A brave Model

JustJazzie · Jan 20, 2014

I wish hiring a professional makeup artist was a possibility but it's just not. Perhaps we can at least watch some foot YouTube videos on glamor hair and makeup and get semi close.

I'll ditch the comforter and pillows next time. No satin sheets in the budget, but maybe even plain white would be better. I also think I'm going to try for some more dramatic lighting. I used this setup because it was supposed to be soft and forgiving but I'm not happy with it. I prefer high contrast images with some more shadows so I think I will stick to my taste next time instead of trying to do things by the book.

crimbfighter · Jan 20, 2014

Ok, I'll give it a go, here.

#1. I would like to see her body and head in less of a line. I'd prefer her body be on a 45 deg angle, instead of horizontal, then have her tilt her head back to basically the same position it's in now, and also bring her head down to the lower third, not just the left third. I think this would bring her eyes more to bare facing the camera. Also, I think the top third of the frame is too dark, I feel like it's competing with her face for my eye. I think if you adjusted the pose, and shortened up your DOF so by the time they eye gets to her hips, they're blurring out, and brought up the exposure a tad on the back, it would bring a lot more focus to her face.

#2 The coloration seems off from the right side of the frame to the left. Not consistent. Also, as mentioned, the right and left seem to tight. Lastly, I think the background is problematic because the pillows are blending in with her body, which I think is blending her into the business. I think if she were brought slightly closer to the camera, putting some kind of separation between her and the background, it would help.

#3 I like this one the most. Other than the top of the photo being slightly too tight, I can't say much I would change. She's got a great pose going. Maybe use a slightly wider aperture to narrow your DOF a tad and bring a slight blur to the headboard? Or maybe bring down the highlight on the headboard? I don't know, I'm getting pretty nit picky.. I've found with large flat shinny objects like that, it helps to find an angle that won't reflect the flash back at the camera.

All in all, you have a beautiful model, and a good start. On a side note, I have that same comforter, but in tan..

Trblmkr · Jan 20, 2014

Jazzie I think you identifed the biggest issue. You're not comfortable with the lighting set up. If you're not happy with it, then your results will suffer. You should shoot with what you know, and when you have time to go back and play around, it won't be so much of an issue (the woman not happy). You can always just have her come sit for you, nothing fancy to practice. You'll be more comfortable around her and she will you. You'll build trust with each other. Look forward to seeing more pictures of her

jenko · Jan 20, 2014

There's such a detachment in these images. Boudoir is one of those niches, IMO, where the model really has to give off a vibe that is open to connecting with the viewer. She just looks like one of those people who really struggles to connect and is overly aware of the camera. I know it's not PC to blame the model, but some people are just very closed off, self-conscious, and it's incredibly difficult to get them to open up, especially when wearing just a nightie, lol. Do you play music or have a conversation while shooting? Sometimes that can help loosen people up.

JustJazzie · Jan 20, 2014

jenko said:
There's such a detachment in these images. Boudoir is one of those niches, IMO, where the model really has to give off a vibe that is open to connecting with the viewer. She just looks like one of those people who really struggles to connect and is overly aware of the camera. I know it's not PC to blame the model, but some people are just very closed off, self-conscious, and it's incredibly difficult to get them to open up, especially when wearing just a nightie, lol. Do you play music or have a conversation while shooting? Sometimes that can help loosen people up.

We did have conversation and she said she was relaxed. Maybe I'll try music next time.

It's funny that the previous poster really caught the environment, because she texted me and said "dh is working today after all! Do you want to do a mini session in an hour? I can work (she works from home) and you can setup then I'll break for pictures"

Maybe she had her mind elseware??

bribrius · Jan 20, 2014

she does look detached. And unprepared for the session. Like she really didn't even want her picture taken or something...

DiskoJoe · Jan 21, 2014

Posing is decent but the final product is still lacking. Basically these are missing sex appeal. Watch for background clutter too. Very distracting in boudoir.

kathyt · Jan 21, 2014

There is just no WOW factor. I would have chose some color for the wardrobe, I use pro. hair and makeup, and I would have shot shallow to put the focus more on her. Maybe next time ask what her favorite body part is, and really accentuate/focus on that. Her whole body doesn't have to be in the image to create the illusion of sexy. If you haven't already I would use Pinterest for posing ideas. It is a great free resource to get the creative juices flowing.

JustJazzie · Jan 21, 2014

kathythorson said:
There is just no WOW factor. I would have chose some color for the wardrobe, I use pro. hair and makeup, and I would have shot shallow to put the focus more on her. Maybe next time ask what her favorite body part is, and really accentuate/focus on that. Her whole body doesn't have to be in the image to create the illusion of sexy. If you haven't already I would use Pinterest for posing ideas. It is a great free resource to get the creative juices flowing.

Unfortunately, I had/have no say in the makeup and wardrobe. When I asked her about going "bigger" for hair and makeup next time she pretty much said "no that's not the problem- the glamour look just isn't me"

As for the detail shots- I figured those would be easier to get when she chose a more revealing outfit. A torso shot for Instance wasn't going to do anything with a nighty on. KWIM?

And remember these were just a few that I got-which happen to be full body, and not smiling. I did get closer in for a few, those just weren't the ones I chose to post. And a few where she is smiling and looks a little more connected. (I think)

Anyways, it's obvious this go around was a failure, hopefully next time goes better.

pixmedic · Jan 21, 2014

JustJazzie said:
kathythorson said:

There is just no WOW factor. I would have chose some color for the wardrobe, I use pro. hair and makeup, and I would have shot shallow to put the focus more on her. Maybe next time ask what her favorite body part is, and really accentuate/focus on that. Her whole body doesn't have to be in the image to create the illusion of sexy. If you haven't already I would use Pinterest for posing ideas. It is a great free resource to get the creative juices flowing.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I had/have no say in the makeup and wardrobe. When I asked her about going "bigger" for hair and makeup next time she pretty much said "no that's not the problem- the glamour look just isn't me"

As for the detail shots- I figured those would be easier to get when she chose a more revealing outfit. A torso shot for Instance wasn't going to do anything with a nighty on. KWIM?

And remember these were just a few that I got-which happen to be full body, and not smiling. I did get closer in for a few, those just weren't the ones I chose to post. And a few where she is smiling and looks a little more connected. (I think)

Anyways, it's obvious this go around was a failure, hopefully next time goes better.

Failure?
pffffff.
far from failure. the pictures were not bad, and if you learned something that will make the next session better, your on the positive end of the spectrum. remember, failure is not an option!

JustJazzie · Jan 21, 2014

pixmedic said:
Failure? pffffff. far from failure. the pictures were not bad, and if you learned something that will make the next session better, your on the positive end of the spectrum. remember, failure is not an option!

I guess I forgot to mention I'm a perfectionist. ;-) there are lots of failures in my life. Hehehe.

pixmedic · Jan 21, 2014

JustJazzie said:
pixmedic said:

Failure? pffffff. far from failure. the pictures were not bad, and if you learned something that will make the next session better, your on the positive end of the spectrum. remember, failure is not an option!

Click to expand...

I guess I forgot to mention I'm a perfectionist. ;-) there are lots of failures in my life. Hehehe.

I try to replace "failure" with "learning experience" in my life.
ive had a lot of "learning experiences"

JustJazzie · Jan 21, 2014

pixmedic said:
I try to replace "failure" with "learning experience" in my life. ive had a lot of "learning experiences"

Good advice Pixmedic! Something to meditate on tonight.

bribrius · Jan 21, 2014

If she doesn't think she is glamour, or that glamour it isn't her, well im a little confused at why she is agreeing or wanting to do it in the first place. What is it even for? What is the purpose that she or you are going for with this?