A recent model shoot (some maybe NWS??)

[MyaLover]

Heres some from a recent shoot I did for a designer... this is the look that she requested. Hair and make up done by myself. Shot in a seedy hotel. Not as happy with them as I would like

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

 

[tirediron]

Ummm.... 1 and 2 I like, 3 is okay, but I'm afraid the rest of them don't do a thing for me. Can't really give you a good reason.

 

[ryan7783]

something about non-lit cigarettes that make me wonder why they're not lit. maybe it's me, but do you think the photos would be more realistic if they were actually smoking?

I'm with tirediron, 1,2, and 3 maybe - the rest aren't really hitting me

 

[Roger]

#2 is the best of the bunch for me and the only one imo that the unlit ciggy works as it look as if she's been interrupted in lighting up.....the cut off feet bother me a bit though. To be honest I think your self-portrait work generally is of a much higher standard.

 

[Fox Paw]

I like your approach, and these are no exception. Numbers 1, 2 and 7 are all intriguing to me.

I have no aversion to cigarettes in photographs, but in some of these the bright cigarette draws the eye more than you probably want it to.

 

[Trenton Romulox]

The only two that really stand out to me are 2 and 5.

2 because there is a nice scene there, but her facial expression sort of hurt the scene for me, because it doesn't really seem to fit the nature of the shot, to me.

5, 5 I just like. I'm not sure why. I'd rather have the cigarette lit, but I still like this shot.

The rest of them just don't really do a lot for me, there's just nothing that yells 'crisp, clean, pop' to me, and I think that's what the client wanted, so...good job, I think. I mean, as long as the client as happy, then the shots have done their job.

 

[Alpha]

Hey Morgan,

My honest advice is to stop shooting self-portraits for a while. These shots bear a frightening resemblance to them. Work a bit on branching out in lighting and composition.

As for the shots themselves:

1) Not bad but the lighting halos bother me and her shirt is too puffy.

2) Your best shot, but I think it needs a re-work in post. You gotta do something about those halos.

3) Ok but the focus is off her face, and it's slightly lacking in context.

4) Your self-portrait

5) Your self-portrait

6) Really unflattering pose and lighting. The flat light makes leaves little room for definition of her torso and extremities, making her look fat. The lens angle isn't wide enough for her leg/foot to be that close to the camera, which gives her a cankle (sorry). The vignetting is also way too strong.

7) The vignetting works better, here, but what's the story? I'm not sure what she's doing.

 

[Shibby!]

I like 5 and 7. 7 needs a bit more light though.

They do posess feel though.

 

[Vaporous]

Proper lighting is key and can create alot of depth. Also some of them look a bit out of focus or bit too soft. Some of the poses are bit unflattering around the tummy area (3 & 4). I think it was a great attempt and I can see where you were going. I just think executing lighting is critical on these types of shots.

I do like the sultry feel of these shots though

 

[MyaLover]

Wow thank you all for the feedback!! I greatly appreciate it!! All the models except one were what i call a "dead fish". they didnt vary their facial expression at all. With the lighting, I see everyones point, and im not making excuses, but one of the models got water (on accident) on one of my lights and it shattered. Sounded like a gun shot, pieces of glass went everywhere and melted onto the carpet. It was a trip! So I was left with only 2 lights after that (Mental note, bring more bulbs and unplug the light before removing the bulb, yeah I electrocuted myself, go ahead, laugh) This shoot was a definate learning experience and I agree with all the above points. My biggest gripe, mainly because I cant always control it, is the models facial expression. I would say "I want you to look arrogant, and bitchy, but with sex appeal", and I got a facial expression like #6, which to me is not arrogant and bitchy. Anyways, thanks as always guys for all the feedback!!!!!!!!!!!

Id like it if you guys checked out the others from this shoot on my flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/morganboss/

 

[HoboSyke]

2 would have been the best shot here if it wasnt so tightly cropped..

 

[motorshooter]

The style is there. Its just that all the images are too dark. The look is not natural. A lit cig would have worked better.

The style is right out of Vogue Magazine...try a bit of off set lighting to light up the models in a way that will bring out the best of their looks.

There is a trick to lighting a dark set to keep it dark and seedy, the key is practice, practice, practice

 

[SandShots]

luv #5, half a cig and lit would of been really good.

 

[MyaLover]

I agree with the lit cigarette, the designer didnt want her clothes smelling like smoke... :er:.... any PS help with that?

 

[Fox Paw]

Next time, light the cigarettes and tell the designer to change clothes afterwards.