Summer Time = Bikini Time

The first week of September started out busy for me. I had two shoots lined up for Model Mayhem models, Devon and Tonya, who wanted bikini pictures for their port. I've done four bikini shoots in the past and really needed to work more on my lighting and posing.

For both shoots I used the sun for ambient light and three speedlights, an SB-900 as a key and two SB-600s positioned either horizontally, or stacked vertically and shot through my 40" x 60" 5-in-1 reflector with the cover removed. Most reflectors have a removable cover that reveals a diffuser panel. I also used assorted light modifiers, mini-softbox, grids, gobos, snoots, and of course some 1/4 CTO Gels to Full CTO Gels depending on the mood or time of day, from HONLPhoto. A professional photographer reminded me that a little color can go a long way.

This image to the right, of Devon, was my attempt at something creative. After careful review and processing, I needed a little more contrast during the shoot to establish a usable white and black point, especially since I wanted this image to be in Black and White. I'm also not happy with the pose I asked her to perform, I think either both of her legs should have been bent at the knees, or better yet, bent and leaned to the side. I appreciate Devon allowing me to experiment with my lighting when we work together, unfortunately, she doesn't get a lot of useful pics for her port. Devon did manage to find a couple pictures she liked.

This one is my favorite from the shoot with Devon from a technical perspective, I like the color and flare from the flash. SB-900 in a mini-softbox camera right, 45 degrees and Full CTO Gel. SB-600 (no Gel) to my immediate left shot through an umbrella and an SB-600 with 1/2 CTO Gel, snooted, and shot across the pool to act as an accent light. Why different Gels? when I processed this pic I changed the White Balance to Tungsten to get the pool even bluer.

Big thanks Devon for being my model, I always appreciate your willingness and patience to work with me, even if I'm a nerd.

That's a Wrap!!!