One of my latest model shoots - Alissia

DanFSU · Jun 11, 2009

I was very happy with this set, in under three hours we had several very distinct looks. Had the help of a hair stylist and make up artist. Never leave home without them!
I used a Nikon D80 with 50mm 1.8/f and my SB-800 flash in an umbrella.
Also, I shot everything in and around my house and the last "studio" looking shot was actually shot on my bed... okay so that sounded a little creepy but I don't have money for a studio so whatever works, right?! LOL
Let me know what you think!

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Andrew Sun · Jun 11, 2009

I dig shot #3, very cute.

musicaleCA · Jun 11, 2009

Eeeeyow. I love the last one. I think it could have used a some more fill from the left though to decrease contrast, and just a little more on the hair, but it's still a superb shot. The makeup really makes it.

ANDS! · Jun 11, 2009

Only thing I might do, is crop #4, so that you get rid of that black bar on the bottom (which screams "Hey I'm in a room somewhere!") and instead just have her floating on a fluffy. . .thing.

DanFSU · Jun 11, 2009

Andrew Sun said:
I dig shot #3, very cute.

so it's not just the boobs? LOL, yeah, this shot really showed her personality

musicaleCA said:
Eeeeyow. I love the last one. I think it could have used a some more fill from the left though to decrease contrast, and just a little more on the hair, but it's still a superb shot. The makeup really makes it.

Thanks, yeah lighting was a real challenge here. I was using a single SB-800 mounted to an umbrella and an incandescent lamp without it's shade to provide hair lighting, and there was minor ambiance room lighting. I need more lights... :grumpy:

ANDS! said:
Only thing I might do, is crop #4, so that you get rid of that black bar on the bottom (which screams "Hey I'm in a room somewhere!") and instead just have her floating on a fluffy. . .thing.

I was really fighting with that and hit myself in the head a couple times for not seeing that in the shot the first time, Cropping just doesn't work and still keep it in 8x12 format. ::sigh:: LOL, I like the floating on a fluffy...thing!

Baaaark · Jun 12, 2009

This is going to sound negative, even though I don't mean it that way.

How the heck to you get a model to agree to come back to your apartment and lay on your bed in her underwear for a shot?

You are quite good at persuasion, sir.

DanFSU · Jun 12, 2009

LMAO!!! I totally agree with you, it is creepy as hell! I never thought I'd have a model at my place, let alone in my bed! Truthfully, I had my girlfriend there, my makeup artist, and my hair stylist (all female) so she was very comfortable. Her attitude had a lot to do with it as well, she trusted in my eye and was open to everything. Definitely would work with her again.

ekool · Jun 12, 2009

I like #3 and #4

CareToPose · Jun 12, 2009

she's as sexy as me.. lol!

overall, i love the shots except #5..

Josh220 · Jun 12, 2009

I've gotta go with #3 as well. It's sexy while also showing personality.

Roger · Jun 12, 2009

I think they're all very good....agree with the black border problem, but still a fine shot....I like the dark/high contrast look of the last shot, for me it's in keeping with her look.

DanFSU · Jun 12, 2009

Thanks guys (and sexy girl!), I'm enjoying the critiques as well as seeing which ones are most popular. What kind of lighting do you guys prefer?

jmthompson · Jun 12, 2009

I am definitely not an experienced portrait photographer, just starting this year after wanting a change from shooting sports, so this comes from an untrained eye, but my first thought when I looked at #4 was that she was missing a leg. Maybe arrange the "fluffy thing" so just a bit of leg is showing? I think the general pose is great, possibly just needs to be a little more leg! I like the lighting in #6 the best, as I feel it appears the most natural and "outdoorsy", but that is definitely just a personal preference! Great shots, and I will be looking for more to study!

bdavis · Jun 12, 2009

My favs are #3 and #4. In my opinion these are the best of the series. You nailed the exposures and her expressions are so natural and playful. Nice work.

Lyncca · Jun 12, 2009

Really beautiful work. I was trying to pick my favorites, but I really like them all. I agree with the above critiques. I think #3 is my favorite because you can see her character so much.