Same model , very diferent results

 This image was lit using a soft box up high above the model and a reflector placed under her to reduce the shadow under her chin with a kicker light off to the left and down low.
As you can see this produces a beautiful light and is great for giving a very even and soft result. I've never photographed a woman and she didn't like this type of shot as it is very flattering and makes almost anyone beautiful. 

 This shot is taken using just one light a Lowel ID video light shot on a Nikon 85mm prime at F1.8, and a reflector. You can see its the same model but by just changing the light you change the whole mood and look of the shot almost changing the whole face. The light is harder and set directly in front of the model and raised up until you get the butterfly shadow under the models nose.
This type of light simulates the hay days of Hollywood and actresses such as Garbo and Audrey Hepburn. It creates a very classic look which can give you very stunning and very timeless looks.  

For this final shot it is good old 45 degree with a big soft box , This again shows you how you can adjust and sculpt and create very different results for the same face.


I'm sure you will agree that although its the same model the 3 portraits are very different in feel and mood. With a good looking model you will get away with lighting with any of these methods. However as I'm sure a few of you have noticed not all people you are asked to photograph will be as easy.
Just remember,  that everyone can take a good pic its up to you as the photographer to find that persons inner light and use the correct lighting to illuminate it.

B&W beauty

_DSC8005, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

A shot from last weeks ioncell shoot. I got a little side tracked fromt eh product shoot and decided to try a differnet approach on lighitng and got this very sensual B&W shot and fell in love with it .
I love the way the figure slides in and out of the light. The way the light sculpts her body .
Even in the middle of a job I think it can be important to just take an image just for the sheer pleasure , As long as the job is in the bag that is!

Ioncell Model

_DSC7840a, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

This is a shot from last weeks model shoot for www.ioncell.com project . Her name Is Lucia Bobkova a part time zumba instuctor and also a law student .
She was just the type of person I was looking for , absolutely perfect physique for this whole type of fitness shoot.

As usual I shot using green screen and went for a more dramatic type of lighting to show off her very toned physique.
The shoot its self was very satisfying as the model herslef was very east to work with and a great sport up for anything.

There are more shots from the shoot on my flickr page and also on my facebook page.
The shots themselves are the ones that convey the feeling of energy and strength , in keeping with the properties of the product

Nikon 85mm f1.8

Ray Kinsey, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

Some of you will know I bought a new nikon 85mm f1.8 prime recently and alot of people worry that its not sharp at f1.8 .

All i've got to say about that is , tacksharp aslong as your technique is good . I will repeat that for the hard of hearing YOUR TECHNIQUE.
Get your focus and recompose skills wired in and the results speak for them self. The eyes are pin sharp the ears and nose beautifully OOF.
Have I fell in love with the lens? That would be an understatement. The more I use Nikon primes, the more I fall for them and the more my bank balance suffers.
Alot of you will know I swear by my Sigma 24-70 f2.8 and yes its a great lens, I would say as good as the nikon version. However primes just have a feel , a tactile creaminess to the image that no zoom has ever given me.

I shot this image using green screen software from fxhome , Photokey4 and my bowens 500c kit but just using the modelling lamps on large softbox and one kicker for the hair.
The camera was my D700 this time as the d300 was to tight using the prime.

It was all processed in aperture and then photokey4. With a slight bleach bypass for the colour.

It is close to that leica look I've been hunting for !

I can see this lens being in my bag for many years to come. If anyone is looking at this lens and wondering please dont hesitate its a cracker.

Wedding dress

Wedding dress, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

Just a fave pic of mine that was taken at the Braidshill hotel in sept 2011 . I just love the light and the mood of this shot.
Its all natural light and then processed in aperture and silver efex 2.

Ion Cell Balance band

Ion Cell Balance band, originally uploaded by SCrlt_pimpernel.

A simple pack shot for my latest project , shooting the pack shot first for www.ioncell.co.uk .
These bands work on the principle that negative ionic energy will improve your balance and strength.
This shot is a composite of 4 different images to create the perfect balance.
The reason for the composite, is that when shot as one image you get really bad shadows along the edges of the window and the hologram comes up almost blank if not shot at an angle.
The next part of the project is shooting a model wearing the bands and providing a dynamic sporting look to help sell the product.
So we have our muscle bound model already booked and we are in the process of booking a pretty girl to wear the female bands .
All in all i think the final images will trully help drive sales of this product.
So boring pack shot out of the way , now for the far more interesting model shoots!!