I had a wonderful shoot with a charming young woman named Maria. She is new to modelling, as I am to photographing models. There will be more to come.

Now you are sinking into the area of personal insults. Is it self-fulfilling prophecy that you are doing what the rest of the "thinking" hogs on here constantly accuse you of?
On one hand, everyone's opinion is as valid as any other opinion. It is always good to consider the opinions and weigh them against the facts. Your human jukebox is posting conjecture, with no facts. And that is all he has, and that is all his opinion is worth!

But you post this as if he were an expert in foreign affairs. Is it because his views are in line with yours that you give him credibility? As to expertise, is he more qualified than Meryl Streep? Just because these "celebrities" have a soap box does not mean they have ANY qualifications. Their opinions are no more important than mine, or even yours!

I don't know MOBY, but why would I consider information from a DJ as valid?

I love 'em!!!!

I tried to add a gif that I had made the other day, but couldn't get it to load. How do you do it?

And obumma visited all 57 states. If you were at all literate and could post your own writings, you would have more credibility! I hope posting this drivel is as satisfying to you as it is d********g to us!

I would like to see what you came up with. And thanks for asking.

Ok. Went back and used the RAW filter and added clarity. It looks pretty good while in photoshop, Now to compare.

after clarity adjustment


before

I downloaded a free program that was to make conversions to black and white easier. I went back to photoshop, but to me it looks muddy. I realize the background is grey sagebrush, sand comes out grey, and a tan girl ends up grey. Any suggestions?

I've posted several photos here, some have been panned, some have been praised. There a a couple of people who always seem to want the exif data. I don't post "download" images for various reasons. First, most of the data is irrelevant. Lens opening, shutter speed and ISO are basic features of any photo, good or bad. Since you are experienced, the key question I think you are asking about is lighting. Some of that can be reverse engineered, but to really know, a diagram would have to be included. That's a lot to ask of a poster. I have come to realize that I am developing a "style". Good or bad, it's mine, and I probably couldn't verbalize a response in less than 500 words. The photographer and model should have a rapport, and that can't be described or labeled. Since all we are dealing with is reflected light and shadows, most of what you are asking for is either "what you see is what you get", (which would describe mine) or more technical than many would want to get into. (lighting ratios and placement, for instance.) Second, really regards my privacy. I don't want anyone to have access to what equipment I was using, or the latitude and longitude of the location. I suppose this has become a rant, but over fifty years ago my photography instructor told us that if we want to learn how to make art instead of snapshots, go to an art museum and library, and study and try to copy until you've "got it".
I'm sorry that you became my target, but requests such as yours are incredibly common.
I hope I haven't scared you away, because we need all the shooters in this forum that we can get. It has been suggested that you post, and ask specific question. That should give you everything you are asking for.
Welcome!

[quote=omoore3]I joined this forum hoping to learn how to take better nude/boudoir pix. The forum is certainly a showcase of attractive girly pictures in a variety of poses and backgrounds. I would like to learn about lighting setups, body makeup lens, ISO and other technical details that lift a photograph above the ordinary. I have had a photographs and several covers in national magazines--mainly corporate execs. I am a newbie as far as nudes are concerned but this is an area that I want to learn more about.
Oliver[/quote

Morgan is right up there with Silver as far as the rapport we established. She didn't bring a frozen raccoon to the shoot, but she brought a ton of enthusiasm!

I guess that along with the Nobel prize, now the medal of freedom is worthless!

I read these rants on here a lot. Everybody seems to cover everything from the quote from Socrates to the kids with electronics stuck in their ears etc. What I never seem to hear is that we were raised by "the greatest generation". They had to do without a lot of things, so they invented them...TV, transistor radios, washing machines, and on and on. Because of those inventions, we "boomers" had it easier. I had to walk five blocks to elementary school. I also had to take piano lessons, mow the lawn with a non-power mower and shovel snow. Things that didn't exist, we invented...computers, video games, cell phones and all of the things that are making the later generations lazy dolts! We raised them, we bought them the toys, and now we complain. My children were deprived, as are the two grandchildren that live with me. Granddaughter had a job after school, had chores at home, and was on the honor role most of the time. Now she is in college, paying for it herself. Grandson is a "B" student in high school, part time job, and chores at home. He has already joined the Army on a delayed enlistment, so the day after he turns 18, it's off to basic training. Of our four children, three are doing well, and the fourth because of drugs and alcohol is lost, and wanders. That's why we're raising grandchildren.
I guess this is my rant, but my point is...it's our fault! It's not Obama's or Bush's fault! The schools can't do a thing unless we let them! How many high school kids are in your church? (Don't go to church? Hmmmm.)
On the other hand, how many middle age people could put up with working at Burger King?

Not high strung, but he seems to be strung pretty "high"!