Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

This post is an adjunct to my previous post on 12-27 Studio Photography: Christmas Eve Maternity Photoshoot with Agency Fashion Model which strangely disappeared from this Forum.
Possibly because the two images posted within same apparently offended and caused emotional trauma to another UHH member. I get this, since UHH has to uphold it's Mission Purpose? I would certainly never want to cause emotional trauma to anyone under any circumstances... Period!

Anyway I felt compelled to follow up on several genuine requests received on this initial post from long time UHH colleagues for a more in-depth look on how the imagery was created. So below are several BTS glimpses into on how the shoot happened. Hope this may answers at least some of those queries. Albeit I'm actually hoping this post doesn't meet the same fate as the initial one since the model (AD on the shoot) chose an "implied" for one of these narratives. If it offends I apologize, however it seems to have been well received on other social media sites/platforms that are a little more main stream.

With all the controversy over my previous post I realize that I may not an appropriate fit for posting in the Main Forum on UHH... As one of the very few commercial studio photographers here I believe it may be in everyone's best interest that I simply cease posting on the Main Forum altogether since Studio Photography and/or Fashion Photography obviously isn't on the Lion's share of UHH member's radar.

Of merit in my over half decade on UHH I did meet one other fabulous Commercial Studio Photographer who's work I truly admired and followed. That being a United Airlines senior pilot who's mission was providing his combat veterans with absolutely Superb Portraiture... His moniker was "Captain" and sadly he left UHH several years ago... I dearly miss him... In hindsight I now realize that maybe I possibly should do same. Besides I have way too much client work in my queue now with more pending assignments in January. No rest to the weary...

Also owing to some concern my over use of Industry generally accepted Studio & Fashion Photography terminology I'm providing a brief glossary of terms which I typically use when communicating with other colleagues without even thinking... Thus the aforementioned are for those here who may be either a tad naive on the commercial side of the image equation or the precious few that may actually be interested in working (i.e. assisting) in a commercial studio or in the commercial fashion industry.

Glossary of Terms

AD: Art Director, in responsible charge of the narrative, theme and overall direction of a shoot.

Baby's Breath Bouquet: A floral accent (typically provided by an AD on a maternity shoot)
Baby's Breath has long been used as a symbol of purity, innocence, hope, and new beginnings. For these reasons, it has been traditionally used in wedding bouquets and baby showers. In many cultures, Baby's Breath is given to new mothers for good luck, which is how this flower got its name.

BTS: Behind the Scenes (photo or video documentation of session workflow)

Call Back: Model who has been selected for a second audition.

Casting: When an Agency Booker (or Client) sends out invitations to models and their agencies to audition for a job

Cattle Call: A mass interview where hundreds of aspiring models can show up in the hopes of being discovered.

Catwalk (aka Runway): A theatrical production showcasing clothing designer's creations

Comp Card (Zed Card or Z-Card) Concise aggregate of a Model's portfolio

G&E (Grip & Electric Department) on a production set responsible for rigging, staging, moving and manipulating lights

Hair: Hair Stylist (typically are licensed Cosmetologist)

Hair Light: An overhead light that provides separation of a model's hair from background/foreground

Implied: A narrative where the model appears to be partially nude on set

Key: Main Light (source of illumination) controls the actual position of shadows within an image

Kicker: A light used to give more contrast between the background and the model. Very common setup when photographing corporate headshots.

MUA: Makeup Artist (typically hold a Makeup license in Cosmetology)

Mood Board: A compilation of photographs that represents the desired style for a photoshoot

Lighting Assistant: Analogous to G&E (see above)

Set: Actual physical location where a session is conducted.

Stops: Value or f-Stop being used by the camera (also plus/minus which indicate image exposure adjustment)

Tearsheet: A page featuring a model (or Photographer) taken from a magazine or other publication essentially proving their experience. They work as evidence that you have worked or been featured for a specific brand or publication.

Testing: Sessions with agency talent where a model (or Photographer) work pro-bono (without charge). This is commonplace within the Fashion & Beauty Genre where talent on both sides of the camera need quality imagery (as well as all team members involved). I've meet many of my team players via testing shoots... They are ubiquitous within the industry

Tethering: Real-Time monitoring of studio/location captures via a computer during a photo session

Wardrobe: Responsible for assembling the model's attire for the shoot.

Please Note: All images from the Maternity Session are the result of the Client's Mood Board which she provided on set via her IPhone. My task was simply to recreate same as best I could with the resources available. The only direction I provided was to optimize shadow dimension, density and placement within the image to create the optimum desired narrative effect.

I've also carefully avoided mention of any Vendor and/or Brand of Photographic Equipment in this post in hopes that it won't offend those who chose to establish and/or maintain their persona via the "Kit" they own. The "Fan Boy" syndrome unfortunately abounds here and elsewhere in the hobbyist photography community where Sony, Canon, Nikon and similar "Fans" cry heresy and sacrilege if you should even dare to mention let alone belong to another camp, i.e. tribe... Social group dynamics can (and often do) play heavily in the mix in on-line social forums.

Food for thought...
In the arena of Commercial Photography...
Your worth, credibility and professional reputation depend not only on your ability to create breathtaking imagery of publication quality unrivaled by your competitors but also your ability to nurture and assist in development of other aspiring talent emerging within the industry.

Camera Raw for the Initial 12-27 imagery

(Download)

Camera Raw for Lens Profile (High Key Silhouette)... Baby's Breath Bouquet with Giant Octa 2 stops over

(Download)

(High Key Silhouette)... Baby's Breath Bouquet

(Download)

Lifestyle Maternity session with Baby's Breath Bouquet floral accent

(Download)

10MPlayer Loc: California

Off topic but I just discovered I was banned for the second time from another blog for quoting someone using the term "GF yourself". It wasn't my words and I softened it with the GF but the owners of the site are really weird prudish professor types. If you don't feel you fit in here, move on. I just deleted my banned account over there. They can go GF themselves.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

I would like to see you stay on here, you provide a lot of good information, but you have to do what is best for you.
I am an amateur, and shoot in a different style than what you do, but I still learn something from most of your posts, and I really appreciate the glossary of terms.

JimmyTB

Thomas, thank you for your posts along with your willingness to give details of how you accomplished your results. There are a few photographers here that add great value to this site and you are one of them. You recently gave me some help with still life photography that I attempted. I am going to try again using your suggestions and the suggestions of a few others here. I hope you stay here and I know all about time restraints but please continue to post as time permits

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

It looks like your prior post was moved to the Photo Gallery, which I don’t really agree with since it was more of a post about technique than just a gallery post. And I don’t know why someone would find those photos offensive. Small minds.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

longmg Loc: South Shore, MA

Thomas, removal of your post is absurd, I’m an amateur photographer wanting to learn the craft/art of making better images. In your posts I always learn something new and interesting. Thank you for all of your contributions, as they say sharing is caring, It’s obvious you take great pride in your work and the results speak volumes.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

I’m guessing the hi-key silhouette put a big smile on the models face. It’s a wonderful portrait. Thanks for sharing the entire creative process and the terminology used in the planning and execution. It was like a free mini master class in high fashion photography.

Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida

Please...Please...do not leave us!
You are a true Artist and Teacher, and I always look forward to your posts!
I am so grateful for your glowing critique of my photos of little Leo. Thank you again!
Your pregnant lady is truly beautiful. I especially loved the last frontal with the excellent use of light and shadow.
Please stay!

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

The previous replies to your post all have said it more eloquently than I can. I consider people like yourself as people to be greatly admired for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Many of us on UHH have learned from your posts how to be a better photographer. Please ignore any negative retorts. I am sure I speak for many others on UHH when I hope you will remain on UHH as your time permits.

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

You belong on the medal stand that recognizes the most erudite, informative, and accomplished photographers on UHH.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I always enjoy your work and appreciate the time you take with explanations, Thomas. Do not let the trolls drive you away.

Happy New Year!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

There is very little interest in commercial photography and fine portraiture on this forum. Most of the folks who were or are involved in that kind of work have gone away from this site. Folks do not have to aspire to a career in professional photography to learn from full-time pros- there is a lot they can glean and apply to their own work. Most ot the folks here, on the man section, are primarily interested in gear.

I established 3 specialized sections that are virtually unused. I invited the Captain to co-moderate the portraiture forum and he agreed but then he seemed to have disappeared.

There doesn't seem to be any moderation to avoid, discourage, or remove posts and threads that contain prolonged personal attacks sarcastic, mean-spirited arguments, or even extremely inaccurate information. Just post a Christmas or New Year greeting in the man section and some algorithm will immediately dispat it to who knows where. Some "goodwill" and nicities woued be welcomed now and again!

There were many occasions when I was ready to pack this site in. I am an old guy with a gray beard but I am still working full time and waht with othere responsibilities I cannot wast time on frustrating endeavors. So, old bad habits die hard and I still show up here but I have, long ago, decided to limit my participation here to answering certain questions where I have first experec to offer and try not to participate in ridiculous prolonged, and redundant arguments. Since your posts are indeed highly valued around here, I suggest you take the same approach and pop in whenever you are so inclined.

Back at college, I used to stay up all night crammig for the technical exams- I also worked at a studio evening and shot weddings on weekends. All-nighters, sleep deprivation, and eating junk food became a temporary lifestyle. I chose to fall asleep in "psychology" class and finally dropped that course. As a result, I have no idea why some folks around here and elsewhere behave as they do or why your "model-maternity post" was scrubbed- beats me! I have seen stuff pass here that is borderline porn or looks like poorly crafted medical photogah. Go figure?!

Write for the good fols who appreciate your contributions and ignore the negativity!

srt101fan

Ed,
With regard to Thomas' first "maternity" post, someone here said it was moved to the "Gallery" section.