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Mar 27, 2022 19:26:37   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Team...
Model: Talented Thailander and very experience thespian who did her own MUA.
Hair: Our Studio hair stylist...
Wardrobe and Accessories: Provided by our studio...

Camera: Nikon D3x @ 1/200; f/14; Focal Length 210mm
Lens: AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF ED VR

Key Light: BD with Sock (24" in front & 24" above model)
Kickers: Strip Softboxs 45 degrees behind talent left & right
Hair light: Overhead Silver Parabolic
Fill Light: Speedlight in SU-4 mode on the floor 5 feet in front of talent angled up toward her face.

Any questions? please ask...


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Mar 27, 2022 19:58:12   #
PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place
 
Lovely model and image Thomas.

Don

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Mar 27, 2022 20:32:43   #
Michael1079 Loc: Indiana
 
This is absolutely STUNNING!

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Mar 27, 2022 20:39:32   #
wayne-03 Loc: Minnesota
 
Beautiful model, great photograph.

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Mar 27, 2022 20:45:57   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Thank you so much for your continued support Don...
All credit here goes to this model and our studio's hair stylist...

btw, always love reviewing your flickr feed and those awesome roadsters...
I always dreamed of maybe someday owning an E-Type Jag...
Had to settle for an MGA, then an MGB-GT. lol

Again many thanks Don...

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Mar 27, 2022 20:54:44   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Many thanks for your kind words Lewis...
Albeit it is this talented model that took this narrative to the next level...
As well as our studio's hair stylist...

However she can't hold a candle to your Gracie Lynn...
What a lucky guy to have such an amazing talent to collaborate with...

btw, loved those "Barn" kitty cats... in your recent "Just for fun - a girl, her horse, and the barn cats" post.
such a compelling series... Rebel certainly has an epic "girl" to share with...

Cheers!

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Mar 27, 2022 20:59:06   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
wayne we both on the same page about this beautiful model...
I truly appreciate your very lovely thoughts here...

You are by far and away the master of this forum...
I love your lighting diagrams and stellar renderings.

Please keep posting here wayne, you have so much to offer...
Always learn from your fabulous compositions and enchanting lighting expertise!

Cheers!

Cheers!

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Mar 28, 2022 07:51:45   #
yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey
 
Very nicely done Thomas!

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Mar 28, 2022 08:24:51   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Thank you so much for your continued support Bill... it is deeply appreciated...

And my compliments to your breathtaking recent post "Winter at the Jersey Shore"
So elegant... so serene... so beautifully done...

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Mar 28, 2022 11:58:31   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 

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Jun 2, 2023 02:42:19   #
Craigdca Loc: California
 
Hi Thomas, I was looking through your work to absorb from your generous teaching. Have you already shared any tips on editing, such as to soften wrinkles from harsh sunlight? Or in this example what the philosophy is for catch light reflections in the eyes.

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Jun 2, 2023 10:56:09   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
"...any tips on editing, such as to soften wrinkles from harsh sunlight? " Craig typical industry recognized methodologies for successful Beauty Genre imagery is multifaceted...
First and foremost always wise to hire an agency represented talent who works that genre. You can speak with one of the agencies bookers and share your client's requirements. That said, ideal talent tend to be at the very young end of the spectrum. i.e. 16 etc. although I've found 14 year olds to have wonderful skin texture (however please realize at 14 to 16 they must be accompanied by their parent/guardian (the only exceptions are emancipated minors). In my market this is germane https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title16.1/chapter11/article15/

Second Makeup Artistry can (and often does) go a long ways to mitigating issues with skin texture... Bridal Makeup Artist deal with this constantly. The tools of their craft? Toner, Concealer, Foundation, Matt Powder however it is an art form and the application of the above which is far more important than the actual tools/product involved.

Third and probably the most important of all, Illumination! Avoid harsh side lighting if at all possible, for it will accent and strongly emphasize the bias relief of a talent's skin textural anomalies. A Classic example of this is your breathtakingly stunning landscape rendering of Saguaro Cacti in the Sonoran Desert.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-773998-1.html Kudos to this magnificent use of strong, low angle slide illumination! Yes, shoot straight on axis for minimum bias relief... A 24" Beauty Dish with grid brought in close 2' above and 2' in front of talent paid the bills here.

As for "philosophy ... for catch light reflections in the eyes?" Craig a let them fall where they may... however if there is an aberrant deviation i.e. missing altogether then I will retouch to balance what should be present.
In this example there are two catch lights, one larger higher up and a "micro dot" far below it. The large circular Catch Light is a reflection of the Gridded BD (Beauty Dish) while the "micro dot" is a reflection of a Nikon SB-700 in Remote SU 4 mode on the floor 3 feet in front of the talent. The only team member on this shoot was our studio's hair stylist, our lighting assistant wasn't available so the Nikon SB-700 with diffusion dome was used to provide fill and soften the shadow under her chin.

Finally on "editing" a.k.a. PP (post processing)? I use Adobe Photoshop's Spot Healing Brush and Clone Stamp exclusively... However my mentor taught me to use them very sparingly... Her philosophy was "If the image looks like it has been retouched you have failed"

Hope all this makes sense Craig or is at least food for thought..
And I deeply appreciate your very kind words on my efforts here, they are cherished.
Oh, Best advice? Try and assist other commercial beauty genre photographers in your market, this was how I learned my craft.

Cheers! And all the best on your photographic journey Craig!

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Jun 3, 2023 02:44:17   #
Craigdca Loc: California
 
Thomas902 wrote:
"...any tips on editing, such as to soften wrinkles from harsh sunlight? " Craig typical industry recognized methodologies for successful Beauty Genre imagery is multifaceted...
First and foremost always wise to hire an agency represented talent who works that genre. You can speak with one of the agencies bookers and share your client's requirements. That said, ideal talent tend to be at the very young end of the spectrum. i.e. 16 etc. although I've found 14 year olds to have wonderful skin texture (however please realize at 14 to 16 they must be accompanied by their parent/guardian (the only exceptions are emancipated minors). In my market this is germane https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title16.1/chapter11/article15/

Second Makeup Artistry can (and often does) go a long ways to mitigating issues with skin texture... Bridal Makeup Artist deal with this constantly. The tools of their craft? Toner, Concealer, Foundation, Matt Powder however it is an art form and the application of the above which is far more important than the actual tools/product involved.

Third and probably the most important of all, Illumination! Avoid harsh side lighting if at all possible, for it will accent and strongly emphasize the bias relief of a talent's skin textural anomalies. A Classic example of this is your breathtakingly stunning landscape rendering of Saguaro Cacti in the Sonoran Desert.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-773998-1.html Kudos to this magnificent use of strong, low angle slide illumination! Yes, shoot straight on axis for minimum bias relief... A 24" Beauty Dish with grid brought in close 2' above and 2' in front of talent paid the bills here.

As for "philosophy ... for catch light reflections in the eyes?" Craig a let them fall where they may... however if there is an aberrant deviation i.e. missing altogether then I will retouch to balance what should be present.
In this example there are two catch lights, one larger higher up and a "micro dot" far below it. The large circular Catch Light is a reflection of the Gridded BD (Beauty Dish) while the "micro dot" is a reflection of a Nikon SB-700 in Remote SU 4 mode on the floor 3 feet in front of the talent. The only team member on this shoot was our studio's hair stylist, our lighting assistant wasn't available so the Nikon SB-700 with diffusion dome was used to provide fill and soften the shadow under her chin.

Finally on "editing" a.k.a. PP (post processing)? I use Adobe Photoshop's Spot Healing Brush and Clone Stamp exclusively... However my mentor taught me to use them very sparingly... Her philosophy was "If the image looks like it has been retouched you have failed"

Hope all this makes sense Craig or is at least food for thought..
And I deeply appreciate your very kind words on my efforts here, they are cherished.
Oh, Best advice? Try and assist other commercial beauty genre photographers in your market, this was how I learned my craft.

Cheers! And all the best on your photographic journey Craig!
"...any tips on editing, such as to soften wr... (show quote)


Hi Thomas, thanks for the thorough reply and your kind compliment on my Saguaro Cacti photo.

The most accessible first step for me is to use a flash which I’ve put off for too long. My new OM-1 mirrorless came with a mini flash and I finally used it today as a fill-in flash. I used 3 layers of Scotch tape as a diffuser and set the flash power to 1/20 to avoid glaring results and still get a catch light. From 8 feet away it worked pretty well, but nothing like your studio masterpieces.

Thanks for the encouragement as it was just the push I needed.

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Jun 3, 2023 09:21:03   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” (Lao Tzu) believe he got it right...

Congratulations on launching your journey into flash photography Craig!
It's pretty much what separates enthusiast from those who work (or wish to work) on the commercial side of the equation. While natural ambient is a wonderful illumination source it is possibly one of the most challenging paradigm to craft breathtaking imagery with. I use it when a situation presents it's self though they seem to be far and few between.

Below is one of those rare moments when natural ambient was an ideal scenario... albeit with a touch of fill boost provided by a four foot collapsible silver reflector in the very skillful hands of our studio's lighting assistant Collin.
It also helped to have an extremely gifted agency model (Samantha) with whom I've collaborated with for many years.

btw; Samantha's is currently signed with T.H.E. Artist Agency Washington DC which is the top agency in my market.
Once you have a strong portfolio you can begin soliciting the agencies in your market for opportunities to "Test" with talent in their "New Faces" board (both women & men)
Here is Samantha agency page
https://www.theartistagency.com/talent/samantha-miller?gender=&portfolio=New%20Faces%20Women

Hope this helps Craig and congrats on your entry into the amazing paradigm of flash photography.

A serendipitous moment atop South Mountain on the Appalachian Trail: Nikon D7200 w/ AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED VR II; f/4; 1/1250; FL: 170mm; ISO 800; Silver Reflector Fill
A serendipitous moment atop South Mountain on the ...
(Download)

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Jun 3, 2023 23:55:16   #
Craigdca Loc: California
 
Thomas902 wrote:
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” (Lao Tzu) believe he got it right...

Congratulations on launching your journey into flash photography Craig!
It's pretty much what separates enthusiast from those who work (or wish to work) on the commercial side of the equation. While natural ambient is a wonderful illumination source it is possibly one of the most challenging paradigm to craft breathtaking imagery with. I use it when a situation presents it's self though they seem to be far and few between.

Below is one of those rare moments when natural ambient was an ideal scenario... albeit with a touch of fill boost provided by a four foot collapsible silver reflector in the very skillful hands of our studio's lighting assistant Collin.
It also helped to have an extremely gifted agency model (Samantha) with whom I've collaborated with for many years.

btw; Samantha's is currently signed with T.H.E. Artist Agency Washington DC which is the top agency in my market.
Once you have a strong portfolio you can begin soliciting the agencies in your market for opportunities to "Test" with talent in their "New Faces" board (both women & men)
Here is Samantha agency page
https://www.theartistagency.com/talent/samantha-miller?gender=&portfolio=New%20Faces%20Women

Hope this helps Craig and congrats on your entry into the amazing paradigm of flash photography.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with ... (show quote)


Yes the rare natural light opportunity turned out well here. Silver was definitely the right color choice for the reflector.

I used my flash today on my friends to fill in the shadows from their hats on a sunny day. I upped the shadows in editing and was fairly happy with the results. On to getting a better flash or two!


(Download)

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