I can work as many camera angles as my imagination allows.  

To meter just simply take a reflected 18% Gray card reading at the mid tones (such as her forehead) and shoot.  If you want deeper shadows close the lens down by one stop. Here is one instance where I wanted a light airy feel this would create a happy feeling of intimacy. And... The light sheets act as a reflector to fill and harsh shadows.
Now on to that erotic myth!  Lingerie in a pose like this can and will get a viewers mind working. Have the model look at the camera and when eye contact is made the image becomes even more personal. Nothing showing in this image so the viewer will wonder what is hidden and off camera. Let the viewers mind create the rest of the scenario. This type of image will work well with timid or rookie models as well.

Post production: Levels adjusted and a 1 point diffuse glow was added in Photoshop. Sepia tone was added and faded to 70%. Finally the eyes were selected and with the dajust colour control the green in her eyes was brought back to ful strength.

Camera: Nikon D200 Lens: 24-70 f=2.8 ED ISO:100 Flash Meter: Minolta Auto Spot

Light: Calumet 750WS Travelight W/ Chimera 36x40 Pro SoftBox

Model: Lavender

See nothing to it. See you next month in the Online Studio and always

"Chase Your Dreams Not Your Competition... Jack Cutler