WirtzWorld Loc: SE WI

I used to be a topic starter. I got up to something like ‘topic started #8’. Y’all shit-talkers (you know who you are and who you aren’t) put me in a bad way, what with yer physiological dissection of these models that we are working our asses off to:

A. Procure
B. Build a rapport with
C. Put up with their sometimes childish behavior and tardiness.
D. Photograph them in the way they deserve to be seen, ie. as the angels that they are.
E. Put our work out on the inter webs to be appreciated by other photographers, presumably not the gen pop, for your critical consideration.

So I quit submitting for about a week to sit and think. Here’s what I came up with:

Firstly, I only mentioned my topic starter status to illustrate how many submissions I made. 160 nude photos in just about 4 months. That is 40 a month. Most of them were well received and politely discussed. Some were lewdly ogled and remarked upon in barroom terms. I didn’t like that so much, but didn’t say too much, the occasional “clean up your act” aside. But I think the comments have degraded of late. It bothers me precisely because of all the work it takes to make ONE photograph of a nude model. I really believe that the ones making the comments aren’t even nude photographers, and might wet themselves if ever they found themselves in a room with a willing young nude model and their best point and shooter.

So here I am, ready to submit another photo of a young lady who put herself in the most vulnerable position that I can imagine just to engage in the artistic endeavor. Be responsible, receptive and respectful please. Again, y’all know who you are.

(I apologize for the previous rant, but I feel it was necessary. If you don’t like it, well, just skip to the T&A.)

Okay, this is Amoreena at Paradise Spring State Park in Eagle,WI. Dappled in sunlight, sometimes a photographer’s best friend. She was a fresh, new and somewhat nervous young model who wanted to try something new, and she really nailed it right out of the gate. Canon EOS 5D mk II, f4, 160th, 80mm, Canon EF 24-105 lens, iso 500. No light modifications needed. I got everything I needed from the sun.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

I think I would have liked a bit more light on her face, perhaps fill flash or a reflector. I also don't like the lack of separation between her back and the wall; not seeing the slope of her back makes her tummy look a bit "fat" as opposed to the shapely waist that I know she has.

WirtzWorld Loc: SE WI

Ya, that back has been something I noticed right off. It was a lot worse before I ‘fixed’ it. I went a little bit too far and it looked worse, so here we see my compromise. The colors and illumination are too close to achieve significant separation, but otherwise I like it. I even have a version where I removed that white crack line because I thought it appears to be her back, and that would really be unflattering, but I decided to go as you see it here. I know this photo challenges the viewer a bit to study it closely. Maybe not a bad thing, eh?

As to her face, I think not every photo is a portrait. Try to see it as a whole picture.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Can we call this a monotone? I really like this effect, perhaps yellow is one of the best colors for such a technique; yellow is quietly close to white.

Did some searching... Paintbrush is the tool. Found that phone apps to do this are exorbitantly high in price... $1.99 !
Techniques discussed... https://www.designpieces.com/2017/07/black-and-white-one-color/

Remembering "I am fading" phrase from some movie I did some searching and came across by accident a mans face that uses yellow to replace the bright white color in the lighting; interesting effect:
https://www.wired.com/2016/02/robert-eggers-set-design-how-he-made-the-witch-so-scary/

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I like it, and I am sure that she liked it. The fact that her face is a little darker to me adds to the pensiveness of her expression. Dappled light is the most beautiful in my opinion.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Nicely done.

dougbev3 Loc: Pueblo, Colorado

Your work is nicely expressed. I always look forward to seeing it.

Goober Loc: Southeastern PA

I like this shot of your beautiful model reflecting a pensive mood.
I understand your frustration and agree with your comments. Please keep posting your work.

Toby

WW, I really like all of your work, some more than others but all of it is technically outstanding. It is also apparent that you know how to pose the subject and use your equipment. None of your photos are close to what I would call "snapshots" that some others post. While I mostly shoot sports related there is always something to learn from your work that I can use while enjoying the models.
Keep up the good work and the Hell with the critics. Most people do not realize the work required both before and after the shot to make it better. While I shoot mostly sports, I study the game, coach and athlete to anticipate and "pose myself" to get a better shot. After shooting I frequently spend more time in PP than I did in the shooting. I appreciate your work. Please keep posting.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I totally agree with your rant.
In this image, the model does seem younger and less experienced than in some of the ones we have seen of her before. Her trepidation shows in her face and pose, so the story is there, and the effect of the natural background is helpful. Very nice!

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

I think your rant is right one point. Lovely model and I think the one of her eyes is the most intriguing image you have posted. "the windows of the soul"

Cueman Loc: Gloucestershire UK

Well said, Sir

sanhuberto Loc: Miami

Your comments were well received. I like your post and look forward to the next ones.
I have to agree with Jim, the last post of the eyes best captures the beauty of your model.

peekaboo

I like the selective color ( yellow ) which makes the pic for me.

WirtzWorld Loc: SE WI

You’re right about the time factor. It is always longer work in post than in studio, where in three hours it’s easy to have 500-700 images on your cards. Now it’s time to get busy. Culling the duds, and selecting the 30 to 50 images that are finalists. 2-8 hrs for each one that are show-worthy. My models used to bitch a little when it took me a month to get them their images, but it’s a full time job, really. I do it because I love every step of it, and I’m quite fond of most of my models. And I have great respect for any person who puts effort into the artistic life.

One more thought, I believe I spent less time producing prints during my darkroom days than I do now with six or seven photo finishing programs on my computer. Funny thing, that.

And thanks to all y’all who commented on my rant. It lets me realize that maybe there’s others who don’t take kindly to the crassness that can sometimes get to us.