Oksana... the shy model

[Igor]

Probably the toughest studio session I ever had (you know I didn't have many :) )... shy girl, stiff, unrelaxed, etc....

Anyway, here is the best IMHO shot in two versions.

SLR/n + Nikon AFS 28-70/2.8

Comments and critique welcomed!

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h90/nikkorer/oksana-col-1.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h90/nikkorer/oksana-bw-1.jpg

[BARBARA LUKE]

I like #2 igor.... she looks like she has a plum in her mouth in the first image.....#2 is softer and it has made her looks more relaxed........
Yes i would be so pleased with the second...... :goldcup: Barbara

[HairyHaggis]

Good shots Igor. I am looking at the 2nd shot more than the first one, however, as I think the toning and softer image helps with this.

I am however curious as to why you chose to use the un even lighting this time. Your studio lighting is normally spot on and perfect through out the frame, although this time the light falls off pretty harshly toward bottom left of frame.

Curious as to why you chose to light in this way ??? Little too bright on her forehead also in my screen. :)

[Camarochas]

I think #2 is the better of the two. I think she could have been more "short lighted" with her head turned more toward the light. Also would prefer to have the eyes looking toward the camera.

Charlie

[Igor]

Thanks Barbara.

Thanks Steve. This light fall-off is post-processed, maybe overdone, I wanted to add more drama/old look to this shot :)

Thanks Charlie, we tried the "short-light" setup, but it didn't work with this girl...

[Wichita Wayne]

Nest time she has her pictures taken you should have her bring her best friend and serve them some wine while they wait and while they shoot. Not enough to get them drunk, but just enough to get her to relax and smile. Have her friend stand behind the camera and look at her while you shoot. Also put her friend in one or two shots. It is great being an old man like me because I can tell all the girls how beautiful they are without having them take it the wrong way. Also, it is always a good idea to have a woman with you when you take the pictures so that the female subject does not feel like they are alone and vulnerable. The woman assisting you can also touch and adjust the subjects cloths and hair freely.

I read an article by Pompeo Posar, who shot more Playboy models than any other photographer and he gave the same advise. His assistant was his wife whom he said was his favorite model. He was also a father figure to the women freely giving complements and making the shoot as much fun and he could. The same rules apply for any situation where you are trying to make women look beautiful. He last shot for Playboy in the early 90's and since then their photography has not been the same. Or is it that I am older and less interested......................NAWWW. It was all Pompeo.

[Igor]

Thanks Wayne, I'll keep your advice in mind for my next shoot.
Unfortunately Oksana (the model) was so disappointed in the first shoot, she told me "never again" :(

[Wichita Wayne]

Thanks Wayne, I'll keep your advice in mind for my next shoot.
Unfortunately Oksana (the model) was so disappointed in the first shoot, she told me "never again" :(

We have run into this also. The pictures are as good as anybody could take, but the subject hates them. I would guess that somebody else wanted her to have her pictures taken and that she did not. The real problem is that she does not like the way she looks, and there is nothing you can do about that. She could have had Francisco Scavullo shoot her pictures and she still would have been unhappy. This is too bad because she is really a nice looking girl. Don't blame yourself. You did a good job.

[Igor]

Thanks Wayne, but it was my initiative... she didn't want this session and I was almost sure I'll please her with results of this shoot.
I still think I could do better... probably my lack of skills :(