The Torey Connection

As I wrote in my last post, I had to work in San Luis Obispo Aug. 27 - 28 for my "real" job. I messaged a couple models on Model Mayhem to see if we could shoot during my downtime. One of those models was statuesque Torey Nicole. Recall we worked together back in July during the Worldwide Photowalk in Paso Robles. She commented that she loved my latest "White Sheets" series and wanted to participate. The only day that would work was Friday, Aug. 28, so we agreed to do a quick noon shoot while my co-worker and I headed back to Bakersfield. We decided to shoot the series at her house, which made me nervous since I didn't know what kind of lighting I would need.

After meeting Torey at the door we checked both bedrooms for space and lighting. Torey had the beds ready to go, white sheets and pillowcases. I chose the room with two windows, one facing North and one facing East. The room was about 10' x 12' with a queen-sized bed pushed up against a corner. I brought along my travel bag, but only needed a reflector. I chose to shoot at ISO 400 for two reasons, shutter speeds above 1/30th at f/2.8 and the D700's Full Frame sensor would compensate for any noise.

We shot for about an hour, with total set-up and break-down about half an hour. There's not too much technical stuff to write about since there were no Speedlights used in this series.

So why write? Well I've been shooting a lot lately, and within the last two weeks I've photographed five different models, each with different styles and modeling experience. Torey really hasn't worked a lot in modeling, and I believe she has worked with three other photographers aside from me, but during our first shoot we spent five hours working, conversing, laughing and being cynical. We've messaged back and forth on just personal stuff and built a friendship, or connection.

This shoot only took an hour, and the pictures are just wonderful, IMHO. The outtakes showcases her personality. Why did I enjoy this shoot? Because we laughed and joked, but we also knew which angles worked best. At one point she asked if I needed a step stool, in reference to our height differences. Recall that Torey is 6'2" and I'm only 5'5". This is one of the outtakes when she wouldn't stop laughing, so I took the picture.

What did I learn?
1) I guess you need to ask yourself, "Do you always need to establish a friendship with your models?" I don't believe you do, but you'll get a different quality of picture if you both have an understanding of each other. With a good rapport, there's a level of comfort and sense of security that is conveyed in the pictures. I treat all my shoots professionally and some might think that I have naked woman parading around in front of me. I always turn my back to the model and ask them if they are ready if we are shooting implied or semi-nude. I never take advantage of the situation and treat them with the respect and trust they afford me.

2) Follow Scott Kelby's WHIMS acronym:
White Balance
Highlight Warning Turned On
ISO Check
Mode Check - Aperture, Shutter, Manual, Program
Size - Image Size and Quality
I mention this because I forgot to switch my white Balance from Incandescent to Daylight/Shade. Again, the benefit of shooting in RAW format. I was able to quickly fix all of them in Nikon Capture NX2

Again all pics were shot with Natural Lighting and use of a reflector when needed.

That's a Wrap!!!

P.S.
Torey was asked to work as a greeter the Playboy Mansion Party Aug 29. She is also appearing in the 2010 Central Coast Hot Women Calendar. Busy girl, but glad she wanted to work with me.