Bright Lights

This week you get a double dose of information... Lucky You!

In this lesson we will be looking at how to use alternative styles of lighting to sculpt and complement the curves of the female body. No offense to the male models out there, but this is focused on making a big show of that big belly or those lovely curves. This can be very difficult because it requires just enough illumination on the subject to make them visible with the camera without loosing the shadows and highlights into a monotone pallet. For most poses and situations, windows are ideal light sources; but, this is not always the case.

Lets admit right now that nothing compares to the sun. I know we can blow all the money we want on strobes and such, but nothing compares to the huge fiery ball in the sky. And I didn't even mention the best part... IT'S FREE! While that should be all the sales pitch anyone ever needs, that is simply not the case, so I will continue.

Windows are fabulous backdrops, they harness the glorious free solar lighting goodness, while giving us the option of making a beautifully draped set for some fantastic silhouettes. Add a strong angle or a soft pose and you can achieve perfect shots without having to put in the hours of retouching that harsh studio lights can require. A lovely lady in some killer shoes can stand in a strong pose with her back to the camera and look over her shoulder with a fierce expression. You want there to be just a hint of curve from the chest while there can be plenty of long legs if your model is comfortable. Also remember that it can be enough to allude to sensuality through great eyes, there is never a need for the model to be nude for them to be irresistible.

“A woman is closest to being naked when she is well dressed”.
-- Coco Chanel.

The other beautiful element you should consider is perfect for maternity images, a profile pose with light from the side and slightly behind. This casts a lovely eclipse around the curve of the belly. Place the hands carefully, the arm facing the camera should be at the model's side, and the other should rest lightly on the top of the belly. If she has long hair, it can be left loose so long as the face receives enough illumination to show the profile. Work with the subject to make sure she is looking down lightly but you don't want to cause the double chin that can form with women in pregnancy from the water weight they gain.

From the base with the pose above, you can even incorporate her partner either kneeling to kiss the belly, or standing behind and placing hands on the belly as well. This must be done with attention to detail so that enough light hits the subjects to illuminate the figure partially. It may help to think of this in terms of watching an eclipse or even the cresting images taken in space as shuttles returned from the “dark side of the moon”.

“Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.”
-- E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

This is a short entry, I know. Only two alternative light styles are covered and I only described one complete pose. I do this because you should always strive think beyond what I am giving you as a starting point. Look in sports magazines and you will see some great alternate lighting styles as well. I may have over six years in a studio, but even that is just a blink of the eye when it comes to experience with all forms of lighting. Perhaps someday I will share more, but for now this is what I feel I could best explain. Enjoy.