SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

This winter/spring was unusually wet for us up here in NorCal, so most of my planned model shoots turned into studio shoots. It gave me a chance to practice a few concepts that I had been wanting to try for a while.
This one was a white on white concept with natural blossoms. I was able to shoot it three times then the blossoms were all GONE! Can't wait till next spring!!
I hope you enjoy both the pic and the model.
But sorry, she has clothes on!!
Most of my Models do!!!
SS

White on White

(Download)

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Very nice work.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

Hi SS,

I don't do model photography, so I have great envy and respect for those who do this successfully. Thus, my comment is simply the opinion of an observer and admirer of the art.

I like the balance of almost everything in the photo -- the soft lighting and subtle shadows, the gentle green on white colours, the framing with branches on both sides (including heavier branches on the left to balance the stronger volume of colour on the right), ...

The only balance point that I have issue with is that the model is, in fact, balanced on some sort of stand. Overall I want the image to evoke peace, calm and serenity, but the model's pose can only be achieved via tension in the abdomen and neck, and that creates tension in me as an observer. If her legs and head could have been resting on some sort of support it would put me at ease. I would not want to see another element added to the photo, so maybe the support(s) could have been put under the sheet. Another way of phrasing my concern is that instead of feeling I could admire this woman in this repose for hours, I have this sense that she is saying, "Hurry up, take the shot, I can't hold this pose forever!!!"

BTW, I am pleased to see that the section was created and that there are a few folks contributing. I won't be a contributor, but I will keep visiting, so keep on posting...

Freemont

I must say I am not an expert by any means, so take what I say knowing it is coming from a rank amateur.
I link it is a great composition, lovely balance and great lighting, but I have to agree with John after reading his comment
I can see what he is talking about with the tension aspect. At first glance I couldn't see any issues. It just goes to show I have a lot to learn.

Please keep posting.
I look forward to seeing your work.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

John, thanks so much for your observations and comments.
In answer to your observations I'd like to say that shooting Models for me is a lot like watching ballet. I shoot professional ballet on occasion and I see strong ties. And indeed, some Models are ballerinas and professional ballerinas as well.
Any given pose may be very difficult but the job of the Model is to make it look absolutely effortless. Like a male ballet dancer lifting a ballerina. It may be an extremely difficult lift but the lifter not only does the entire lift in slow motion, he picks her up and sets her down in slow motion and doesn't make even a sound, appearing extremely graceful and effortless. You don't see the flex in the bodies to not draw attention to the effect, but only the grace.
In this case my Model is well supported, and we do discuss the pose and the effect involved and the hold time before its shot. And of course there might be multiple takes as well.
The effortlessness of the pose and skill of the Model is what makes it Art!
It's easy to read into a shot a lot more than there is, especially if we study a pose using our own limitations.
Many of these Models are workout animals, not to mention diets. It's what enables a Model to make it look efferetless without straining. Because for them it IS efferetless.
I personally would not perceive any tension unless I was trying to create tension at which point tension would be a deliberate part of my shot. Of course we all perceive any given shot differently.
I have this same themed shot with this same Model in a verity of poses. This is probably my favorite because I view it as the most graceful.

Maybe Bret or others that shot Models can weigh in with their own philosophies about their experiences posing Models!! All Models have limitations based on their individual skills and training.

Thanks John, keep participating and replying so we can get this section of the ground!!! I'm always interested in any and all feedback, as it's all important and constructive since it all comes from someone else's personal way of seeing what we post. Thanks
SS

infocus Loc: Australia

Beautiful girl, beautifully posed and captured.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

infocus, thanks for looking and thanks for the support! I am shooting her again tomorrow, maybe I'll have something nice to post in a couple of days that I can share!! Lucky me!! LoL
SS

Freemont

You are lagging behind.
It has been 3 weeks and no new shots.
Such a beautiful girl deserves to be represented by your photo skills..

Sprocket Loc: Upstate New York

Wow!!! Excellent shot as usual. I would have never tried the white clothing with the white background, but it clearly worked very well.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Great shot SS. I love the way the white makes the skin tones really pop!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

LoL Freemont, my apologies!! She wound up getting called for a paid shoot, and since I shoot her at TF(trade) my shoot has to wait. Yes, I was heartbroken too! LoL She's a wonderful model and great to work with. Problem is, although most of these models will shoot skimpy lingerie they don't shoot nudes, so is it even appropriate here?!
Thanks for looking and lighting that fire though!!!
SS

MontanaTrace

I agree. The photo has so many wonderful qualities but I too, felt the tension.

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

Nice lighting but I've got to agree with comments about the pose. Slightly too far back for me and the trailing end of her hair seems to lose it; a shame for such flowing locks as hers.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Trace, thanks for looking! The tension seems to be a recurring theme. I've built a bench that I'm gonna use for my models that will support the entire model. We'll see if that helps with this feeling of tension.
Though I do have many other variations of this shot, some sitting or lying on their sides but they may be too racy for this section since the models have clothes on!!!
Thanks for the feedback.
SS