It's been said "You never have a second chance to make a good first impression."
If your portrait is on your business card, web site, brochure, are used for social networking, chances are it is the first link between you and your next potential customer and the first impression people will have of you. All professionals need to have at least one good portrait on hand for publications, speaking engagements, as well as a company website or facebook. Your portrait can be further enhanced and personalized by including your workplace in the background. This client needed a business portrait that was formal but still warm and friendly. I think the pink color adds a softer touch to the formal suit and fits the type of business this client does.
don't be nervous or hesitant
It's not about the state of dress or undress that makes an image sexy. Lighting, props and accessories play an important role in creating your intimate images. I worked with this client for a birthday boudoir session and we decided to start with this great white dress. I brought along the gloves and she added some great accessories. At first she wasn't so sure it represented boudoir but after seeing her photographs I think these are some of her favorites. The idea is to look incredibly sexy and alluring . . . it's more of an attitude or state of mind than the attire. Don't be nervous or hesitant about scheduling a boudoir session . . . just be creative. You can use jeans, t-shirts, evening gowns, a sexy robe, or even a man's favorite shirt, then add some fun accessories! Click here for more photos from this session.
I love unusual props and backgrounds, I think they can make your photograph stand out as something different or bring a certain mood to a portrait.
I shop at lttle boutique shops for unusual props such as vintage clothing, hats, gloves and furniture. I have always wanted to use this folding screen as a background and decided to give it a coat of paint. I painted a freehand design on the back of the screen using a brown paint accented with metalic gold. I plan to add a glazed effect to the front and give it an aged look that I think will look great in Boudoir Photography. I also added a silver nickel finish to an old frame that I had laying around that I think will be fun to use. Watch for more posts on some of the interesting props I have collected and how I use them.
people that exist now and in the past
There is something special, very raw and rather moving about things and places left behind. Those feelings are what makes photography so special, because another persons story can be told in a million different ways. How you see things is your very own, and allowing yourself to trust what you see and feel is something powerful that photography can teach you to do. I have photographed this old abandonded house for serveral years on my way to Lexington. I was happy to see the tree fort and swing were still intact, but time has begun to take its toll on the stately old house.
pink schwinn bike
when a lady finally gets her pink Schwinn bike you need to have a photo session to record the event. What a fun photo session! Take a pink bike, add a martini picnic and passersby stop and take a double-take. We laughed and laughed at all the stares we got. Click for more photos from this session.
little girls
Take little girls that like to pose and a camera and you have a great combination.
During a graduation party I was attending, I had some young ladies ask me if I would take their photograph. This was an impromptu photo session that resulted in some great photographs. Thanks girls you were great models and I look forward to working with you again! To see more photographs from this photo session click HERE.
Click on this picture to see the freckles.
Such a fashion statement with the nail polish and jewelry and I just love bare feet . . . click for larger view .
portrait session
This was my second studio photo session with Sam. Sam is a dance student with Suzanne's Main Streeet Dance Centre in Milford. Last year she took the most photogenic award in her age category with Starbound National Talent Competition and Dance USA Performing Arts Competition with her portrait photographs. I always enjoy working with Sam, as you can see she is so relaxed and just a natural in front of the camera . . . and what great eyes! I am planning an outdoor urban style photo shoot with Samantha this summer and I know we will have lots of fun and some great photographs. Good luck with your competitions again this year Sam! To view more photographs from the photo session click HERE.
off camera lighting & HDR effect
This is an example using off camera lighting and HDR Effect (High Dynamic Range). My friend Dave is always game to help me work out the bugs and even act as a stand-in when needed. I have been testing some new lighting styles and adding some post production effects to create some different looking images. It is important to note that this picture was taken on a bright sunny day which would normally leave the backgound washed out when the subject was properly exposed. Instead I exposed for the background and then adjusting the lighting to balance out the subject and background allowing for extra depth and detail throughout the entire photograph; add a little HDR effect in your software and the whole image just pops and takes on a three dimensional quality. Dave is quite the master of HDR Photography check out some of his great work HERE.
Camera information: Canon 5D Mark II, F16, 1/200 at ISO 400 with off camera lighting.
