Stephan G

This is your base shot. Now, work on the variations to it by taking many shots. (One benefit of digital.) There are so many directions you can go. One, I suggest, is learning how to lead your model into the shot. In this instance, you discovered that your model enjoys dancing/playing with props. Have your model suggest what props she would enjoy trying out. Have her work out as to what she wants to do and have her repeat it several times. In the first go, let her go through a routine non-stop. Watch her carefully and mentally note which steps/moves could be the best ones. Then have her start and go through segments of those moves. Have her help you in critiquing the images. Keep in mind the phrase, "Let's try..." In time, both she and you will develop a working modeling flow. And the resulting imaging will progress as well. Note, there still be those that will not rise to expectations, but these also provide a basis for improvements.

Too often, it is forgotten that the model is part of the materials for making the images.

You have taken the first step. Now start taking the next steps.

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Thanks.

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Thank you very much for taking the time to give me these valuable pointers. I'm looking forward to implementing them.

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Yeah, no way around that.

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Ed,
I truly appreciate the help. I knew there were thing to be done, and I did some. But, I also knew there were things I didn't know. I was right to come here for advice.
Thanks!

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Thank you! I should note that I have been an amateur photographer for 50 years, but never using models, and always just available light. Street photography, discovered compositions, etc. I decided to try something new, so I am learning lighting techniques. I have a very basic setup. I was using an Octobox with a grid and a second speedlight with a plastic softener over it.

Thanks for the specifics, that's what I need. Actually, what I was doing was more in the line of bodyscapes. I had two models, she was one. The other was a black woman with dark skin. My goal was to explore the contrasting skin tones with light and shadows. She did this as I was moving lights, so I am really not sure exactly where they were when this shot was taken. I am going to add a photo of what I was attempting. I would take any and all advice there, too.
Thanks!

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Thank you

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

I will keep at for sure. I am in the Albany region

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Thank you.

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

That was not a bodyscape! This is what I was working on.

Mozengrazen Loc: Ilion, NY

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

You answered my question about the harsh light--that what grids do: they make the light more directional and hence, less soft. Also, a plastic softener on your Speedlight may not actually be creating softer light. Try a couple of test shots with your modifiers, using a couple of objects such as ceramic lamp bases. Have the shadow of one fall onto the other and look at how wide the "transition" is between the darkest shadow and the fully lit surface behind it.

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Al Vocinq Loc: The wilds of upstate New York

Great ideas, thank you. Both women have told me they want work together again. Next time I will have a better idea of what I am doing (I hope).

I am extremely appreciative of everyone sharing their wisdom and experience. I feel smarter already!