This shot works (almost) if the goal is to sell the clothing. The more typical shot at the beach does not call attention like this one does. If the shot works or not depends on your goals. Is this commercial photography, a portfolio shot for a model or photo student? I think the unexpected, out of context elements do a good job of calling attention to themselves.
But the model is in the wrong light. Next time bring some huge white reflectors. They will toss back the ambient color light which is more believable.
One of the most useful features I have found with light meters like the Sekonic L-358 and the newer ones is that they will tell you what percentage of flash-to-ambient light you have.
This is great because, from experience, I know that if I cross the 20% threshold of flash-to-ambient, the subject will most definitely look flash lit. Sometimes you want it, sometimes you don't...the meter takes the guess work out of it.
Not commenting on anything else, but I'll be the dissenting voice RE the color choices - I quite like the complimentary colors of the golden yellow flowers and turquoise clothing. That's all I've got.
Holy commentsville! I'm not used to this much attention...
russdenney01, thank you for your suggestion on the Sekonic L-358. I've never heard of this, but will do some research. My optimal goal would be to acquire an understanding of balance naturally without a device, but maybe it's needed...
Lisa_Holloway, thank you so much for sharing my vision regarding color contrast. I thought it looked good as well, but what the hell do I know?? Every time I shoot it's a new learning experience for me.
There's no narrative idea for this shoot. Model looks bored and stiff. Styling is off (her hair, especially, and the color of the suit and sofa doesn't match the setting). Having a suit on doesn't match the setting, for that matter. If she was in a gown, it might work. You need two huge soft boxes, at a distance. Check out Water Iooss' work.
msimon60 wrote:
There's no narrative idea for this shoot. Model looks bored and stiff. Styling is off (her hair, especially, and the color of the suit and sofa doesn't match the setting). Having a suit on doesn't match the setting, for that matter. If she was in a gown, it might work. You need two huge soft boxes, at a distance. Check out Water Iooss' work.
I completely understand that some have critical points to share with the OP, I do too. HOWEVER, some need to learn how to present their ideas not just in this thread but in others as well.
This is nice work that has some thought and effort to it and you can't just easily dismiss all the OPs work with such negative attitude and telling him to emulate someone else's work. Which btw is a sports-portrait photographer so I don't see how's that relevant here?
C&C is intended to improve, encourage and exchange ideas, this is not the way to do it.
I guess the most important thing would be the flash power / color. Regardless of pose/model/clothing choice they would still look off because of flash. I dont know, maybe a CTO Gel or better balancing of light. Props for the attempt.
Regardless of the concept or lack thereof, the biggest problem here is really mediocre lighting. Look at the first image. It's cross lit with two harsh lights creating hard shadow going in two directions. Great for a copying flat art but not so great for a person. While the second light does seem to go away on subsequent shots, it's the overall quality of light that doesn't. There's no mood or shape to it. It's harsh and it lights everything in its path. The light here doesn't add to the sexiness of the model, it detracts. On top of all that, the brightest object in the image is that damned couch. That pulls away from your model, unless that was your intention as well. Look at how many times this shot has been done before - and it's many times by many photographers - and the one thing you will almost never see is a white or white-ish couch. It's almost always a solid color, usually some sort of red that adds to the mood, contrasts or harmonized with the other colors in the image and generally adds to the image.
But the main problem is that, in my opinion, the light needs major re-working. A larger source MUCH closer to the subject that is more controlled and not spilling everywhere.
And an aloof and vague OP not sharing his vision isn't helping anything.
OP, I hope you've practiced your lighting technique more since October. All I see is strobe here. Should have dialed it down at least a full stop, if not 1.5.
And, let the model's legs straighten out a bit! She's got long, beautiful legs, don't scrunch them up...
