It wasn’t all play at PictageU… I actually did some hard work, teaching 5 separate shooting workshops… lol! Shooting boudoir with a gaggle of workshop enthusiasts is the most fun part, albeit exhausting. To recap and keep the momentum going, here are just a few pics that demonstrate some of the tips I covered in my portion of the shooting workshops.
We talked about how when you arrive on location how to first maximize the light in your shooting area (all of these shots are natural light only), move furniture around so it best suits your subject and the story you’re telling, clearing the set (and thus your frame) of any unwanted distractions, and when there’s stuff on the wall you can’t move… Make it work! and incorporate it into the shot…
I also demo’d how to capture one of my Money Shots™ “Landscape of the Body” making sure to really emphasize curves with “extreeeeeme” posture and kicking those hips up to create a nice little triangle of awesomeness between your girls hips and the sheets 🙂
We talked about shooting those sexy details. I really love her hands here. Seriously.
I also discussed a few of the simple essentials I love to bring on location: a black muslin to set up a studio anywhere, a fan to help create a feeling of sensuality and movement, and some fun props. These shots are taken in the same hotel room just a few feet from the bed, the black muslin (in this case, a hotel table cloth) covering some seriously bad hotel art, and is naturally lit from the balcony just about a foot to the model’s right.
I also talked about creating variety both on set and in post, how to create movement by slowing your shutter speed, and how to direct a model by giving her actions instead of “poses.” This is another Money Shot™ “The Hair Toss.”
Gotta love the fan!
One thing I stress to newer photographers is to be mindful of composition – are you centering everything? Try experimenting with negative space – it really helps direct the viewer’s eye, tell the story, and has such visual impact.
Once again, I had a total blast at PictageU. I loved meeting you all, geeking out, and shooting up some boudoir together 🙂 Here’s to more workshop fabulousness in the near future!
ps. Make sure to leave more of your Boudoir & Lighting questions in the comments below for an FAQ post in the near future…
Christa 🙂
