Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Dance & Bridal Narrative with a very gifted actress (agency represented)...

Lighting
Key: 30x40 inch softbox camera right high above talent
Fill: 60 inch octabox far back on camera left

Kit
Nikon D3x, ISO 100, 1/250, WB 5560K
AF 60mm f/2.8D micro @ f/14

Any questions, please ask, k?
Otherwise thanks and enjoy...
.

Nikon D3x with AF 60mm f/2.8D micro @ f/14

(Download)

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Magnificent as always Thomas. Your work sets the standard for others to emulate.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Many thanks for taking the time to review and reflect Architect1776...
And sincere respect for your dedicated service to our country...
It is deeply appreciated...

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Brent you are way too kind...
I'm humble by your fabulous efforts...
Please continue to post here in this forum since your work is truly inspirational...

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

Flawless, Absolutely Flawless!
The download is awesome too!
WOW!
Thanks for sharing.
I too watch for your posts!!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind words SqBear...
Rest assured they are deeply appreciated...
However the lion's share of the credit goes to this amazing talent...
She was an absolute joy to collaborate with and preformed with stellar finesse on set...

Dave Chinn

Stunning which leads me to wanting more with a variety of expressions. This one, she seems to be startled and surprised?

Gifted and experienced models makes the photographer's job so much easier. Thanks for sharing the camera settings.
Dave

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...Gifted and experienced models makes the photographer's job so much easier...."
Truth... There are compelling reasons why agency talent are sought after and in demand...

"...wanting more with a variety of expressions..."
Dave, work which has been submitted for publication isn't germane for sharing...
Editors almost always want exclusive first use... hope this makes sense...
Please keep in mind the time it takes to render these captures and you'll likely appreciate a limited stream of work...

Note: I always leave the embedded EXIF data in the file... it's readily available for viewing if you know how to configure your browser to show it...

And many thanks for the kind words...

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Amen!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much raymondh.... truly appreciate your constant support...
And btw, totally love your avatar icon... it is such a poignant image even at a diminished scale...
Makes me want to get back into macro/micro again... miss it dearly...

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

Classical beauty. Thanks, Thomas.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Many thanks for your very kind words dat2ra...
Agreed... I've been drawn to classic bridal beauty ever since I started shooting commercially...
It is a women's most precious rite of passage... timeless and enduring throughout antiquity...

Thanks again dat2ra...

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

Thomas. I think you quite brave to shoot wedding-related for the very reason you mentioned. I'll do second camera candid work, but not all the intimate stuff that seems to be (dare I say?) genetic in women. Clearly you are well suited for this.

I have shot a number of gay weddings; they are so much more relaxed, even if they do still include a mother-in-law! And I once photographed a "Red Neck" wedding (such as blast) wherein the bride rode up in an antique carriage beautifully draped in her mother's stunning pearl-encrusted gown while her groom drove up in a '59 Ford pick-up, its faded paint dutifully waxed and trailing not only tin cans, but all manner of frying pans and utensils. They toasted with tall champagne flutes fulled with with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. As tacky as this all sounds, it was completely genuine and they had a blast. My favorite photo was an unplanned of the groom just before the ceremony: he lay on his back with his eyes closed stiffly across the out-held arms of his groomsmen, clutching a bouquet of white calla lilies to his chest in classic mortuary style. :)

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

dat2ra I'm primarily a bridal makeup artist... Photography is something that is critically important for marketing... for every bridal trial I provide the "bride to be" with a portrait session.... this has worked extremely well in closing clients...

I realized early on how very important makeup artistry is to bridal and fashion so I actually obtained a cosmetologist license in makeup artistry from the State of Maryland (required many hours of formal training at an institute for Estheticians) This mandated mastering an extensive knowledge of the epidermis and a myriad of skin related issues... While I occasionally shoot actual wedding ceremonies I typically do not enjoy this... The abuse of alcohol is typically rampant during the wedding reception and otherwise sane individuals get very ugly... Personally I believe alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs available... I was sadden by the repeal of the 18th Amendment... The Federal, State and Local governments are now the largest "Drug Dealers" in the country... the devastation caused by alcohol exceeds that of all other substance abuse combined... Alcohol is NOT a social drink, it is a hypnotic sedative and depressant with very serious side effects... It typically leads to a strong substance dependence... there are countless individuals who are in denial about their dependence on alcohol... I have colleagues who work in the ER... they sadly have to deal constantly with the terrifying effects of alcohol... it is a curse that knows no borders... and spans the globe...

The good news as a bridal makeup artist I'm dealing primarily with coherent sober individuals at the front end of wedding ceremonies... and have packed and escaped unless the bride has retained me to stay for the duration...

Yes weddings can be and are a unique rite of passage... I wish you well on your journey dat2ra